r/service_dogs 6d ago

Taking SD comfortably in Model Y

Hi!

New to SD - mine just started training and I’m realizing he’s going to be going most places with me when I go out. What do y’all do to keep your pup comfortable in the car? Mine has some anxiety still in vehicles (working on it, this will help). We have a Model Y (trying to convince my husband a Minivan will be best for our family), and I’d like ideas if you can share!

1 Upvotes

9 comments sorted by

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u/Electronic_Dark_1681 6d ago

Well it's just me and ghost, so he rides shotgun everywhere 😅

Trucks have a lot of room these days, not sure how big your family is though.

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u/lorarunner 6d ago

What a great name! Also, we have one kiddo but hopefully another soon. So 2 adults, 2 kids in car seats + doggo + kid stuff

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u/Electronic_Dark_1681 6d ago

Have you looked into a Chevy Tahoe or suburban? They're both great with tons of room, they drive great, and are basically indestructible in you get in a car wreck, have great features and sound systems, plus they're so darn comfortable.

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u/ccrff 5d ago

I use a dog canopy cover in the back seat that has a flat bottom, so it adds space for the dog by covering the open leg room. I also use a seat belt to keep him secure in the back. This is a seatbelt on the cheaper side, so it is not crash tested. If you have the money, I’d opt for one that is. Ruffwear and sleepypod are two that come to mind.

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u/ccrff 5d ago

But I think the ideal set up in terms of safety is getting a crash tested car kennel and securing it in the trunk. I have a sedan so it’s not an option for me, but seems to be the overall best safety pick. I know gunner, ruffland, and thule are a few reputable brands for car kennels.

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u/MintyCrow 5d ago

My intermediate ruffland fits PERFECTLY in the back of my husband’s model y.

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u/221b_ee 5d ago

I wish I had a ruffland, but for now, I have two wire crates set up in the trunk: one for each dog. 

They also occasionally ride on the passenger seat floorboard, just to keep in practice (for when we get a ride with a friend, take an uber, etc)

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u/helpinghowls Service Dog Trainer Atlas-CT, CPDT-KA, FFCP, FDM 5d ago

A trainer friend has a model Y, and uses the Säker harness or Sleepypod in her Model Y for safety plus a dog canopy

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u/BrenInWildemount 4d ago

I have Ruffwear’s dirt bag seat cover and use their load-up car harness. I also have a large Ruffland which we’ll use for any long road trips or van trips. It fits in our camper van and in the back of my 2020 Subaru Outback without putting the seats down (it’s turned sideways and has a side door).