Vehicle preference for your Dobie ?

On your Rav does the backseat fold down flat ? I was thinking with the seat down it would make a nice area.
Yes, I can fold the back seats so they pack up behind the front seats which does leave a good area for your dog but as I don't travel her in a crate she is more comfortable with the back seat. She can sit up and look out with easy access to the fresh air from the cracked open window, or sprawl flat and sleep. A large part of why she prefers to travel in the old truck is that the windows can be left open more without that air pressure waffle happening. Just air con makes her sick after a while and put that with the soft suspension of the Rav and I think she gets a bit queasy. I'd rather drive the comfy car for longer trips, but often take the old battle axe for Jazz! :love:
I should add that two dogs of Jazzies size would be fine in the Rav, back seat or rear cargo area.
 
My hb thought the Honda Pilot was the perfect shaped vehicle for dogs and that it retained value over time. For many months he annoyingly pointed out every Pilot we saw, and, indeed, there was a dog in nearly each one. The only crated dogs I’ve seen are working dogs due to ventilation needs. Most people seem to use the pet gates as do I.

What we found to be important is that with vehicles where the dog is in the cargo/hatch area, a more square back end is better. Any slopes will prevent rectangular crates from fitting and automatic doors may not function correctly if it’s a tight fit or if your loose dog pushes against the closing door.

Also handy to have back seats that move forward. I won’t give up my back row space to the dog, but I can shrink the amount of space the back seat takes and thereby get him a few more inches of room while he’s in the cargo. Another thing to look for is cargo liner on the backs of the back seat. That way if you do fold down the back seat, it’s protected from scuffs.
 
Up till this weekend we have had a 2007 Honda CRV. Large so it’s good for the dog he’s only around 5 months old so it’s been good but my boyfriend will be picking up his new car this weekend which is a 2019 Honda Civic he’s getting the hatchback. Hoping it works well with the dog especially when he’s full size ahah if anyone has this car let me know how it is with your dog!:)
 

Attachments

  • 80F49111-627E-4492-A202-4CC21F171332.jpeg
    80F49111-627E-4492-A202-4CC21F171332.jpeg
    355.1 KB · Views: 10
My hb thought the Honda Pilot was the perfect shaped vehicle for dogs and that it retained value over time. For many months he annoyingly pointed out every Pilot we saw, and, indeed, there was a dog in nearly each one. The only crated dogs I’ve seen are working dogs due to ventilation needs. Most people seem to use the pet gates as do I.

What we found to be important is that with vehicles where the dog is in the cargo/hatch area, a more square back end is better. Any slopes will prevent rectangular crates from fitting and automatic doors may not function correctly if it’s a tight fit or if your loose dog pushes against the closing door.

Also handy to have back seats that move forward. I won’t give up my back row space to the dog, but I can shrink the amount of space the back seat takes and thereby get him a few more inches of room while he’s in the cargo. Another thing to look for is cargo liner on the backs of the back seat. That way if you do fold down the back seat, it’s protected from scuffs.
Thank you so much, this is the type of information that is very helpful. When we do make a change we will be very careful on what we choose since we keep our vehicles for many years. We do not use crates in the vehicle for everyday use but need the ability for a crate to fit if needed. My immediate thoughts were to find something that allows the seats to fold flat and to have good ventilation. I forgot to mention we have an old garage with limited space so the vehicle can not be to long.
 
picking up his new car this weekend which is a 2019 Honda Civic he’s getting the hatchback.
Congrats on the new car - make sure to get a cover for the backseat!

My immediate thoughts were to find something that allows the seats to fold flat and to have good ventilation.
You will want to test how the seats fold down too. Some seats can be folded more easily than others - some have buttons right in the back area and the dog may be able to activate them lol. Back seats can also come ventilated! Nowadays there are so many great options, I’m sure you’ll find just the right vehicle.
 
Congrats on the new car - make sure to get a cover for the backseat!


You will want to test how the seats fold down too. Some seats can be folded more easily than others - some have buttons right in the back area and the dog may be able to activate them lol. Back seats can also come ventilated! Nowadays there are so many great options, I’m sure you’ll find just the right vehicle.


We did! Go the one that covers the whole back seat and hang off the two front seats which will be nice cause once time we hit the breaks to hard and he was napping fell down on the floor aha was sad but his face looked so derpy looking up from the floor xP he had a seat belt on but guess it was too long lol will be nice to have that added protection
 
I found out '83 Mercedes 240D sedan to be an ideal car to carry a Doberman, at least in the style department. Fine German auto, fine German dog.
 
I have a 2018 Explorer and my last one was an Explorer as well. Our dogs are usually in the back seat but it has 3rd row seating (which I always keep down for the cargo space) and I could fold the 2nd row down too if I wanted. They prefer their cushiness so I let them ride in the back seat and put their supplies in the cargo area.
This is mine while it was still at the dealer.
2018 Explorer from front.jpg
 
Oh I should add that I see this one at dog shows all the time and it would be really nice, but not practical for me in this climate.
Mercedes dog van Sept 11 16.JPG
 

Back
Top