Seat protector

[Elizabeth M.]

Has anyone used one of those sling type seat protectors? They attach to the headrests of the back and front seats. According to reviews they are extraordinarily good. However, I wonder about transporting a Newf that way. My puppy rides fine in the back of my SUV, but doesn't like to get in or out. (I say she doesn't like change!) Seriously though, she does NOT want to get in the car. Backs away when I try to even bring her close. I pick her up now and place her in, then she's fine to actually ride. Can't do that for too long though, so I'm open to other ideas. Does anybody use a ramp to get a full sized Newf in the car etc? Thanks! EM

 

[newfy]

If you want real protection try Marathon seat covers or CoverKing, many different fabrics & colors. They are custom fit, you can also get CoverKing thru COSTCO. I have for the dogs & on my work truck for protection.

 

[BlackLightning]

We have one of those and it is WONDERFUL!!!!!! We have had it since Ayasha came home and now at 1 1/2 years old, we need to replace it. We bought ours at Walmart for $20. It keeps our seats very clean. I would also consider a harness though to secure them in the backseat. I would try and work hard at this age to get your pup used to getting in and out of the car with little fuss. If it's tough now, wait until she's 120 pounds and doesn't want in the car. Ayasha was tough at first too, but with LOTS of praise and treats she now has no problems getting in or out of the car. Of course, when they are really young like yours, you pretty much have to lift them into the car. Try and make it fun and as positive as possible.

 

[new_2_newf]

I have one...Sulley doesn't really know what to make of it. At first, he would not get in my car (with or without it). It took a little persistence, and a lot of treats, but he will get in willingly now. He gets in my car (not suv, van, or truck, but compact car) on the floor, then steps on to the seat. For whatever reason, he doesn't like to step up on to the seat from the ground. I have the bib protector, mine has a zipper in the center of it...he gets up on the floor, up through the unzippered middle on to the seat and is fine. I zip him up, pack him in and away we go....it just takes a few min to get organized. It lets him stretch out a bit without rolling off the seat. persay...he is supported over the floor part.

If he would hop up into it, it would be great for keeping the car clean. as it is, mine is full of sand and slobber, but he is more comfortable, so that is all that matters.

 

[NewfieMama]

You also asked about a ramp - we have one from dogramps.com - the telescoping one and it's great. Cooper uses it to get in and out. Still working on Zuzu, though I have not "trained" her to it like I did Cooper. You lay it out flat on the ground and leash-walk on it, slowly back and forth with lots of treats. Took Cooper about 5 times back and forth then he got right into the car. Now he uses it without the leash.

Mary

 

[Sully]

I bought a seat cover when I was at the All About Pets Show here in Toronto. It is called 'Soggy Dog'. I just have a car, a Honda Civic, and Sully gets the back seat. The cover works great, easy to install over the seats and you can make a hole to get the seatbelt through if you want to strap them in. It is waterproof, and has catchers on the side to help prevent sand from falling off the sides of the seats. It is also machine washable. It has come in very handy, the waterproof aspect is a big plus for me. The floor still gets a bit sandy since it covers only the seats but that can just get vacuumed up. It is a Canadian product but I believe she does sell to some retailers in the USA (not sure where you are located). She has a website with a list of retailers. I got it for $50 CAD taxes in.

 

[lacey9875]

I have leather seats and I've thought about getting one for her. She hasn't done any damage to them, and it is really easy to wipe the hair off ( and onto the floor!) but I'm afraid with summer coming they'll get too hot for her. Glad to see all the recommendations.

And yea, wait until 70 lbs puts their paw on your shoulder to lift them out of the car. I think the last time I lifted Maggie out of the car, it was by her head because I couldn't hold her and she flung herself at me.

I used treats to teach her how to get out of the car. I swear she's part gazelle.

 

[Jorge's mum]

I have one and seat covers, handy when they are wet as it can just be washed, go for the thicker ones some of the cheaper ones will split with the weight of a newf!

 

[JackandKelly]

My puppy rides fine in the back of my SUV, but doesn't like to get in or out. (I say she doesn't like change!) Seriously though, she does NOT want to get in the car. Backs away when I try to even bring her close. I pick her up now and place her in, then she's fine to actually ride. Can't do that for too long though, so I'm open to other ideas. Does anybody use a ramp to get a full sized Newf in the car etc? Thanks! EM

All of mine have went through a stage during their puppyhood where they wouldn't get in the car. Sophie was the worst. I think if you search I asked for suggestions on here, maybe it was on Facebook..not sure.
Anyways, Sophie wouldn't get within 20 feet of the car for awhile even though when she did get in we always went and did something fun, like walks, or get ice cream etc.. Finally I started parking the car in the attached garage. I would feed her just outside the car next to the closed door. After a couple times I started feeding her next to the open door. Then finally after awhile I started feeding her in the car. Kind of like you would do if they don't like their crate. Now when I open the car door she can't push Lola aside fast enough so she can get in first.

 

[RiverTheNewf]

I was wondering about those covers, because I received one from my mom for Christmas but I haven't put it in the car. Meanwhile, my seats are covered in sand and shiny slobber (I don't know what material my seats are but the slobber looks so SHINY when it dries). Maybe I will try it.

 

[svikes84]

I don't worry about seat covers as both of our vehicles have leather and wipe clean rather easy but WOW....!!! I've had the opposite problem since she was 12 weeks old, I cannot keep Koda out of a vehicle. If the door is open she will be in it, with or without your permission, mine or a visitor, coming or going; she has even been shut up inside of one for hours accidently. Her only experience from a puppy was trips to the Vet, I guess they really made a good impression!