Mat-Su Alaska
Big Lake, Alaska
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Joined: 12/07/2007
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I have read mosto f the comments in these forums, and it kind of looks to me like the general consensus is that pets should not be allowed in the operator's area (i.e.,) the front end of a motorhome while the coach is in motion. For as much as I like to let our little "supervisors" have freedom to do as dogs should be able to do, that is roam, this is probably a good thing. BUT, my wife and I are a little concerned about what to put the pooches in and where to put them at, as these little guys are not used to crates and have enjoyed to right to see the outside world go by their whole lives. I have read stories where people with large motorhomes let them run free on the big dashboards, but this might not be such a good idea either. I am looking for some feedback on this and welcome whatever comments anyone might have.
Thank you.
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Joy
Henderson KY 42420
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Joined: 08/10/2001
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Maggie (4 #)rides in her crate - but she has been accustomed to that since day one. Katie (20 #) lies on her dog cushion - she wears a heavy duty harness which is attached to a 4' leash. The leash is looped around the base of my chair (hook thru handle loop). She can move around but not get to the driver but I can reach her for the occasional pat. In case of a sudden stop, she is protected. Sam Cat used to ride under the sofa but we got a new one which is not as convenient for her to get under so on the last trip, we let her roam to find her spot on her own. She settled down on the bed in the rear. I would prefer to crate her, too, but she absolutely HATES a crate and the caterwauling is awful!! She has no interest in coming around the front or windshield, luckily.
See ya' down the road!
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juliev
Minnesota
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Joined: 07/29/2004
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We use a safety gate to keep ours in the back half of the RV. We are in a class B. One dog sleeps in her crate (she prefers it that way). The other two are in harnesses attached to the frame of the bed, where they curl up and sleep or look out the window. We rarely let them in the cab area because they insist on being in the passenger's lap and it gets too hot and uncomfortable after a while. All 3 are small dogs, Annie and Charlie are about 11 lbs each, Bonnie is 15 or 16 lbs.
Julie
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A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving. ~ Lao Tzu
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Y-Guy
Tri-Cities, WA
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Joined: 03/04/2002
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We removed the barrel chair from behind the passenger seat and put a dog bed down for our Golden Retriever. She's also afraid of cardboard boxes so I usually find a small one and put it between the driver and passenger seat, that way she won't come up around us while driving. For the most part she lays on her bed during any trip or sits under the dinette by the kids feet.
Forced Family Fun... They'll thank you later for it!
Have you checked out the new RV.net Blogs?
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dgo1369
Georgetown, TX, US
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Joined: 11/22/2003
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We use dog seat belts. However, I don't recommend using anything other than a crate. I lost the battle with my DW who should know better.
Dennis Osha
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SemperFiCop
USA
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Joined: 10/19/2007
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Whatever works for you
Just have fun and Stay Safe...
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Nascarcruzin
Home is where the RV is parked.
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Joined: 01/06/2005
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Our cats lay on the dash. I wouldn't want them in a crate, if we have an accident, or fire, I want them to be able to get out. JMO
Rebecca
Ronnie & Rebecca
Check out our journal: North to Alaska
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3K9mom
Lost Among the Evergreens
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Joined: 08/11/2007
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We use seatbelts. We put down the dinette and cover it with a blanket, so the kids have a nice comfy bed with the big picture window to look out of. Mostly, they snooze. Importantly, they're safe. If we are in an accident -- whether a fender bender or a major collision -- they're in a relatively padded area and protected as much as they can be. Animals can become become projectiles when you just have to slam on your brakes hard in traffic, which could hurt us as well as seriously hurt or kill them. Seatbelts (and secured crates) prevent this. This way, as well, they don't distract the driver at all.
It's pretty easy to train your dog to accept a seatbelt. At first, they'll resist a bit. But give lots of treats and make it a happy time. Soon, your dog will associate seatbelts with car rides and rv trips, and will come running as soon as you pick up the seatbelt.
Ruffrider.com has some of the best dog seatbelt harnesses currently on the market.
I don't let any human travel in my vehicle without wearing a seatbelt. Why would I do any less for my furry family members?
Dh, our 2 year old German Shepherd, 15 yr old Beagle/Spaniel and me.
Exploring every National Park (and Monument) in USA, Canada, Mexico & beyond.
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Go Dogs
Greene County, PA
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Joined: 08/09/2005
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In our class C. We do the redneck thing and put a big piece of cardboard between the dogs and the drivers compartment. Works fine.
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charlierobin
Lomita CA
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Joined: 11/07/2006
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We use harnesses on the dogs and one is attached to the seatbelt on the couch and other one is attached to my seatbelt as he has ride on my lap the entire way.
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