Question:We just got a Subaru Forester, complete with a "dog guard," which is a very strong grate which blocks the dog from coming into the back seat (she rides in the far back). Previously we had her in a harness, which was secured to the vehicle. I am a little reluctant to now put her in the back without the harness, with only the dog guard to protect her. My husband worries that she might strangle herself in the strap if we keep her harnessed in. What is safest for her, dog guard only or dog guard and harness?
Answers:
Trust the harness, your husbands fears may not be unfounded. In this pdf file it says, "A dog guard will keep the dog away from the driver but will not protect the animal in a crash.
Only dog guard. I agree with your husband.
Dog harness shouldn't be around your dogs neck. You might want to look for a different design on new harness.
I will only use the seat belt harness on my dogs. I use to have a guard, but if you make a fast stop your dog could be injured. With the seat belt harness they are secure and in place. I know this because a friend of mine was in a roll over accident and both her dogs were in seat belt harnesses and were shaken but both fine and very much alive! All the best;~)
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