Dog Solutions - Escape or Not?

[dittodog]

My dog rides a lot in my Runner. I really need some sort of separation from the cargo area (hers) and the seats area (mine).
I have looked at tons of different tube frame racks and other solutions. During my search, I came across one that had an "escape" feature just in case of the animal getting stuck as the result of certain accidents. It mostly seemed like one corner of it was able to be pushed out.
At first, I thought it seemed unnecessary, but now I wonder. I am in Florida and people drive into ponds and drainage areas all the time. There is also the chance of a solo accident and the driver is unconscious. I guess if a dog is under a survival situation then it will force its way out.

Anyone know exactly what I am talking about?
Do you think it is a good idea?

Either way, if you have any experience with cargo area separation systems that are easy to take in/out and work. Please share.

 

[telum01]

I have a cargo net, but haven't installed it yet. You can get use a quick release of some kind (carabiner, snap-buckle, etc) to hold the net in place at its mounting points. In case of emergency, you could quickly remove the net.

I looked at solid dividers and wasn't impressed by any of them so I'm going the net route.

 

[Hakabo]

I had always though about rigging something that would swing down frontage ceiling and latch somehow on the back if the seats. That was mostly daydreaming for having a much older beat up vehicle. I'll probably just put one of those big wire crates back there to keep my dogs in line.

 

[Nervo19]

Cute dog if that's him or her in the your avatar? How old? Or is it you? I ask because I thought my lab would drive us all INSANE her first couple of years. Once the vehicle was underway a few minutes she would joyfully fling herself into the front seat without regard as to whether the passenger seat was free. Many road trips were completed with a lab balanced on the console. After about age two she learned to STAY and stayed where we put her. Meanwhile a strip of scrap plywood or really big pillow kept her in place on a couple of trips. I would hesitate to trap her for the reason you mentioned.

She's 10 now:

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[Mytoy4]

I wouldn't hesitate for a second, as mentioned above. It's not "trapping", it's restraining and it's the best thing you can do for yourself, your dog or anyone else in the vehicle.

I cringe knowing someone would allow their dog to sit in the front seat.
Would you allow your small child to roam free in a car? Probably not, in the case of an accident he/she would likely be injured or even killed.

An unbuckled person or pet inside a vehicle during collision results in something like a missile being thrown around hitting yourself and others (that's if they're not thrown out the widow first).
I take pet restraint so serious. I have a Great Dane that has a crash tested safety harness that he wears whenever he's in his van.

Please check out the safety specs of the product you buy. A lot of safety harnesses will not hold in impact and same goes with cargo barriers.

 

[dittodog]

Actually, the dog in my avatar and from my name, Ditto, passed away two years ago. Best dog ever....can't bring myself to changing pic. Current dog is a more of a shepelle - sheep / gazelle mix

Interesting points there Mytoy. I think I may have to consider the most likely event, that being an accident that the animal gets thrown out over the seat and either into the windshield or the back of my head.
No doubt in my mind that those flimsy tube style ones will not hold back something like that.
As of now, I am leaning toward a nylon cargo net that I secure to base of headrests and up to the handle pull things behind the door. A couple climbing grade carabiners and it should be easy and out.

Now to find the cargo netting.....

Thanks for the replies.