Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 05-21-2016, 12:15 PM   #1
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 7
Keeping dogs out of the front cockpit while underway

Hi all! Hope I'm posting correctly...Tapatalk sure makes things look goofy...

We travel with our two 50 pound dogs and they both want to be up in the cockpit during travel. This is obviously dangerous and incredibly annoying for the navigator, who spends every minute trying to keep them off the dash or out from under the driver's legs.

We've been jury rigging methods to keep them out, but nothing that's worth adopting as a consistent tactic. Has anyone had this issue and found a workable solution?

We drive a '07 Winnebago Voyage. Thanks all!
Lizzrd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-21-2016, 12:23 PM   #2
Winnebago Owner
 
Scarab0088's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: SoCal
Posts: 61
Lizzrd,
:welcome:

We use a baby gate that has a doorway. It is pinched between the driver's chair and the retracted slide...meeting the opposing wall.

It is removed and folds up when we reach the destination.

A permanent option would get in the way while camping, so we keep it temporary.

Best luck
__________________
Kim and Steve, Mustang LCDR (Ret), Damon Outlaw #1193
I have seen gross intolerance shown in support of tolerance, Samuel Coleridge
[SIGPIC]https://www.irv2.com/attachments/signaturepics/sigpic84535_7.gif[/SIGPIC]
WE LOVE OUR OUTLAW RV
Scarab0088 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-21-2016, 12:26 PM   #3
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 7
Quote:
Originally Posted by Scarab0088 View Post
Lizzrd,
:welcome:

We use a baby gate that has a doorway. It is pinched between the driver's chair and the retracted slide...meeting the opposing wall.

It is removed and folds up when we reach the destination.

A permanent option would get in the way while camping, so we keep it temporary.

Best luck
Thank you! I'll start hunting. My fear is that they'll hop over, but I'm sure we can find a way to reinforce them vertically.
Lizzrd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-21-2016, 12:46 PM   #4
Winnebago Camper
 
HR2004's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 11
We only have one dog, only 35 lbs. she has a harness and we picked up a seatbelt harness at Petsmart and it clips into the seatbelt for the drivers side couch. we added enough smooth chain so she can get between us and see out the front window but can't get under feet on in lap..
__________________
2004 Holiday Rambler DST
Jefferson City, Missouri
Navy vet 67/71 Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club
HR2004 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-21-2016, 12:46 PM   #5
Winnebago Watcher
 
ctbruce's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 2
I may be reaching here, but have you tried training them rather than just restrictions them? I'm not trying to sound mean, just curious.
ctbruce is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-21-2016, 01:09 PM   #6
Winnebago Owner
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 104
Our 20lb female attempted to get behind the brake pedal. She has some anxiety when traveling but had been good about staying in crate with door open. So simple, we close crate door. Only time she uses it. Male stays in his bed between the seats and every so often stalks to the passenger for a head rub. He follows direction and is easy to travel with and no anxiety.
cpoo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-21-2016, 01:12 PM   #7
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 7
Quote:
Originally Posted by ctbruce View Post
I may be reaching here, but have you tried training them rather than just restrictions them? I'm not trying to sound mean, just curious.
Of course. They're young and still a work in progress.
Lizzrd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-21-2016, 01:16 PM   #8
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 7
Quote:
Originally Posted by HR2004 View Post
We only have one dog, only 35 lbs. she has a harness and we picked up a seatbelt harness at Petsmart and it clips into the seatbelt for the drivers side couch. we added enough smooth chain so she can get between us and see out the front window but can't get under feet on in lap..
That's a good point. Thanks for the reminder. The belts are never used since there are only two of us, so they're below the couch.
Lizzrd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-21-2016, 01:30 PM   #9
Winnebago Watcher
 
ctbruce's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 2
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lizzrd View Post
Of course. They're young and still a work in progress.
Good luck with their training. Sounds like fun times ahead. I asked because I have a 100+ pound German Shepherd that stays in the back seat of the truck...until we stop. Then his alphaness comes out and he wants to drive! Have a great summer and if you figure out the training, let me know!
ctbruce is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-21-2016, 06:11 PM   #10
Winnebago Master
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,080
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lizzrd View Post
Thank you! I'll start hunting. My fear is that they'll hop over, but I'm sure we can find a way to reinforce them vertically.
The child gates come in several heights. We have a couple that are 24" tall and a third that's 26" tall. The taller one also expands farther. We used them when our dogs were puppies. They now sleep either on the couch or in a dog bed under the dinette when we're traveling. If they do come up to see us we know it's time to find a place to pull over for a doggie potty stop.
__________________
Hikerdogs
2013 Adventurer 32H
Hikerdogs is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-21-2016, 08:29 PM   #11
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 48
We have a Winnebago Voyage and a German Shepard.

When traveling we put our dog in a harness. The harness wraps around the front and back of our dog's front legs. We attach a leash to the harness and a tie down that I installed on the MH's floor. This controls our dog very well.

Before installing the tie down I had visions of our dog flying thru the front windshield during a hard stop. This is a much safer arrangement for all of us.
JoeSR is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-21-2016, 09:46 PM   #12
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 7
Quote:
Originally Posted by JoeSR View Post
We have a Winnebago Voyage and a German Shepard.

When traveling we put our dog in a harness. The harness wraps around the front and back of our dog's front legs. We attach a leash to the harness and a tie down that I installed on the MH's floor. This controls our dog very well.

Before installing the tie down I had visions of our dog flying thru the front windshield during a hard stop. This is a much safer arrangement for all of us.
How much free rein does this give your GSD? And where did you install the tie down? I appreciate your response.
Lizzrd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-22-2016, 07:51 PM   #13
Winnebago Master
 
FIRE UP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Out there, somewhere
Posts: 1,740
While some may regard this suggestion as a bit excessive, what about those "invisible" boundary devices. I think they're used to keep animals inside property etc. without the use of fences, wires and visible restraints. I've never used one but, I thought I'd suggest it. If it would work, I would think you'd just put one sending unit on one side of the coach, say, behind the co-pilots seat and, the other behind the drivers seat.

To me, that should keep both of them from entering your area yet, leave you free to walk back and forth with no restraints.
Scott
__________________
2004 ITASCA HORIZON 36GD, 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 4x4 Toad '08 GL 1800 Gold Wing
Retired-29.5 yrs, SDFD, Ham - KI6OND
Me, Karla and the Sophie character, (mini Schnauzer)
FIRE UP is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-22-2016, 08:00 PM   #14
Winnebago Camper
 
jacwjames's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 13
My wife bred's, raises, and shows dogs. We have had as many as 11 dogs. Each one rides in a crate while traveling unless my wife has one out grooming etc. We currently have 2 larger dogs, so 2 large crates on the bottom and then the smaller dogs have crates on top of these with a couple more as needed on the floor under the kitchen table.

I know it sounds crazy but such is life, I married my wife and dogs are part of hers so they travel with us as needed. If we go on extended trips we will leave some at home with a house sitter.
__________________
Jim J
2002 Monaco Windsor 38 PKD
2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee w/5.7 Hemi
jacwjames is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-22-2016, 08:48 PM   #15
Winnebago Owner
 
Scarab0088's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: SoCal
Posts: 61
Crates are a very responsible method to carriage pets. The downside is the risk of motion sickness in the confined space.

We work with a 501.c3 dog rescue and have transported many dogs in crates in our RV.

But as said above, our pets free travel in the RV behind a baby gate to prevent them from causing any safety issues in the cockpit. Of course our pets are calm and acclimated to RV travel.

Safe travels
__________________
Kim and Steve, Mustang LCDR (Ret), Damon Outlaw #1193
I have seen gross intolerance shown in support of tolerance, Samuel Coleridge
[SIGPIC]https://www.irv2.com/attachments/signaturepics/sigpic84535_7.gif[/SIGPIC]
WE LOVE OUR OUTLAW RV
Scarab0088 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-22-2016, 08:59 PM   #16
Winnebago Watcher
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 2
We travel with two smaller dogs. Each has its own crate. They often ride out of the create but they a are available I'd needed. That also sleep in them at night and when we are out of the motorhome for the day.
CWJK55 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-23-2016, 06:02 AM   #17
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 7
Quote:
Originally Posted by Scarab0088 View Post
Crates are a very responsible method to carriage pets. The downside is the risk of motion sickness in the confined space.

We work with a 501.c3 dog rescue and have transported many dogs in crates in our RV.

But as said above, our pets free travel in the RV behind a baby gate to prevent them from causing any safety issues in the cockpit. Of course our pets are calm and acclimated to RV travel.

Safe travels
Scarab, would you kindly link me to the gate you are using?
Lizzrd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-23-2016, 09:05 AM   #18
Winnebago Owner
 
Scarab0088's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: SoCal
Posts: 61
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lizzrd View Post
Scarab, would you kindly link me to the gate you are using?
We acquired an Evenflo brand baby gate system that has ends (wings) that slide to fit. It has soft web-net around the metal frame for the walls and door surface:
Summer Infant Custom Fit Gate - Walmart.com

The soft net is actually very strong and keeps the pups on the right side of the wall very well, plus the net would prevent a twisting injury to a paw or leg in a panic stop - unlike the gates with railings.

Just realized we never took a photo of the gate set-up but in the background here, you can see our secondary use for the gate - to block the entry door when we are busy going in and out of the door...
Click image for larger version

Name:	Dogs RV George.jpg
Views:	224
Size:	273.9 KB
ID:	127909
And here's a shot of the typical riding positions for a long trip (dinette down to add another soft/safe place to lay.
Click image for larger version

Name:	DogBed.jpg
Views:	220
Size:	138.3 KB
ID:	127908


Safe travels
__________________
Kim and Steve, Mustang LCDR (Ret), Damon Outlaw #1193
I have seen gross intolerance shown in support of tolerance, Samuel Coleridge
[SIGPIC]https://www.irv2.com/attachments/signaturepics/sigpic84535_7.gif[/SIGPIC]
WE LOVE OUR OUTLAW RV
Scarab0088 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-23-2016, 09:23 AM   #19
Winnebago Owner
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 65
We use strap on harnesses strapped to the seat belts on the couch, keeps the dogs under control and also safe if we have to make a sudden maneuver. They would prefer to be free to roam, but just like we have to be belted in, they should be as well.
__________________
2014 Itasca Sunova 33C
georgelesley is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-24-2016, 10:11 AM   #20
Winnebago Owner
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: California
Posts: 62
We found the expandable baby gate works well. We just lean it up between the slide and the back of drivers seat and the recliner on the passenger side, it tends to tilt back which helps stop our dog from trying to get over it. We just fold it up when we get to where we're going. Wouldn't want anything permanent in that area.
We had one of our smaller dogs get behind the brake pedal years ago, and don't want that to happen again. Scary situation.
__________________
2002 Winnebago Adventurer 32V
Marguerite66 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Any suggestions to kill bad odor from black tank when toilet is used while underway? donnariley53 Plumbing | Systems and Fixtures 31 11-02-2016 09:05 PM
Keeping Clean a Vulnerable Slide-Out Dive Assembly ed rzepka General Maintenance and Repair 6 05-06-2016 02:51 PM
Keeping Chassis Battery Charged corvettec3 Electrical | Charging, Solar and Electronics 8 06-14-2015 11:11 AM
Newbie and Mountain Driving 330 Cat keeping it Cool? LPD218 General Maintenance and Repair 20 10-15-2012 11:37 PM
Propane use when underway JanBCarter General Maintenance and Repair 22 09-20-2005 06:34 PM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Winnebago Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:54 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.