Truck Advice: Where to put the dog?

Matt Tyson

Matt Tyson

Member
I recently purchased my first pickup truck since owning a dog...any advice from the crowd on best practices for transporting my hunting buddy? The truck, which I bought used, has a clamshell/hard tonneau cover.
 
Front seat next to dad... Get seat covers. Dog had mom's seat when she wasn't there, other wise jump seat. Don't like the bed going down the highway. What would happen in a accident??? I worked on a rescue squad for 30 years, seen alot, keep them in the cab.
If they are in a kennel in the cap, I'd go that way.
 
I 'd kennel them in the back if the kennel is secured . I have an insulated cover so the 2 of them are warm. Or if it's a king cab take the back seat out and put a dog mat down so the dog is in the cab.
 
I have switched to a van and keep the dogs in the same environment as me. That way I know they are comfortable and not overheated or too cold. The downside of course is you get the smell that goes with them.

When I used a truck I kenneled them under a topper or cap. The cap I had, had sliding windows with screens to let the air flow and help cool them. I purchased a cheap thermometer that used an RF signal to report the temperature. The temp sensor was affixed to the kennel and the remote display was kept in the cab so I could watch the temps and know if it was too hot or too cold. It probably cost about $20-25 and was well worth the money.

The kennels MUST be secured down inside the cap. Don't just let them float around. If the cap is only secured down with those aluminum C-clamps. . .the cap will come off in a collision even if it is not a roll-over and the dogs will leave the bed, in or out of the kennel.


Although, now I re-read your post and you say your truck has a hard shell tonneau. Those are flat along the top of the bed rails. If that were the case I don't think you can fit a kennel under the cover. Hopefully you mean cap. If not, can you pick up a used cap from Craigslist?
 
I have a cap on the back and have a secure kennel there for them. I believe that is the safest way to transport them and if they get skunked, which they often do, they can stink it up back there.
 
Thanks, all, for your thoughts on this one.

Indeed, I have the hard tonneau that is flush to the rails (no air circulation). Besides, the kennel I have for her now doesn't fit underneath, nor would I want to travel very long with her in there, even if it was secured.

Anyone have thoughts about retractable or soft tonneaus? Seems like I could open one partially when I need her to be in the bed (kenneled).

I like the benefits of a cap, and the thermometer idea is awesome...I just hate to get back to an SUV-type layout! Pros and cons to any configuration, I guess.
 
My dad had a soft tonneau on is F-150. It was a tri-fold deal and worked really slick. Very easy to secure in the rear by the tailgate. When you wanted to haul something tall, you would release two clamps and the cover would fold over itself twice. It would sit on top of the rails, one-third it's length directly behind the cab. There were two straps that would snap in place to hold the tonneau cover down in this position.

If you went this route, the kennel would fit, but would likely come in and out of the truck regularly. You would have to get a kennel cover for winter and just keep some straw or something else in the kennel to help keep your pup warm and dry. Definitely would get into strapping the kennel down but would need it to be something quick and easy so it wasn't prohibitive to you and thus just make the decision to not secure the kennel.

I would have to check with my dad to see if he remembered the name of the manufacturer on that cover. It was very well made. It also came off of the truck completely, and it was very easy to take on and off in it's folded configuration.
 
I got an extended cab for one reason, I hate to see dogs in the back. My guys always ride up front in the back seat. I built a platform that lies on the back seat and they know there spot. That does not mean in my lap!!!! When I see dogs in the back I just have to think that those dogs are not part of the family but that is just IMHO. I used to fit a crate behind the seat when they were younger and rowdier, that worked well also.
 
I got an extended cab for one reason, I hate to see dogs in the back. My guys always ride up front in the back seat. I built a platform that lies on the back seat and they know there spot. That does not mean in my lap!!!! When I see dogs in the back I just have to think that those dogs are not part of the family but that is just IMHO. I used to fit a crate behind the seat when they were younger and rowdier, that worked well also.
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Having the dogs inside the cab is an important consideration for me when choosing a truck model as well. The only other option I'd consider is quality dog boxes, but I'd rather have them in with family as they are family.
 
Unfortunately I don’t treat my dog as well as I should. She rides in the cab with me on the passenger side of the front seat. Yes she is comfortable, she enjoys being there and I can reach over and give her a quick pat on the head or friendly ear rub.
The down side being, in the case of a traffic mishap, she is not restrained or otherwise protected. I imagine a secured dog box inside the cab would be the best but I have not invested in something like that yet. I should look at adding some tie down points to the portable kennel I have already and see if I can secure it in the back seat of my truck.
Thanks for bringing this up.
 
I recently purchased my first pickup truck since owning a dog...any advice from the crowd on best practices for transporting my hunting buddy? The truck, which I bought used, has a clamshell/hard tonneau cover.
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All right, I'll admit it. When I go hunting, Habi sits right next to me on the front seat. After the hunt when we are heading home she normally curls up, puts her head on my lap and falls asleep.
During the rest of the year nothing changes. I just need to remember to vacuum once in a while.
Al
 
I checked out the Zinger crates (and have seen them before...each time creating more envy in me). The question I have with them is, can I bolt one to the bed of my truck? I doubt I will often haul a bed full of stuff and would like the added security of it being bolted down (to deter five-finger discounts, as well as for the dog in the event of an accident). Thoughts?

...and many thanks to all the other experienced views so far in this thread...all good bits of info.
 
I had my dog ride in the front of any vehicle on the passenger floor board. I figured that way if we ever ended up in an accident she was less likely to be thrown around the vehicle. It only proved a problem when the passenger did not want to share the front with the dog. That was easily fixed by making passenger sit in back seat!

Tight Lines ... Fred
 
I have a Toyota Tacoma with the access cab. Pearl is either in the passenger's seat or stretched out the bench seat in the back. I keep a blanket and towel for a quick wipe down if need be AND yes...seat covers!
 
I have typically owned extended cab type pickups and when I had a single dog he often rode in the jump seat. To facilitate this I cut a piece of ply wood that would fit from the back of the jump seat to within 2 inches of the front seats to leave room for some seat adjustment. The board was sanded - coat of poly and then strapped down through two holes using the center seat belt. A dog hammock then covered the whole affair. this prevented the dogs legs from slipping through the seat gap and made the back easier to clean. The protected and out of sight space underneath was perfect for shotgungs and gun bags.
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I even put a camping matteress back there once when I had to drive to drive over 2000 miles to Washington State on family business - not a bad liitle sleeper if you're not too tall.
........
 
With a four door or extended cab pickup, you could put a kennel in the back seat with the kennel door facing out. I would strap it down so they can't fly around in an accident.
I passed on buying a pickup and went with a Tahoe for that reason. I have two kennels in the back, side by side. They are nice and secure and with the double doors, there is easy access.
 
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