How to Make a Dog Seat Belt and a Dog Car Seat

We love our dogs! The one sure way to have the happiest dog in the universe is to say the magic word, whether it be “Bye-Bye”, “Car” or “Ride”. Dogs love to spend time with their human, look at the world and smell that wonderful air through the window. It’s the human equivalent of going to the finest restaurant in the world and no spending limit. One can spend $50 to $200 dollars on a specially made doggy car seat, but all that is really needed is some elevation and a seat belt! If your goal is to impress your friends (or your dog’s friends) then go ahead and spend the cash at the pet store. If your goal is to use what you have on hand and spend no money, here are some ideas.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A harness to fit your dog
• 2 sturdy leather belts at least 55” long purchased from a thrift store OR 2 web style tie downs from the automotive store.
• Laundry Basket, milk crate, wicker basket
• One Sturdy leash
• 3 lightweight leashes of the type that the vet or groomer gives away free
• Pillow or folded towels
• Water and a bowl

1. 
   A single restrain.

   All dogs should be secured in one spot in your car in order to prevent injuries in the event of a crash; a tethered dog is incapable of being the cause of the wreck either! A tie-down prevents your dog from jumping in your lap or out the window. Muddy paw prints and drool are contained in one area, making clean-up a matter of rolling up a towel and wiping down just one window. After all, you’re more likely to take Fido on a car ride if they don’t destroy the car. For a dog that generally sits still in the bucket seat, wrap a sturdy leash around the headrest and attach to the back leash ring in the dogs harness.

2. 
   A double restraint & proctive towel

   A restrain for animals that like to hop on and off of the car seat can be made with a sturdy leather belt wrapped very snugly around a bucket seat. Take two lightweight leashes and attach them about a foot apart to the belt. Attach the leash with a slipknot on either side of your dog with only enough freedom to sit or lie down.

3. 
   A wicker basket strapped down extra tight.

   To make a basket to elevate a smaller dog, use anything you have on hand that will provide the correct height and diameter for your dog. This may be a rectangle or square laundry basket, a square basket or a milk crate. Whatever you use, it must be sturdy enough to allow you to really strap it down tight. Use 2 or three leather belts to secure it to the seat. A dog will not sit in a doggy car seat that feels unsteady or tips over when they get excited. Always use some type of restraint to keep them in the box.

4. If you have a dog that doesn’t need a car seat, but requires a bit more height, simply bring a couple of folded towels or quilts. Ensure that they aren’t slippery fabric; terry cloth or wool blankets work best.

Tips & Warnings

• Take your dog on car rides every day so that they learn to relax and enjoy the ride.
• Always put down a towel for them to sit on, just in case!
• Always carry a bottle of water and a bowl, no matter how short the ride.
• Never, never leave your dog alone in a car in the summer or winter. Not only is their the very real danger of heat stroke (or freezing), but they really hate to be left alone in the car.
• If your dog is very nervous going for car rides, start slowly by just hanging out in the car with your dog in the driveway; give a treat. After your dog is okay with this, then start the car and don’t drive anywhere; give a treat. Then go for a very short trip around the block; give a treat. You get the idea.
• Enjoy the scenery!

[Sondrac]

on 5/26/2009 Nicely written. Thanks for sharing.

[skyedanzer]

on 5/17/2009 Dogs definitely need these as much as kids need restraints. Great dog pet owner info!

[kristara]

on 5/17/2009 Great tips! Dogs needs seat belts too. 5*