Can I ask a Bergan question (dog auto harness)

monstah

New member

• Apr 7, 2012

• #1

I ordered already but it's still shipping. I need to use it in the front seat and the buckle stalk is rigid, not a loop like Bergan suggests you clip onto.
I was thinking of two ways to secure him. One, buckle the seatbelt, lock it, and clip to the lap belt. Or two, I have an extra buckle from when I had a seatbelt replaced, the carabiner won't fit through the seatbelt slot but I could thread a D ring or clip a latch strap onto it. Both of these methods leave me open to him in a crash.

I'm trying to think of a way to protect me, the driver. Maybe if I McGuyver a strap through the seat bight and around the hinge closest to the door? I have extra LATCH straps and could probably do something that should hold up in a typical collision.

Bergan owners, suggestions??

 

S

Syllieann

New member

• Apr 7, 2012

• #2

I would just attach it to the lap portion of the seatbelt and lock the belt.

 

monstah

New member

• Apr 7, 2012

• #3

Syllieann said:

I would just attach it to the lap portion of the seatbelt and lock the belt.

Click to expand...

I think that's exactly what I will do but I'm pretty sure I'll get hit by him if we're in an impact that swings him around to the driver.

 

S

Syllieann

New member

• Apr 7, 2012

• #4

monstah said:

I think that's exactly what I will do but I'm pretty sure I'll get hit by him if we're in an impact that swings him around to the driver.

Click to expand...

Maybe you should attach to the shoulder portion of the locked belt. That will allow you to keep the attachment strap much shorter while still allowing dog a little movement because the clip can slide along the shoulder portion.

 

Judi

CPST/Firefighter

• Apr 7, 2012

• #5

What is the weight of the dog?

 

monstah

New member

• Apr 7, 2012

• #6

Judi said:

What is the weight of the dog?

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35 pounds fully grown. Thats why I was thinking about using a LATCH strap through the seat bight. He's easily under the weight limit.

 

Judi

CPST/Firefighter

• Apr 7, 2012

• #7

I would have the seat as far back as possible and use the seat belt.

 

monstah

New member

• Apr 7, 2012

• #8

Judi said:

I would have the seat as far back as possible and use the seat belt.

Click to expand...

I'm not going to move the seat back very far because DD1 is FF behind it and all three kids pile into the car through her door. It might sound awful but my main goal is keeping everyone else safe. Not necessarily the dog. KWIM? But yeah, clipping onto the lap belt is definitely the easiest and probably what I'll do.

 

Judi

CPST/Firefighter

• Apr 7, 2012

• #9

Just thinking seat belt would get puppy farther back.

 

monstah

New member

• Apr 7, 2012

• #10

Well gee, I can probably hook the carabiner right onto the belt here.... LOL I didn't notice that loop before, I thought it was buried underneath that plastic covering.

View attachment 16185

 

Last edited: May 31, 2012

Cryssy Jane

New member

• Apr 9, 2012

• #11

this is how it is in our van too. I've clipped it to the loop with no issues

 

monstah

New member

• Apr 10, 2012

• #12

It's perfect. A few days ago I checked out a video the company posted on you tube and I think it took me a matter of 3 minutes to have it perfectly fitted. Neat little harness.

 

Last edited: May 31, 2012

cupcakepirate11

Active member

• Apr 10, 2012

• #13

Such a cute dog!

 

PunkyMonkey

New member

• Apr 11, 2012

• #14

Aww so cute! I'll have to look at these for my ... DP (dear puppy?) hahaha