Travelling in the car

Crissi · Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 6:46 pm Post subject: Travelling in the car

Hi all, can someone tell me where is the best and safest place to sit your puppy when travelling in the car. I have an RAC harness but not sure if front seat is appropriate. Is back seat best? Please advise. My husband seems to think Kyra is great and well behavied in the front seat with harness in seat belt, but I am a bit concerned it's not safe and she would be better in the back seat.

Many thanks in advance

Lorri-Ann · Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 7:20 pm Post subject:

Hi

I have never thought about it before, i always put Abbey in the back behind the drivers seat - i suppose i thought this was best as thats where you put a child seat !

Sorry it doesnt really answer your question ! but i dont know wheres best i will be watching this thread !!

Windsor · Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 7:44 pm Post subject:

This is a difficult one to answer as I'm sure eveyone will have a different opinion. I'm sure most dogs will be quite comfortable in the back seat providing they are strapped in safely. I personally believe dogs should NEVER travel in the front - it's just too dangerous & distracting for both the dog & driver.

I personally believe the best place for them is in the boot of an estate car. My two have never travelled in the car itself & always sit in the boot. We have a dog guard which prevents them from climbing into the back seat, they have their own plastic dog base which fits snugly into the boot & we line this with blankets so that their journeys are always comfortable. It also means they both have plenty of room to lie down, sit up, move around & generally make themselves comfortable on every length of journey.

We regularly travel to South Wales & Derbyshire to visit parents & when we're on the move, we very rarely see a doggie shape appearing in the rear view mirror! They tend to sleep all the way & so they must be very relaxed to do this.

Karen · Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 8:04 pm Post subject:

If it's just me and Corbie in the car then I have him in his harness in the front seat, otherwise he's harnessed on the backseat. I drove south nearly 500 miles with him in the front and he sat that as good as gold all the way, sat nodding off for most of it. I guess it depends on what you want to do. Luckily with Corbie once he's in the car he's never figiting, just sits still.

I started him off in the front seat as he was sick everywhere else and a bad traveller, and then eventually tried him in the back.

RubyRoo · Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 6:47 am Post subject:

We have an estate also - Ruby is in the backin a bed. We have a dog guard also to prevent her from climbing into the back seat.

I have worried though, since someone put a thought into my mind - what would happen if we were rear ended in an accident which forced the boot door open ? Ruby isn't contained by a harness in the boot area and so would easily either fall out or could jump out Sad

! I think we'll also look into getting a guard fitted at the opening of the boot - but then what would happen if she did need to get out quick due to an accident..eg. fire etc ?

I suppose its all ifs buts and maybes but worrying nevertheless Confused

VJH · Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 7:15 am Post subject:

Ruby sits next to me in the front seat - she is still small enough to curl up in a ball and remains all tucked up from about 30 seconds into the drive until we arrive. If me and hubby are both in the car then ruby is in the back seat where she does her best impression of 'longest dog in the world' and stretches out. Ruby has the hicraft harnes which enables movement but not to much.

I have wondered about the boot issue too Rubyroo - I have a Peugeot 206 so its not an option for me but I have thought about the issues you mentioned as we are planning 2 dogs so no doubt an estate car will be in my future too Wink

Blondie1 · Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 7:38 am Post subject:

I used to have Baxter on the front seat in his harness when he was little, but since he got bigger he now always goes in the back - I think it's more comfortable for him as well as safer. He's always in his harness though.

If wew're only going down the road and we're both in the car, he'll some times sit in the footwell by my feet.