Is it cruel to... Dog in saloon boot?
Discussion
Before reporting me to the RSPCA, hear me out..
Dog is currently perfectly happy in our 4 series Gran coupe, with its hatchback and parcel shelves removed. But the lease ends soon and there's some interesting saloons out there. Im trying to avoid a wagon / SUV, but I know there will be a wet dog and a sprog in our near future. Second car is not an option. A topgear-esque forfeit Volvo estate looms in the distance.
At home, Dog actively seeks out safe dark spots to kip - sleeping under our coffee table or armchair which he has to commando crawl to squeeze under, or of course, his crate.
So I'm thinking: a boot is just a large, dark crate.. we'd fold 1 rear seat down seat for light and a view out into the passenger cabin, with some sort of metal grate or mesh barrier to prevent doggo climbing through the opening and into the rear seats.
I can't find examples of this done before.. has anyone tried it?
I'm sure I'd attract a few concerned looks at the trail head, but I think the hound might actually prefer it to his current set up, as at least he would be able to see us..
Am I a terrible dogfather?
Dog is currently perfectly happy in our 4 series Gran coupe, with its hatchback and parcel shelves removed. But the lease ends soon and there's some interesting saloons out there. Im trying to avoid a wagon / SUV, but I know there will be a wet dog and a sprog in our near future. Second car is not an option. A topgear-esque forfeit Volvo estate looms in the distance.
At home, Dog actively seeks out safe dark spots to kip - sleeping under our coffee table or armchair which he has to commando crawl to squeeze under, or of course, his crate.
So I'm thinking: a boot is just a large, dark crate.. we'd fold 1 rear seat down seat for light and a view out into the passenger cabin, with some sort of metal grate or mesh barrier to prevent doggo climbing through the opening and into the rear seats.
I can't find examples of this done before.. has anyone tried it?
I'm sure I'd attract a few concerned looks at the trail head, but I think the hound might actually prefer it to his current set up, as at least he would be able to see us..
Am I a terrible dogfather?
The boot of a car is structurally designed to absorb the impact of a car, allowing the boot to crush absorbs the impact and lessens the damage to the occupants in the seated area.
Anyone putting the dog in the boot of a car needs their head testing.
Get a 7 seater and put a cage on top of the folded down rear 2 seats. Or big Boot estate (even then its not my cup of tea).
Anyone putting the dog in the boot of a car needs their head testing.
Get a 7 seater and put a cage on top of the folded down rear 2 seats. Or big Boot estate (even then its not my cup of tea).
BoggoStump said:
ExcitableBoy said:
Dogs keep their head down as they don't enjoy lorries and the lights anyway.
Maybe the lights on a motorway journey at night but ive never had a dog that doesnt love looking out the windows. BoggoStump said:
ExcitableBoy said:
This is where probably 95% of dogs go.
Preferably in a large estate yes. in the tiny boot of a hatchback no, unless you dont care about the safety about your dog becoming mashed in the event of a rear ender.But I don't think that means a saloon is inappropriate. Certainly preferable to on the lap of an idiot in the passenger seat.
My parents had their dogs in the boot, (of a hatchback / 4*4) they always lay down when travelling rather than slobbering over the windows
Later on they used a cage.
The old boy (farmer) behind us had a Merc saloon, he used to drive with his dogs in the boot, albeit with the boot unlatched, and they used to jump in and out very happily, he also had a pickup, depending on the route, the dogs would jump out, shortcut across the fields, and jump back in.
My concern with a saloon would be air. If the seats are down, ventilated, and the dog is happy and has access to the rest of 'the pack', I'm not sure what the issue is.
Later on they used a cage.
The old boy (farmer) behind us had a Merc saloon, he used to drive with his dogs in the boot, albeit with the boot unlatched, and they used to jump in and out very happily, he also had a pickup, depending on the route, the dogs would jump out, shortcut across the fields, and jump back in.
My concern with a saloon would be air. If the seats are down, ventilated, and the dog is happy and has access to the rest of 'the pack', I'm not sure what the issue is.
Technically I don’t see what difference it makes whether they are in the boot of a hatchback/saloon/estate personally but I’m sure others have a different opinion.
Most dog owners I know have their dog in the boot.
Ours goes in a fabric crate in the boot. She can’t be in the car, she would be in a right state trying to climb all over the place, scratching the seats and plastic etc so she’s far better off in the boot.
Most dog owners I know have their dog in the boot.
Ours goes in a fabric crate in the boot. She can’t be in the car, she would be in a right state trying to climb all over the place, scratching the seats and plastic etc so she’s far better off in the boot.
I'm thinking something like the below. The experience wouldn't be much different between boot or crate, but with the opening being the central seat folded down, and the rear seats either side - it doesn't seem too cruel..
In terms of the dog loose in a boot, or dog tethered to a seatbelt, and in response to me putting my baby in the boot - I guess the reason I wouldn't put a baby in the boot, is because we have lots of much better solutions. What we are missing is something as comfy and effective as a baby seat for canines. I'm thinking isofix dog crate with integrated airbags (chew proof).
Unless that exists, the dog is going in the boot.
In terms of the dog loose in a boot, or dog tethered to a seatbelt, and in response to me putting my baby in the boot - I guess the reason I wouldn't put a baby in the boot, is because we have lots of much better solutions. What we are missing is something as comfy and effective as a baby seat for canines. I'm thinking isofix dog crate with integrated airbags (chew proof).
Unless that exists, the dog is going in the boot.
I have an E46 coupe, and with both the rear seats folded, and a custom cage fitted (actually a fireguard) have taken our two med sized dogs (greyhound collie, and a retriever cross) all over the country.
Loads of space, fresh air, windows to look out, they can see us, we can see them. What's not to like.
Also would buy the estate everytime if I already had the dogs at time!
Daniel
Loads of space, fresh air, windows to look out, they can see us, we can see them. What's not to like.
Also would buy the estate everytime if I already had the dogs at time!
Daniel
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