Car recommendations - large boot

marlot

Professional dog walkers I've met seem to quite like Berlingos. They seem to take plenty of dogs in cages.

Richard53

highwaytohell1 wrote: »

To be honest she was terrified of the car generally and it has taken a lot just to get her in, but I know she is alright for instance in a crate in the dog walker's van.

Are you sure it's the space in the car that is the problem? If a dog is used to being in a cage and feels secure there, perhaps this is the reason why she is OK with the dog walkers and less happy in yours. Have you thought of getting a crate for your existing car?

bugslet

highwaytohell1 wrote: »

Never thought my car choices would be based on a 20kg hairy beast rather than kids/travel etc but there you go!

Just a demonstration of what a kind caring human being you are - or lunacy, take your pick:D

Rolandtheroadie wrote: »

Is the kia ceed an estate? Our 30kg dog was happy in the boot of ours.
We've got a Nissan Note now too, and if you move the rear seat forward, its adequate for the dog too.

Well go on, for us dog nuts, what is your breed? 30kgs, that's a big one!

Feral_Moon wrote: »

And no, you're not alone in buying a car based purely on the dog's needs :rotfl:

Yep I got a 7 month old Vauxhall Combo, looks good in black, zips along and bought it because it gets the four dogs in, three smallish and a giant schnauzer.

Feral_Moon

bugslet wrote: »

Well go on, for us dog nuts, what is your breed? 30kgs, that's a big one!

Depends what you call big!

A labrador/collie/boxer etc would be around 30kg.

My GSD is 43kg whereas something like a Great Dane or Bull Mastiff would be around 60kg.

Now that's what I call BIG! lol

Gloomendoom

My car has a big boot and self levelling suspension so could take any weight dog without a problem.

It also has the advantage that is a saloon so, with the lid firmly shut, dogs would be out of sight and out of mind. Probably help keep the doggy smell out of the cabin too.

highwaytohell1

Are you sure it's the space in the car that is the problem? If a dog is used to being in a cage and feels secure there, perhaps this is the reason why she is OK with the dog walkers and less happy in yours. Have you thought of getting a crate for your existing car?

Yes have tried a crate, have tried every combination of crate/seat/guard etc there is. A crate doesn't fit with the hatchback roof, I would have to have a custom one. Which I would do if she was happy, but she's not. Long story but she cowers when the boot closes and won't jump in. She was terrified of the car when we got her but after lots of feeding in there/treats etc I can now get her in even though she doesn't enjoy it. She doesn't like the dog walker's van as such but is prepared to do it!

I do think a crate is best though, so was planning on fitting one when I find a suitable car! The van type ones would be perfect but I don't really want to drive one (bet that's what we end up getting though!).

She's a Rough Collie so although a 20kg collie doesn't sound that big, she's much bigger than a Border and doesn't fold up neatly like a greyhound

highwaytohell1

Just looking at the Honda Jazz, looks really interesting! If we could fold just one side that means my daughter could fit in too which is what we need.

Herzlos

facade wrote: »

Quite why new cars seem to have a small round letterbox back door I can't imagine, as you'd struggle to get a washing machine in one.

safety, weight and cost savings.

facade

Gloomendoom wrote: »

It also has the advantage that is a saloon so, with the lid firmly shut, dogs would be out of sight and out of mind. Probably help keep the doggy smell out of the cabin too.

If you shut my dog in a dark boot she'd let you know she was in there, and if you still ignored her for an hour, there wouldn't be anything that wasn't plate steel left in pieces bigger than your thumbnail.;)

Feral_Moon

Gloomendoom wrote: »

My car has a big boot and self levelling suspension so could take any weight dog without a problem.

It also has the advantage that is a saloon so, with the lid firmly shut, dogs would be out of sight and out of mind. Probably help keep the doggy smell out of the cabin too.

I'm sure this is a tongue in cheek comment. At least I hope so!! :eek: