How do your dogs ride? - Page 2

My dog rides inside a crate in my Honda Element.  The crate is strapped down to secure it in place.

I would never personally put my dog at risk by letting him ride loose in the car.  I wear a seat belt religiously, and I require all my human passengers to buckle up as well.  The world is full of bad drivers, and West Virginia has its share.   Winter presents its own share of driving hazards as the country roads are not well plowed.

Safety on the road is very important to my family.  One reason we chose the Element is because of its excellent safety performance in crash tests.  Side air bags, roll cage, etc.  All that and 23 mpg to boot.  Yee ha!

Best wishes for a safe driving season to all!  Watch out for those deer!

Yvette

I forgot to say the crate is my #1 choice, but it doesn't fit in my little s/w, so we use the canine seat belt buckled into the back if we take that car.  Strangely enough, the only size crate that fits in my s/w is too small for my dog (he has to fold up his front legs and curl up if he's lying down).   

 I remember reading somewhere (probably on this board) that in  an accident, a dog riding loose can easily be thrown through a window, or in the confusion following an accident, can be let out of the car and be lost.  Also I read that if you are severly injured and your dog is frightened & consequently dangerous, emergency responders may have no choice but to neutralize the dog - they don't carry tranquilizer guns to the scene of an accident.  I use to let my dog ride loose, but after I read so many horrible accounts of situations that could have been easily avoided I decided to always restrain pups in the car!

I have kind of the same issue with my husband.  My dogs ride in their minivan. (I don't like to call it MY minivan...I'm not the soccer mom type.)  They are loose and my male usually lays on the back seat.  The two middle seats drop down into the floor.  He is on a blanket and has a pillow.  (Yes it's good to be the king!) My female lays on the floor on a piece of carpet with a blanket over that.  They both usually fall asleep within minutes of a ride.  I, too, want them crated for their safety buy my husband thinks they are more "comfortable" being able to move around adjust themselves how they want.  I wish there was a way I could convince him that crating is safer.

Always in secured crates, either in the dog trailer or back of the van.  My first dog trainer years ago explained this is for the dogs safety first and foremost.

Senario: you are in a wreck and injured, your dog who was lose in the vehicle will not let the resucers get near you. The rescuers have to chose between helping you or not, of course they have no choice but to get to you and help save your life. There have been cases where the dog was destroyed to get to the person.

Senario:  (This one has been talked about numerous times here on data base) Your dog is lose in the vehicle, vehicle is in a crash, dog goes through window and dies.

Nope, ours always travel in their crates.

Okay, from this thread and from what I feel, my dogs need to be crated.  I have a pickup truck.  Granted, the truck is a full size, 4 dr but, still not big enough inside for two large crates and a carseat on the rear seat.  (My husband gets the front seat)  :( 

Anyway, I wanted to buy a nice dog box but, after going over many sites, they are too expensive at this time.  What would be the next best crate to purchase for the bed of a pickup?  Mind you, I am looking for something safe, cool enough, etc.  I know they make crate covers, too.

Could anyone give me ideas or what you use in your pickup?  This is the only time I miss my van.

Keep the dog and the truck....  Trade in the husband,,   JUST KIDDING !! 

Our dog all ride in crates,  They are comfortable in crates and don't mind being in them at all,  It's really not "mean" to put your dogs in crates for trips,  You'll find they are more comfortable and will travel much more relaxed in the crate than out once they are used to it.  Hope that helps.

animules you make a very good point in that first scenario.  My female will not let anyone get near me in the house or in the van.  I think I'll bring that up to hubs as a selling point on the crate.