hi there! forum lurker, mini lover, and potential 08 mcs buyer here.

does anyone have experience with a dog barrier that works well with the mini? i have a spunky 20 lb Shiba Inu that needs containment! (especially if i decide on a stick.)

any dog owners with suggestions and tips?

thanks in advance!!

 

MINI has a tarp like cover made for the back seat that turns it into a "tub". perfect for pet. Helps keep dog hair off your seats and cartpets and also keep dog nails out of your lounge leather =)

 

There are no dog barrier in the sense of confining a dog in the MINI. Train your dog to remain in back. I did.

 

www.kurgo.com has what you are seeking.

 

I have a rear seat cover and dog seat thing with a harness (the dog seat is secured in with the seatbelt and then the harness to the dog) and it works great to not only protect the car but most importantly my pup. If the dog isn't fastened down or in a sturdy crate be aware it will become a 'projectile' in the event of an accident.

 

thanks all for the responses! i am going to look into all of them

ooh, and kurgo.com also has dog seat belts i am going to try out - i still have yet to find out that will fit my pup (he has a lanky figure that is in between small and medium).

thanks again,
kiy

 

@eVal

Does the dog harness you have actually click into the seat belt buckle reciver thingy? Do you know what brand it is?

I m awaiting my 07 MCS and looking at transport options for my 62 lb golden

 

I know what you're saying. My dog is lanky, too [all legs, it seems], and weighs around 23 lbs. or so [it varies]. I wrote Kurgo about that, and they suggested I get a small, but said they would take it back if it didn't fit. Nice people...I was impressed.

 

Hi there - no, I have a small dog that is harnessed into a raised seat, which in turn is kept in place with the seatbelt - http://www.snoozer-dog-beds.com/dogcarseats.htm

With a big dog you would want one of those harnesses designed to be used as a car restraint, here is one example - http://www.ruffrider.com/
There are a few kinds out there, if I had a big dog again I'd probably look for one that doesn't allow too much lead for a lot of movement around the interior as I think it would still let them get banged up if in an accident. Hope that helps

For the OP: I ran across an article that goes over the reasons why it is important for small dogs, or any dog, to be be tied down when riding in a car

http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/...g_breeds/25865

 

PS: There also looks to be options to use the harnesses by clipping them to the tie downs in the back of the car in case you prefer to have the seats folded down.

PPS: Found this on the dog seat site, it snaps into the buckle as you asked about and has been crash tested:

http://www.snoozer-dog-beds.com/Trav...%20Harness.htm

 

I've had the back seats folded down since the day I bought the car and my 20 lb. beagle stands on the flat surface and "surfs" through the turns. He actually seems to prefer that to trying to find his footing on a bowl-shaped seat. Plus I think he likes the fact that with the seats layed down flat it puts his head right at window level. He seems happy -- only problem is that I have to clean nose prints off the back windows and the hatch. It's worth it.

 

My two cairn's (18 lbs) have their designated car seats where I securely strapped them into.

yes, they stay in them until I signal them to come out...
I wish I had a picture to post...

Cheers-
Andy

 

I think I might build a platform to raise the boot well if I go with the seat down option, and maybe cover it with some sort of dark colored carpet. I am worried about my golden falling into the well.

I think some speaker box carpet might do the trick.