Pick up truck + Dogs Question

[VaSteve]

I got a new doublecab pickup last month. I was thinking of taking my two kids hiking next week. Thought maybe I could take the 2 dogs. But the dogs would have to ride in the bed (no cap). I have crates for them, but they are "house crates".

I could cinch the crates into the bed so they don't slide, but someone on another forum was talking about accidents and how 40 lbs of dog would turn into 2000lbs of force in a wreck.

If I was going to the dog park (2 miles away) I'd have them in the cab with the kids. The hiking spot is 60 miles away. What do you all do with your dogs? Do you seatbelt them in when traveling? What about in the bed of a truck? Should I reconsider using these crates in the truck?

[Scott Douglas]

I don't have a dog but I do have an answer to your questions.
I'd use the crates, well secured in the bed as long as the weather conditions won't harm the dogs.
My son has two old English Bulldogs, one weighing in at 70 lbs, that he allows to ride inside when traveling. He doesn't have kids, yet. He doesn't belt the dogs in and I hope he never has to wish he did.
In CA now I believe the law says you have to have the dogs secured in the bed with a leash so they can't get out.

[fastfredracing]

Those dogs are still going to become 2000 lbs of unsecured force in the truck cab if you have an accident. Probably a wash either way . I'd run some good quality tie down straps through the wire mesh part of the cage, mounted down low to help to hold it all together.

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by fastfredracing

Those dogs are still going to become 2000 lbs of unsecured force in the truck cab if you have an accident. Probably a wash either way . I'd run some good quality tie down straps through the wire mesh part of the cage, mounted down low to help to hold it all together.

Yeah, it was really two questions and a lot of rambling.

- Should I use/not use these crates?
- What do you all do?

[Seahawk]

I tried a version of this a few times:

Amazon.com : Leash Lady~3 Dog Pet Truck Bed Tether Restraint & Leash all in One!~Truck Tether & Leash All in One!~Swivel, Adjustable Nylon Straps~One Size Fits All Trucks~SUV'S~Minivans : Automotive Pet Safety Products : Pet Supplies

I found I just don't like dogs moving around in the back of the truck for anything more than local trips. It is too distracting.

Any extended trips they are either in the cab or in a crate secured in the back.

[stomachmonkey]

Is this too far from "Just outside the beltway"?

Hunting Dog box/carrier for pickup truck by Blount's

[VincentVega]

Any extended trips they are either in the cab or in a crate secured in the back.

this

[varmint]

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

Is this too far from "Just outside the beltway"?

Hunting Dog box/carrier for pickup truck by Blount's

Yeah, that's a bit of a haul. But where would I store that monster? My dogs aren't hunting dogs, they are "leisure dogs".

Thanks for looking for me!

[flipper35]

Since we have an SUV, we use a harness that has a loop for the seat belt and she gets the back seat. I don't want 70# of dog flying through the truck if we get in an accident and I am sure she wouldn't like it either.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Dog crate, strapped in the back. Our 1.5 year old Lab is way too crazy to sit in the cab, we tried it with predictable results.

[David]

I usually just let them ride in the cab but when I don't, I tie-down the crate in the bed and put them in there.

I have a neighbor who built a wooden temporary tailgate to slide in at the back under the bed cover. Then he leaves the tailgate down and his dogs can see out through the wooden slats.

[Baz]

Keep 'em inside.....

[VaSteve]

Hey Baz, where are the kids gonna sit?

[Baz]

Originally Posted by VaSteve

Hey Baz, where are the kids gonna sit?

It's an extended cab, right? PLENTY of room for all.....squeeze 'em in! They're Heelers!

[vash]

it amazes me when i see people letting dogs ride with them on their laps..while driving.

my brother has responded to several accidents with this configuration and he said it is awful. my dog rides in the back cab..he is tiny, and old..in my wifes car he as an elevated platform/seat and he is clipped in with a harness.

if i had big gun dogs, i would buy real truck boxes. i do however see plenty of regular crates strapped down around here.

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by Baz

It's an extended cab, right? PLENTY of room for all.....squeeze 'em in! They're Heelers!

No, I have actual children too!

[Bill Douglas]

I live in a right hand drive country and a friend has a big american car with LHD. His big french bull mastif sits in the front so it looks like the dog is driving the car.

[911boost]

I have a big crate with a cover it that I strap down in the back for when the dogs need to go anywhere with me. It is safer for them and I don't have to clean dog hair up.