If your dog ends up wedged in the footwell every time you brake, you are not alone. Smooth upholstery, a gap between the seats and no fixed point to settle on all work against them. Here is what is going on and how to fix it.
Why it happens
- Slippery seats: leather and fabric give no grip when the car moves.
- The seat gap: the space between the seat base and the front seats is a trap dogs slide into.
- Nothing to anchor to: without a defined, flat space, dogs brace and pace instead of settling.
How to stop it
- Use a hammock-style cover. A hammock stretches from the back of the front seats to the back seat, closing the footwell gap so your dog cannot slide down.
- Add a non-slip surface. A textured, non-slip cover gives grip so your dog stays put when you brake.
- Restrain on the back seat. A harness clipped through a seatbelt opening keeps your dog secure and legal.
A hammock cover solves all three at once: it closes the gap, adds grip, and protects your seats from the mud and hair that come with an active dog.
Travelling with your dog? The GuzzleGuts Backseat Defender is a waterproof dog car seat cover and hammock that protects your back seat and door panels from muddy paws, hair and scratches, with built-in seatbelt openings so you can still buckle your dog in. Free shipping and a 90-day money-back guarantee.
