Car Travel

[Splash2310]

We are getting a new car, which means that our WCS will no longer be in his harness on the backseats, but relegated to the boot.

What’s the best way to restrain him in the boot, a dog guard or a crate? Safety is a priority, but if possible I’d rather not spend £500 on a car crate.

 

[Tiddlypom]

I'm not sure what size/breed of dog a WCS is , but I'd always go for a crate over a dog guard. We've got a pretty simple basic one suitable for hatchbacks, and it works great, £45 for the smaller size. The dog is contained until you open the crate door, whereas with a dog guard you need to rely on doggo waiting for permission to exit the vehicle after opening the tailgate .

Amazon.co.uk

Also much safer if you prang, as the dog is less likely to be hurled out onto the road than if loose in the back.

Pro standard reinforced crates are available, but are much more expensive.

 

[CorvusCorax]

Crate all day, much safer in the case of an accident.

 

[Blanche]

For me it would be a crash tested crate only. I’ve told this story on here before I think. Years ago I knew of a Dalmatian that was in a multi car pile up on the motorway, I can’t remember whether he was in a house crate ( house crate are too flimsy for protection and are just for containment. The rear of the car is a crumple zone so the size of your boot will be relevant) or behind a guard, and he got out of the vehicle and was hit twice by other cars. There was a vet there at the time of the accident who took the dog in as I think the owners were incapacitated. They went through the vet fees insurance very quickly and had to pay another £2000 on top for various operations he needed, they also had to pay out of pocket for physio and swimming to get him back on track. When they asked everyone for recommendations they balked at paying for a crash tested crate as it was so expensive but in reality it was a lot cheaper than all the op’s etc they had to pay out of pocket. You can buy these crates second hand, though you need to check they would fit in your car, they hold their value well but are cheaper than new. I had a quick search on eBay, there was only one, a Vario I think but if you look else where I am sure you could find more. And resale value if you wanted to sell would be good.

 

[Errin Paddywack]

Mine are in a purpose built crate which just fits my boot (Focus estate). It is a Guardsman and I believe they make or used to make cages for police etc. Very substantial and very heavy. Takes 2 of us to get it in and out. It also has escape doors at the back so dogs can be released into the car if boot can't be opened.

 

[Splash2310]

I'm not sure what size/breed of dog a WCS is , but I'd always go for a crate over a dog guard. We've got a pretty simple basic one suitable for hatchbacks, and it works great, £45 for the smaller size. The dog is contained until you open the crate door, whereas with a dog guard you need to rely on doggo waiting for permission to exit the vehicle after opening the tailgate .

Amazon.co.uk

Also much safer if you prang, as the dog is less likely to be hurled out onto the road than if loose in the back.

Pro standard reinforced crates are available, but are much more expensive.

Working Cocker Spaniel (sorry I was being lazy!)

Thanks everyone for your feedback. I think a crate is definitely the way to go, I don’t want a situation where we do have a prang and there’s a chance of him getting out onto the road. Also he loves his crate now so it seems it will all-round be a better option.

I’m going to look into a crash tested one.

 

[maisie06]

I have a Transk9 and a purpose built Barnesbrook I prefer the transk9, they often come up second hand, crash tested and lockable.

 

[EnduroRider]

TransK9 here too, bought via facebook market place as new for 50% of the RRP. Aside from the obvious safety benefits the best thing about it is that unlike the mesh type it doesn't rattle!