Transporting dogs in the car boot

Discussion in 'Labrador Chat' started by UncleBob, Mar 25, 2014.

  1. UncleBob

    UncleBob Supporting Member Forum Supporter

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    Hi,

    For those of you that have a dog guard and transport your dog in the car boot I have couple of questions that I'd like to ask.

    1. Do you secure your dog using an anchor point of some sort? If so, what do you use?

    2. How do you get your dog in and out? Lift them or let them jump in and out (if the latter, what age can they do this from?)

    Many thanks.
     
  2. GreenBull

    GreenBull Registered Users

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    Re: Transporting dogs in the car boot

    We don't restrain. From about 5 months we would jump in/out by himself.

    We used to lift but he hated that. We just have a material mesh separater.

    We bought a boot liner and a bumper protector both of which are great if you care for the presentation of your car.

    We regularly put him in the car from the outset. But of whining at first. Now sits and watches or lays down
     
  3. Oberon

    Oberon Supporting Member Forum Supporter

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    Re: Transporting dogs in the car boot

    UncleBob, my only advice would be to work hard on instilling in your dog that they can only jump out when they get a cue from you. You don't want him leaping out into the path of another car.
     
  4. Lochan

    Lochan Supporting Member Forum Supporter

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    Re: Transporting dogs in the car boot

    [quote author=Oberon link=topic=5075.msg63705#msg63705 date=1395817766]
    UncleBob, my only advice would be to work hard on instilling in your dog that they can only jump out when they get a cue from you. You don't want him leaping out into the path of another car.
    [/quote]

    Couldn't agree more. The last three road accidents seen in our practice have been dogs jumping out of the boot in front of oncoming cars. I am a great fan of tailgate protectors and my boot in the subaru has a dog guard, divider and tailgate protector with stable doors on it. That way you can open the boot, open the top half of the protector and attach a lead before releasing the dog. Using this technique my dogs have never been able to exit the boot without a release cue, and now, at 3 and 2.5 years respectively, will sit patiently awaiting release no matter what is happening.
     
  5. Morwenstow

    Morwenstow Registered Users

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    Re: Transporting dogs in the car boot

    I use a tailgate protector (link elsewhere) which saves the paintwork. At 35kgs my dog is too heavy to lift in so I trained him to jump in and found this relatively easy. Put your dog on a lead, open boot and stand about 3 metres from the car. Then run towards the car with the dog and hey presto he jumps straight in! I did it a couple of times on the lead and he now jumps in automatically when instructed. Lochlan's advice about not letting the dog jump out on its own is sound; I also put him on the lead and lift him out. This way you avoid the risk of The dog running into traffic and more importantly avoid damaging his elbow joints.

    Roger
     
  6. Stacia

    Stacia Registered Users

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    Re: Transporting dogs in the car boot

    Is your car boot big enough to take a cage? "Hamster Baskets" who operate is near Ledbury, is a very ingenious chap who makes cages specifically to fit any space. It means in case of a car accident your dog won't be thrown forward and knock you out; safe for the dog as well.
     
  7. bbrown

    bbrown Moderator Forum Supporter

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    Re: Transporting dogs in the car boot

    I had a dog guard but my boot is big and I wanted to put stuff in it as well as Riley so I got a dog crate from TransK9 with a bumper protector which not only protects the car but prevents Riley catching a claw in the boot closure loop. He also doesn't get out until he's asked :)
     
  8. Jen

    Jen Registered Users

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    Re: Transporting dogs in the car boot

    I really need a tail gate protector for my car a freelander. Does anybody know where I might find one I've tried everything. :(

    I did have a crate in the boot but they are too big now to fit in it together.

    The tailgate with stable doors sound perfect for getting leads on etc especially with two.
     
  9. Morwenstow

    Morwenstow Registered Users

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    Re: Transporting dogs in the car boot

    [quote author=Jen link=topic=5075.msg63747#msg63747 date=1395838457]
    I really need a tail gate protector for my car a freelander. Does anybody know where I might find one I've tried everything. :(
    [/quote]

    Highly recommended!

    Roger
     
  10. Jen

    Jen Registered Users

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    Re: Transporting dogs in the car boot

    Thanks Roger that's great. Going to order one, very good value. ;D

    Now I just need to find a tailgate guard preferably with the stable door facility and Id be sorted.
     
  11. GreenBull

    GreenBull Registered Users

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    Re: Transporting dogs in the car boot

    We did not want to get a full liner like that as we thought they looked a bit messy so got one of these:
    http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B007BN58AQ

    Then got a liner from these folks:
    http://www.carmats4u.com/

    Absolutely perfect fit on our E91 think we paid a couple of pounds more and got the carpet for it too
     
  12. Lochan

    Lochan Supporting Member Forum Supporter

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    Re: Transporting dogs in the car boot

    Have a look at MMG guards for a tailgate guard. They almost certainly already have freelander measurements to hand - they did for my Subaru - make them to order and post out. Excellent service and high quality product.
     
  13. UncleBob

    UncleBob Supporting Member Forum Supporter

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    Re: Transporting dogs in the car boot

    Thanks all - much appreciated.
     
  14. Jen

    Jen Registered Users

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    Re: Transporting dogs in the car boot

    Looked at mmg, thanks lochan, they do the usual drilled in ones but they also do new adjustable leg ones. Although they aren't a stable door. Think I will give them a ring and see how interchangeable between vehicles they are and if they can do a stable door one.

    Thanks uncle bob for starting this thread I've been trying to sort my boot for ages. ;D
     
  15. LoveKatie

    LoveKatie Registered Users

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    Re: Transporting dogs in the car boot

    I have a cargo mat in the back which is very nice to have when she is wet and dirty. I was also grateful for it last weekend when she vomited back there! The mat is rubber and very easy to just hose off.
     

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