Have to extol the virtue of having a car harness for your dog

[dsc]

I bought a car harness for my dog not too long ago since I was taking him in the car alot and he was a bit frisky for my taste. It works by having the seat belt go through it and keeps him locked in place. Twice recently I have had to stop on a dime with him in the car, the harness worked like a charm. I can't say strongly enough, secure your dogs in the car.

[SidneyR]

1. Or a crate?

I was thinking a crate of some kind--or what some call a "travel taxi" or a carrier would offer more protection to the animal's body. Sort of a protective shell secondary to the car's body itself.

[dsc]

3. For my dog I am not sure a crate would work well

He isn't a big fan of the crate. But I might try it sometime if I am going on a really long trip.

[snort]

2. Velcro seat covers and booties.

But seriously, a car harness is a really good idea.

[mrmpa]

4. I had one just like yours.........

It was a vest with a handle that the seat belt go through it. She was small about 12 pounds, she could sit, lay down, or stand up. She used to get stared at because I had a soft top Jeep CJ7. I would take the top and doors off from May through October and we would drive everywhere. When we were stopped at traffic lights, people would stare at her and ask me why she didn't jump out. I would then show them how she was strapped in.

I've always recommended seat belts for dogs. One of the reasons is that when there is an accident and a loose dog, often the paramedics have trouble attending to those injured because the dog is very protective & the medics can't gain access to the injured.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

5. For a moment, thought harness to pull the car if it runs out of gas . . . . :p . . . nt

[nuxvomica]

6. They are worth it

I was taking care of a friend's dog years ago and had him sitting in the front seat with the harness on, strapped in with a seat belt. I had to stop so suddenly when another driver ran a red light that the small dog would've been thrown head first into the dashboard if not for the harness. That harness was the difference between the occasion being just an annoyance and a potential tragedy.

[Cassiopeia]

7. They're also great for dogs that want to jump from seat to seat.

[dsc]

9. I largely got it for that reason

he was less than great about staying put. But it really did come in handy.

[Rhiannon12866]

8. I totally agree with you! Have always had doggy seat belts for my dogs

It not only keeps the dog safe if you have to make a sudden stop, but keeps the dog from distracting the driver, since you can't necessarily expect a dog to sit still.

[zwyziec]

10. It should be mandatory. For the safety of....

The driver and the dog. I have used one for the past ten years and my 20lb terrier loves it. It is especially needed in busy parking lots where quick stops happen and protects your close friend and pet from getting thrown into the dash with very serious injuries.