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Does anyone have problems with dogs in their Prius?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by cczajko, Apr 29, 2007.

  1. cczajko

    cczajko New Member

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    I am about to go buy my first Prius, but I just read a note that someone's dog won't ride in it. This is important to me, because it is one of the reasons I selected the Prius over a fun little 2 seater, that and the amazing mileage an no emissions, but it's important to me. We go out of town alot with our dogs.

    Please tell me if you take your dogs in the Prius. I am making the decision this morning.
     
  2. tustin

    tustin New Member

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    I take our 2 dogs in the Prius without a problem. I fold the back seats down to keep them off
    the leather seats - works great.
     
  3. cczajko

    cczajko New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(czajk @ Apr 29 2007, 09:47 AM) [snapback]432119[/snapback]</div>

    Thanks, I was starting to really worry.
     
  4. montelb@ada.k12.oh.us

    [email protected] New Member

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    We've taken our dog in the Prius, and he is the same neurotic dog there as in the van. Seriously, no problems for us!
     
  5. Godiva

    Godiva AmeriKan Citizen

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    Ramses loves to ride. He can see out the windows on the way to play with Candy, and on the way back, he can sleep with his chin on the center console. The few times I've had Candy in the car with him, she's loved it too.

    I wouldn't worry.
     
  6. Rxmxsh

    Rxmxsh Member

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    I'm sure it'll be fine... We have two Italian Greyhounds, but I've been too anal to let them in the Prius... We just keep using my wife's car.... :D
     
  7. Maytrix

    Maytrix Member

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    My dog just doesn't like riding in cars in general. The Prius is no better or worse than my previous car.
     
  8. priussoris

    priussoris New Member

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    Our dog likes the Prius over the jeep we had . Now he stays in the back seat (exactseat covers of course)
    and sleeps. unlike the jeep he was jumping around from back to front seat .
    I am glad this calmed him down.

    Oh he is a chihuahua,min pin, dachsund mix. one neurotic little dog and now calm as can be in the back of the prius. I think because it is a smoother ride. We leave him in the car when we go out due to the fact he has seperation anxiety if we leave him at home by himself the house is destroyed, but in the prius it's sleepy time .
     
  9. just_marci

    just_marci New Member

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    Mine is fine with it. He'd be happier with a little more headroom but it's his own fault for not laying down and relaxing.
     
  10. skruse

    skruse Senior Member

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    Our Australian Shepherds love to ride in our Prius. They wear doggie seatbelt harnesses secured to the rear metal loops (behind the bar). They enjoy the view and the ride! The rear seats are folded down (forward) and the entire rear is covered with a SUV cargo area liner. The dogs stay in the rear-most portion of the vehicle.

    My worst complaint - a few dog hairs to vacuum from time to time.
     
  11. Bearcatzzz

    Bearcatzzz Junior Member

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    I had dark tint added to the back windows to cut down on the direct sunlight.

    I also bought an SUV liner for the back(from PETCO) to protect the carpet .

    Just a practical point or two or three:
    1) I have a 65 lb lab mix, and sometimes she has problems with getting in and out the side doors when the seats are down because of the seat belts. I usually put her in and out through the back.

    2) If you choose to let your dog use the back hatch, you need to have control of your dog. While you are opening the hatch, there is a moment where your dog could escape if it is a bolter. I have mine lay down before opening the door. The dark tint makes it difficult to see your dog. I would suggest leaving the glass strip untinted. I would do it that way now.

    3) Some posters have discussed fences to contain their dog. My dog will stay in the back section of the car with the seats up. Raising the headrests on the backseats provides a barrier to keep the dog in the back area.

    As far a dog's desire to go, if they want to go they'll climb into most anything. I don't think that dogs are model particular ;)

    Where are you buying your Prius? Be careful at Folsom Lake. Car great- dealership sneaky
     
  12. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    My 85lb Shepherd has no problems in my Prius. My younger male used to be extremely frightened to ride in the back of my 4x4 (in a crate) and I had to pick him up to make him get inside the bed but he loved hoping in the Prius. I think my truck was just too loud and tall for him.

    I flip my rear seats down and I have a thick comforter I lay down over the entire back area and up onto the tops of the front seats to minimize dog hair and slobber.

    I got reamed at Folsom Lake because I am dumb when it comes to buying new cars and being new technology I bought all the stupid warranty package stuff. :( The service was great though. lol
     
  13. Sufferin' Prius Envy

    Sufferin' Prius Envy Platinum Member

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    Does anyone have problems with dogs in their Prius?
    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(czajk @ Apr 29 2007, 09:47 AM) [snapback]432119[/snapback]</div>
    I have just the opposite problems . . .
    I have no dog, but my Prius does have emissions. ;)
    I wish it were the other way around. Well, um, except maybe for the dog emissions. :huh: :blink:

    On the other hand, our cat HATES the inside of the Prius.
    When we open the car door he runs for his life.
    He knows if he ends up inside, it's another trip to the vet's.
    He wants nothing to do with that car interior.
    Hood, windshield, roof? No problem . . . for HIM!!!! :angry:
     
  14. Mr07touring

    Mr07touring New Member

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    No problems - Prius hatch seems made for dogs w/ their own window to look back out of - Pepper's head hits if he sits up, unless he is facing forward and puting his head over the rear seats to check on the scanguage II (OCD/ADD Border Collie ).
    If the hatch is up and I say "OK Pepper" you better not be standing in the way of the hatch opening.
    [attachmentid=7742]
     

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  15. vk-30

    vk-30 Junior Member

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    I have a 65# mut who looks like a black Belgian Shepard. He's fine back there. Occasionally comes into the rest of the car.

    I had the windows tinted one shade short of limosine (entire rear except the thin strip and also the rear passenger windows). This keeps the car and the dog cooler and I highly recommend it.

    I can't really see that he prefers either the Prius or our Accord wagon. Of course, he can't talk to tell me.

    =-VK
     
  16. priusmaybe

    priusmaybe New Member

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    I have an 8th month 3 lb. Chihuahua and I also babysit for another chi. My last car had vinyl and they never pottied or anything.

    I have laid down towels over the seat and arm rest console, but the dogs are driving me crazy with this fabric and wanting to climb up on the doors and dash with their nails. They also have attempted to mark the fabric and I have caught them in time.

    I used to be able to leave them in the car for a quick trip into the store for milk and bread or to get a coffee, but I am afraid to now.

    My little dog is crate trained and I am going to get a small one to leave in the car and go back to that, esp for long drives. Soon it will be too hot to leave them at all. I would like to put them in the hatch, but a Chi would never stand for it.

    I want to add leather but can't afford to right now. This is going to work my nerves till I find a solution. I am going to look at some covers.
     
  17. livelychick

    livelychick Missin' My Prius

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    My 3 year old 85 lb lab/terrier mix loves it. Of course, he loves doing everything as long as he's with us.

    My MinPin (13 years old) hates everything, but tolerates riding in cars, including the Prius.

    No worries. :)
     
  18. priussoris

    priussoris New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(livelychick @ Apr 29 2007, 06:40 PM) [snapback]432249[/snapback]</div>
    I thought you traded the Pri in already?
    I guess I missed that memo
     
  19. cireecnop1

    cireecnop1 New Member

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    My 5 month old Chocolate lab loves the fron floor board, only because he can stretch across the length of the car with no problem.

    when he gets older/bigger I am gonna put a seat cover on the back, or maybe one of those dog hammocks that attach to the headrests. that way he doesn't ruin my seats.
     
  20. geeky teacher

    geeky teacher New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(priussoris @ Apr 29 2007, 10:00 PM) [snapback]432292[/snapback]</div>
    I believe that was cheapchic who traded in her Prius because she was buffeted by the wind too much, not LivelyChick.