Jeeps n Dogs (on the trail advice wanted)

[rdubb1031]

Hey all, I've had my Gladiator for a couple of years now after owning a JKU for 12 years. Recently we've added a puppy to the family, chocolate lab who is now 5 months old. We go easy to moderate wheeling a couple of times a year and want to bring her along safely. This is where I'm looking for input.

We have three kids, so the back seat is full. She'll need to go in the bed where I have an RSI Smartcap with a bedrug on the floor. I'd like to hear how some of you
1. Progressed your dogs from puppy to adult on the trails? Did you start in the cab? in crates? tethered, not? and how they advanced? Are they loose now in the cap?
2. How you currently take dogs wheeling?
3. Any recommendations for supplies/things to have for the dog (or you) on the trail?

I'm hoping to find the right way to introduce my puppy to the Jeep life and get her to a point where she can pop in the back and head up with us...

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[James H]

When I bring my dog wheeling, he's always in the cab. Usually my wife or one of the kids holds onto him. He's liable to get tossed around and hurt in the bed.

 

[Chief_jeep]

My two dogs ride in the back seat. I removed the seats and made a platform for them to hangout on. I put a dog bed on it and there’s storage underneath for recovery gear and other things.

When we are moving slowly I let them out of the Jeep and they run around and follow us down the trail.

I wouldn’t leave my dogs in the bed unless it wasn’t hot at all. If it’s not hot, then I’d toss a dog bed back there. They quickly learn to lay down so they don’t get tossed around.

 

[High Alextude]

Have the dog sit with the passenger, the floor of the back or on top the kids. ventilation would be an issue in the bed. I have a 50lb shepherd, so about medium size that will literally curl up on the floor like a donut. As long as it isn’t super squirmy, the dog will find a place to get comfy.

Super cute btw!

 

[Koryluke]

We take our two mini poodle's(although we don’t wheel properly). We use the stoic pet hammock and just move it to one side if we have guest in the back. We also use bungee seatbelts and harnesses to keep them locked in and safe. They each have their own pet first-aid kits from REI. And we keep a fresh 5L water canister as well. And the most annoying and kinda adorable piece of gear is dog googles to avoid rocks hitting them when they have their faces out the window! We are more camper/surfers than off-road people. Honestly get a quick guide or google basic per first aid.

 

[Riding with Gladys]

Hey all, I've had my Gladiator for a couple of years now after owning a JKU for 12 years. Recently we've added a puppy to the family, chocolate lab who is now 5 months old. We go easy to moderate wheeling a couple of times a year and want to bring her along safely. This is where I'm looking for input.

We have three kids, so the back seat is full. She'll need to go in the bed where I have an RSI Smartcap with a bedrug on the floor. I'd like to hear how some of you
1. Progressed your dogs from puppy to adult on the trails? Did you start in the cab? in crates? tethered, not? and how they advanced? Are they loose now in the cap?
2. How you currently take dogs wheeling?
3. Any recommendations for supplies/things to have for the dog (or you) on the trail?

I'm hoping to find the right way to introduce my puppy to the Jeep life and get her to a point where she can pop in the back and head up with us...

Does the smartcap have a pass through window with the cab? I would think a well secured crate in the bed would be the place to start but would want to be able to check on her. Also would need to be really careful about heat build up in the cap. Once she was adapted then a simple dog bed in the back as a "safe" place would probably be fine. Would be great if she could pop her head into the cab to be with her people.

 

[rdubb1031]

Does the smartcap have a pass through window with the cab? I would think a well secured crate in the bed would be the place to start but would want to be able to check on her. Also would need to be really careful about heat build up in the cap. Once she was adapted then a simple dog bed in the back as a "safe" place would probably be fine. Would be great if she could pop her head into the cab to be with her people.

Yeah, it has the pass thru, two side sliders and a top vent. Plus I'm in Colorado so it's always cooler in the mountains. 50/60s this weekend.

 

[Riding with Gladys]

Yeah, it has the pass thru, two side sliders and a top vent. Plus I'm in Colorado so it's always cooler in the mountains. 50/60s this weekend.

You should not have any trouble especially if she is crate trained at home. More power to you for having 3 kids and a dog and wanting them all with you. I get what others are saying about having their dogs in the cab but with 3 kids that really doesnt seem feasible. Sounds like temps won't be an issue and the other risk would be jumping out of the back but with the smart cap that wouldnt be a problem. Lots of treats at every stop and she will be all in for wheeling.

 

[Elff]

Get a crate
Put crate in bed
put kids in crate

Let dog sit in front.

ignore this advice if you do not want child services to visit you.

 

[rdubb1031]

Get a crate
Put crate in bed
put kids in crate

Let dog sit in front.

ignore this advice if you do not want child services to visit you.

This is 100% the right answer.. if I give the kids a phone, they'd be happy with it too.. Wife and the 5-0 are the ones that frown at this...

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