6 Easy Ways To Keep Your Dog Off Your Car Front Seat
Do you love going travelling in the car with your pooch? But does your dog also love you and this means that they want to sit right next to you in the front seat or even on you while you drive? In fact you should never let your dog ride in the front section of your car, no matter how cute he/she is riding co-pilot.
The principal reason why is because dogs are super distracting for drivers. Unfortunately they can easily cause accidents. And for dogs, the injuries are often much worse due to many people not giving their dog’s adequate restraints such as a dog seat belt and also because airbags are not designed for dogs. Those reasons are why it is vital to keep your dog off the front seat of your car.
So how do you keep your dog off your car front seat? The best way to keep your dog off the front seat of your car is to get a dog seat cover hammock which has a barrier that corners off the back section of your car from the front. Alternatively use a dog seat belt, use a travel crate or install a dog backseat barrier.
Read Also: 7 Ways To Restrain A Dog In A Car (Options For All Breeds)
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1. Use A Dog Car Hammock With Barrier That Sections Off Front & Back Of The Car
The best way to keep your dog from entering the front section of your car is to put a dog back seat hammock in your car. A dog car hammock is pretty much a large sheet of tough, waterproof fabric which is suspended from the car headrests.
Not only does it stop your dog from climbing to your front seat but it also keeps your car clean of fur. (If you are having troubles with dog fur in your car you should read my article on the best ways to remove all the dog fur from your car!)
The smaller space also provides better protection for your dog in the instance of a car accident as he/she is more confined and will not be thrown around in the car.
I highly recommend using a dog car seat belt with a hammock. Most hammocks small holes at the bottom so you can clip in a dog seat belt. This gives your dog another level of safety while travelling.
My Recommendations For Dog Car Hammocks
1. Dog Back Seat Cover Protector
Find Current Price On Amazon Here
2. Kurgo Dog Hammock Car Seat Cover for Pets
Find The Current Price On Amazon Here
2. Secure Your Dog With A Dog Car Seat Belt & Harness Set Up
The next best way to keep your dog from entering the front of your car is to use a dog seat belt and a harness. This works just as well however you will not have the added bonus of a piece of fabric protecting the upholstery of your car.
A dog seat belt has a buckle at one end that looks much like the buckle of a normal seat belt. At the other end there is a hook, much like one you would find on a lead. You simply clip the buckle into a free seat belt clip and then attach the other end to your dog’s harness loop.
It’s important to use a harness with a dog seat belt. This is to avoid your dog choking if you have to suddenly slam on the brakes. It’s also less likely that your dog will become tangled in the seat belt if it is connected to their back.
My Recommendations For Dog Car Seat Belts & Harnesses
1. Mighty Paw Dog Seat Belt
Find Current Price On Amazon Here
2. juxzh Truelove Soft Front No Pull Dog Harness
Find Current Price On Amazon Here
3. Put Your Dog Inside A Travel Crate
If you have a smaller dog or a dog who is crate trained this could be a good option. A crate totally confines your dog to a very small space which is very safe. There is not way that your dog can climb into the front seat of your car.
However a crate could be problematic for longer car trips as some dogs get car sickness. It also means that your dog cannot enjoy the car trip by looking out the window.
On the other hand, dog travel crates can double up as a personal space for your dog in your home. You can make them super comfortable with blankets, pillows and toys. They are also useful for taking your dog to the vet.
My Recommendations For Dog Travel Crates
1. Gen7Pets Commuter Pet Carrier
Find Out The Current Price On PetMate Here
2. 2PET Foldable Dog Crate
Find The Current Price On Amazon Here
4. Install A Dog Backseat Barrier
If you don’t want to go the full way by covering your back seat with a dog hammock, a dog back seat barrier is a good alternative!
Dog car barriers come in two main designs. They are usually made of either fabric mesh or grid metal. Both designs work fine, however if you want something more long lasting or if your dog is prone to scratching/ has long, sharp nails the metal option might be better for you. Generally metal designs are more expensive though.
My Recommendations For Dog Backseat Barriers
1. PetSafe Happy Ride Dog Barrier
Find The Current Price On Amazon Here
2. Dog Car Barriers for SUV
Find The Current Price On Amazon Here
5. Put Your Dog On A Backseat Zipline
A backseat zipline is much like a dog seatbelt. However it gives your dog more freedom to walk along the back seat of your car and find the most comfortable position to sit or lie down in.
My Recommendations For Dog Backseat Ziplines
1. Kurgo Direct to Seatbelt Tether for Dogs
Find The Current Price On Amazon Here
2. PetSafe Happy Ride Dog Zipline
Find The Current Price On Amazon Here
6. Deter Your Dog With Auto Grass
If your dog loves to stand on the console between the two front seats, some auto grass could be a solution. This grass is designed to be uncomfortable on your dog’s paws so he/she will not access the front of your car. It’s overgrown plastic grass is extra long and spiky so I don’t think your dog will be going to try to sit on the front seat for a long time!
My Recommendations For Dog Backseat Ziplines
1. Kurgo Auto Grass for Dogs
Find The Current Price On Amazon Here
Why does my dog want to be in the front seat? Most dogs want to be sitting on the front seat of your car because they want to be close to their owners. They also might like sitting on the front seat because they have a better view of outside the car from there.
Is it safe for a dog to sit on the front seat? No, it is not safe for a dog to sit on the front passenger seat and it’s even worse if they sit on the drivers lap. A dog should be sitting on the back seats of your car.
Further Reading
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Sophie Hamilton is the founder of PupTraveller. She is a dog expert with over 5 years experience in the pet industry where she has researched and written over 400 articles about dogs. Sophie is the go-to resource for dog owners and hopes to share her extensive knowledge of dogs with PupTraveller’s readers.
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