Dog in coupe/saloon solution

[Jamie Mullen]

I'm looking at swapping my car and fancy a BMW 335d. I have a springer spaniel who likes to climb about in the car when left unattended so my current hatchback has a dog guard and a boot liner to make sure things stay clean and tidy. Instead of buying the 335d touring I'd really like the coupe or the saloon and wondered if anyone could suggest a decent dog transport solution. My dog goes everywhere with me so I need something that will keep the car clean. Leaving him at home isn't an option.

[*Kosta*]

Will the 335d be mapped? That is what matters most

[Jamie Mullen]

So a new map will guarantee more bhp, better mpg and no dropped hair or muddy paw prints from my dog? Where do I sign for a map like that?

[Jasandjules]

We use something like this

http://www.hyperdrug.co.uk/prodinfo.asp?number=CAR...

And a blanket or three along the back seats.

[jj333]

I remeber seeing this: http://www.roofbox.co.uk/dog-bag/dogs-pets-carrier... advertised somewhere, haven't tried it myself though

[bull996]

Well I was a bit pissed off when I could have an estate as my company car, for the same reason.

I ended up with a Volvo S40 R-Design sollon, but have found an OK solution.

My rear seats fold flat, creating a totally flat area that is all the boot and the folded rear seats. I have covered it in blankets and the dogs are really happy in it. I didnt think there would be enough room, but there is loads and they end up lying half in the boot area!

[Jamie Mullen]

Thanks for the suggestions. I had considered the idea of dropping the rear seats and that sounds to work well. The pet carrier also looks like a reasonable solution, thanks.

[SHutchinson]

Buy one with leather seats. They're much easier to clean. My labrador doesn't really like sitting in the back seats of my BMW coupe but he doesn't really have a choice, if he wants to go to the beach it's the only option.

It does of course mean that the rest of the cabin will need to be more thoroughly cleaned more often however.

[Zaxxon]

Could try the National Lampoon solution

[BOR]

We have a canvas "hammock" type thing that is attached to the front and rear headrests, and pretty much covers the whole of the rear seat area. There is a zip down the middle to allow various configuration - using one side as a normal seat etc.

I don't remember what brand it is, but BMW sell something similar (naturally for 1 million pounds).

[parakitaMol.]

jj333 said:

I remeber seeing this: http://www.roofbox.co.uk/dog-bag/dogs-pets-carrier... advertised somewhere, haven't tried it myself though

Ha ha ha.... I like the sausage dog in a sausage roll!

[13th]

I used to travel all the time in my XKR convertible using a dog harness to protect my Doberman in case of accident and to stop him wandering.

I also did the same when the next pup came along and she sat in the back in her harness and never had any bother.

The pups don't come to work with me anymore, it's now just a short drive to their walking area so I just put them in the estate but there was nothing quite as fun as driving with the roof down and the dogs sitting up sniffing the air, ears flapping.

FYI A large adult Dobe also fits in the foot well of a Lambo

[dhutch]

13th said:

I used to travel all the time in my XKR convertible using a dog harness to protect my Doberman in case of accident and to stop him wandering.

I also did the same when the next pup came along and she sat in the back in her harness and never had any bother.

The pups don't come to work with me anymore, it's now just a short drive to their walking area so I just put them in the estate but there was nothing quite as fun as driving with the roof down and the dogs sitting up sniffing the air, ears flapping.

FYI A large adult Dobe also fits in the foot well of a Lambo

Never ceases to amaze me what information you can find on this site!


Daniel

[Myles Peraua]

SHutchinson said:

Buy one with leather seats.

Be aware that claws will scratch uncovered leather seats. From experience.

[Morningside]

Our solution is this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Waterproof-Car-Hammock-Se...

and then we use this to stop her pawing and scratching the sides of the car.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/PetGear-Happy-Pet-Seat-Be...

Added to say I'm sure you have reached an answer as the thread is six years old!

Edited by Morningside on Wednesday 1st March 13:23

[kowalski655]

13th said:

.....

FYI A large adult Dobe also fits in the foot well of a Lambo

A large stray Rottweiler won't fit in the passenger seat of an MX 5 however, if you already have a passenger there

[monoloco]

Morningside said:

Our solution is this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Waterproof-Car-Hammock-Se...

and then we use this to stop her pawing and scratching the sides of the car.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/PetGear-Happy-Pet-Seat-Be...

Added to say I'm sure you have reached an answer as the thread is six years old!

Edited by Morningside on Wednesday 1st March 13:23

ditto on this -we use one for my German Pointer -he hates sitting in the boot of my 4x4 but quite happy on the back seat with one of these. If we're going any distance we put a blanket on top of it for him to lay on and use a car harness with a seat belt attachment to hold him steady. We use the same set up for him in my wife's merc coupe -the hammock is cheap as chips so keep one in each car.

[Old Tyke]

monoloco said:

Morningside said:

Our solution is this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Waterproof-Car-Hammock-Se...

and then we use this to stop her pawing and scratching the sides of the car.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/PetGear-Happy-Pet-Seat-Be...

Added to say I'm sure you have reached an answer as the thread is six years old!

Edited by Morningside on Wednesday 1st March 13:23

ditto on this -we use one for my German Pointer -he hates sitting in the boot of my 4x4 but quite happy on the back seat with one of these. If we're going any distance we put a blanket on top of it for him to lay on and use a car harness with a seat belt attachment to hold him steady. We use the same set up for him in my wife's merc coupe -the hammock is cheap as chips so keep one in each car.

I might have to consider those for my new dog addition tomorrow as she's only 1. My old staffy, Sal, would just sit or lay in the passenger footwell and was never any bother. She was never allowed on the seats and even when leaving her in the car for short periods she'd stay in the footwell. Not sure an excitable 1 year old would stay put!

[Xtriple129]

I will not have dogs in the boot of a car. I witnessed an horrific accident where a hatchback with dogs in the boot was rear ended at a roundabout. Also, judging by the number of cars round here with rear damage, not isolated incidents either.

So, mutt and Jeff always go in the 'safety cell' bit of the car just like anyone else I love, in the rear, there are covers on the seats and carpets and they are very happy with the back windows open and a head hanging out either side, ears and drool flying everywhere. In the MX5, they argue about the seat or the footwell in the passenger side and again, both love it to bits. When I leave them, they take a front seat each in the Mazda (Chester usually drives) and even though the roof is off and the windows part down, they never try to get out. To be fair though, they never have to stay in the car for more than a couple of minutes and I can always see them.

In the 4 door cars, I have a net thing (from the local council to cover the square bins we get here)between the front seats that stops them jumping through to the front. This works well and I think they are happier in the back seats than anywhere... especially as Chester can work the electric windows himself!