I 'm getting my first hunting dog, and was wondering whether or not it will be safe to travel with my dog in a crate (cage) in the back of my pickup truck in the summer with the topper off, and in the winter with the topper on. Has anyone done this? In Texas, where I grew up, we never thought twice about driving our dogs around in the truck, but here in Germany, its colder, wetter and we drive a hell of a lot faster. I thought that if I kept the fiberglass topper on during the winter, it would eliminate some of the cold air, and if I kept it off in the summer it would allow enough air.

Does anyone have any comments on this?

The way I look at it is if you could be in the crate with the topper on and be warm then so will the dog. I keep my dog in a crate in the back when its possible but if the weather is too cold or wet then he comes in the cab. He prefers the cab.

It would be safe, but be sure to put a tie down strap over the crate to prevent it from flying out of your truck. You wouldn't think it could fly out with the weight of a dog in it but it has happened more often than you would believe. You also may want to put a safety hook on the door in case you don't get the door locked tightly it can't pop open, this is a major advantage of a lot of dog boxes, they have slam latches that automatically lock when you close the door and you can't put the bolt through the door unless it is closed securely.

If well secured it should be safe but I have to ask why you get to ride in the air condioning & pup does not, mine ride inside with us, if I'm warm & dry why not my pup too?

Most "hunting" dogs can handle cold to an extent just fine. I'd be more concerned with heat. Air flow is good but sometimes not enough in excessive heat (80 F or higher). Keep her cool.

quote:

Originally posted by shorthair:
If well secured it should be safe but I have to ask why you get to ride in the air condioning & pup does not, mine ride inside with us, if I'm warm & dry why not my pup too?

Because I don't poop and pee all over everything when I ride in the cab.

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Originally posted by 41 Redhawk:

quote:

Originally posted by shorthair:
If well secured it should be safe but I have to ask why you get to ride in the air condioning & pup does not, mine ride inside with us, if I'm warm & dry why not my pup too?

Because I don't poop and pee all over everything when I ride in the cab.

I guess y'all wouldn't want my ex riding up front with you.

I just reckoned that there would be more room back there than in the cab, even though it is an extended cab, the back is usually filled up with rifle, hunting clothes, tools, and all kind of BS, and the back is usually less crowded.

I'm also a little concerned about slamming i=on the brakes and turning corners. I figgered that if I put the crate in the back, and teach the dog to get in there, he might not be so prone to run around and get in the way while I'm driving 100 mph on the autobahn.

With the fiberglass topper and the windows open on the sides to let air in in the summer, I figured that might be acceptable.

Once adog is properly "crate trained," it is not a punishment for them to go in there. In fact, it is often comforting to many of them. Put a nice blanket or pad in there and the dog will be fine...use common sense. If it is -20 degrees and you are going to be driving 100 mph to give a windchill factor of "flash freezing," then the dog shouldn't be back there!

As stated above - be sure to strap the crate in and make sure the door is latched well.

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Originally posted by BBBruce:

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Originally posted by 41 Redhawk:

quote:

Originally posted by shorthair:
If well secured it should be safe but I have to ask why you get to ride in the air condioning & pup does not, mine ride inside with us, if I'm warm & dry why not my pup too?

Because I don't poop and pee all over everything when I ride in the cab.

I guess y'all wouldn't want my ex riding up front with you.

Now that's funny right there

One possible concern with the dog inside a topper could be the possibility of exhaust gasses entering the topper. Keep the door clossed and make sure the floorboards and exhaust system have no leaks. If equipped with side windows or a top vent I would crack one a bit to allow for some fresh air to enter.

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Originally posted by murkan mike:
...I figgered that if I put the crate in the back, and teach the dog to get in there, he might not be so prone to run around and get in the way while I'm driving 100 mph on the autobahn...

Just remember that if you're only doing 100 mph, then keep in the slow lane!! Remember that you're not on the I 35 anymore.

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Originally posted by 41 Redhawk:

quote:

Originally posted by shorthair:
If well secured it should be safe but I have to ask why you get to ride in the air condioning & pup does not, mine ride inside with us, if I'm warm & dry why not my pup too?

Because I don't poop and pee all over everything when I ride in the cab.

Neither do my dogs yes plural. I know that their going to work their hearts out for my pleasure so I figure that they can be comfortable coming & going plus I get to scratch a head or 2 enroute. In addition its just a truck its all fixable ain't it? They can be trained to curled up on the back seat & stay there till I tell 'em to get out.

quote:

Originally posted by 41 Redhawk:

quote:

Originally posted by shorthair:
If well secured it should be safe but I have to ask why you get to ride in the air condioning & pup does not, mine ride inside with us, if I'm warm & dry why not my pup too?

Because I don't poop and pee all over everything when I ride in the cab.

BTW the wife asks since your kids poop & pee do they ride in the back or do "they" get to be inside?

I know there are a lot of conflicting views on this issue but I believe everyone is safer with the dog in a properly constructed crate in the back.
No distractions while driving.
No chance of a dog jumping around to get in the way of your driving. And I think the dog is safer in a properly sized crate, especially in situations requiring evasive manuvers such as sharp turns and slamming on the brakes.

I just wish I could make my kids ride in crates in the back .

For those that worry about the dogs comfort so much, how can they expect a dog to jump in to icy water for a twenty minute retrieve on a crippled duck? They wouldn't expect their children to do this either.

In my humble opinion most people purchase crates that are too large anyway. A proper size crate should allow the dog enough room to turn around and curl up in rather snug generally.

Just my .02 cents worth

I know of two hunting dogs that have died in the back of pick-ups because of the heat, both in Texas. Cold doesn't seem to be as much of a problem as long as you keep the wind off them.

As a follow up to this question, I decided on just letting him ride in the passenger seat. I tell him to lie down, and he lays down and curls up in a ball. This is so much nicer now that he is getting bigger and I don't have to haul him up in the seat and take him down every time.

As a side benefit, my wife doesn't like to borrow my truck every time her car is empty on gas, because she says the truck 'smells like the dog' so she doesn't like use my truck and burn up all of my gas.

Plus the dog likes sitting in there next to me, and I don't have to worry about someone stealing something when I leave him in there if I have to go into the store for something.

Now that it's all said and done, I wouldn't want to let my little buddy ride in the back of the truck. He gets a prime spot right next to me. I might make the wife ride back there though.

Mike