Hi all. I have an older female GSD that I take with me everywhere possible. When we are traveling in the truck or suv, I crate her. In my car, that is a little more difficult. I have seen the restraint systems that they market for dogs to be used in conjunction with the vehicle's seatbelt. I have been considering using that as an alternative to the crate in my car. I would like some opinions, etc. from people who may have used them before or know people who have. Thanks. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

QUOTE from Janelle: I have seen the restraint systems that they market for dogs to be used in conjunction with the vehicle's seatbelt. END

I have one for a smaller dog, the larger dog's crate taking up all room avaliable in the back part. But it is made for large dogs, too. It's called Champion. In fact, it was an option in Toyotas a few years back and may still be. The dog can stand, sit, lie, and turn. It's a harness.

Believe it or not, there are states considering legislation requiring doggy seat belts for dogs not in a crate/kennel!

Thanks Connie. I visited Champion's website and I really liked what I saw. I think that is the route I am going to go.

Hi Janelle~

I have a doggie seat belt that works in conjunction w/my car's seat belt. Like, Connie's, it allows Callie to lay down or sit & doubles as a harness when taking her outside. She is 5 months old & approx 50#.

So far I've only made short trips (hr each way) but am driving from New England to NY in a few weeks. Will let you know how it worked.

I have not been impressed with doggie seat belts! I have tried two brands on 3 different dogs and they all managed to "Houdini" their ways out of them. I was fitting them tightly.

My dogs have been taught to sit directly behind the driver or passenger seat. They have learned to sit sideways leaning back hard against the seat so if I brake suddenly (which I do occassionally to remind them of why they are sitting that way) they don't "go flying."

They also occassionally ride in the front, but only curled up where the passenger's feet go. (Nice and safe for long car trips). I was riding with a cat on a loong drive back from vacation and the cat was in that spot. We hit a deer at 50 mph and the cat was completely fine - wondering why the nap was interrupted.

Don't get me wrong, I do use crates in the car as well. I'm just not a fan of the seat belts. I think they make us feel like the dogs are more safe than they actually are.

BTW PetEdge sells a doggie seatbelt that conforms to human seatbelt requirements. It looks very different!