I’m looking for advice on how to safely transport my big dog in the cab of my truck without ruining the interior. On my last Raptor, my dog scratched up the center console leather with his paws.
Currently, I use a full-body harness with a seatbelt leash connected to the middle buckle (the one without an airbag) and keep the back seat folded up. But my dog is so big, it doesn’t stop him from moving around.
He’s a 75-pound husky mix for reference. Any recommendations on gear or setups to make this work better?
I’d recommend putting a towel over your center console and getting seat covers for the back. You can also try rear door protectors. I keep the back seat lifted up for my two dogs—one’s a 100lb giant schnauzer, and the other’s an 80lb doodle. Works for us every day.
Check out the Carhartt seat divider that hangs between the front seats. It’ll stop your dog from reaching the console. For the back, get seat covers and use a buckle leash that attaches to a chest harness. Don’t use a neck collar for this unless you want to risk serious injury.
@Spencer
Thanks, I’ll look into the Carhartt divider. I’ve got him in a tactical harness with a leash clipped to a D-ring at chest level. Hopefully that’s good?
Sawyer said: @Spencer
Thanks, I’ll look into the Carhartt divider. I’ve got him in a tactical harness with a leash clipped to a D-ring at chest level. Hopefully that’s good?
That should work, but see if you can get a harness where the leash attaches on the back instead of the chest. And make sure the harness is more like a vest rather than just straps. It’ll be safer and more comfortable for him.
I use a divider that hangs on the back of the seats and keeps the dog from moving forward. It’s easy to install or remove if you don’t want it in there permanently.
Zade said:
I use a divider that hangs on the back of the seats and keeps the dog from moving forward. It’s easy to install or remove if you don’t want it in there permanently.
Nice! Does it stop them from reaching the back window seals?
I’ve got two 135lb Great Pyrenees, and I use a full back seat hammock. It covers everything from the floor to the bottom of the headrests. There’s mesh in the middle for air circulation. Got it on Amazon, and it’s been amazing.
This is why I went with a Softopper. My dogs ride in the truck bed instead of the cab. Works great, and we also use a wagon for trips. It’s a lifestyle choice.