Tag Archives: car

New year, new car?

With a new year on its way, many people will be setting goals for the upcoming year.  Is it time for you to buy a new car, for example?

Auto Trader has published information on features to look for that are useful and they’ve also made recommendations for the best cars for dog owners.

The features to look for are:

  • A rear lift gate allows your dog to jump in and out of the car easily; it also makes for more convenient loading in/loading out of pet carriers, crates and kennels
  • Fold-flat seats create a spacious area for your dog to sit while keeping the actual surface of the seats clean from hair or scratches
  • An airy cabin is especially beneficial for large dogs to stretch out
  • Rear cargo-attachment ringlets help keep carriers and crates from sliding around
  • A containment barrier/divider keeps your dog from jumping up to the front seat while the car is in motion
  • A low ride height helps dogs — especially older ones — get in and out with ease
  • Rear climate control keeps your dog cool and comfortable in transit no matter what the weather is like
  • A sunroof brings fresh air and sunlight so you can keep your dog from hanging its head out of the window
  • Underfloor storage gets your things out of the way so your dog can ride more comfortably

And the top dog cars are:

The Subaru Outback - "If you live in a cold climate and have an outdoorsy dog that likes being in wintry conditions, the Outback's superior traction and surefootedness will keep you and Fido safe and secure as you tread over snowy terrain. Additionally, the Outback's wagon configuration makes for plenty of room in the cargo area. A wide, low load floor and an optional pet barrier round out the amenities. Subaru also has many pet-friendly accessories."

The Subaru Outback – “If you live in a cold climate and have an outdoorsy dog that likes being in wintry conditions, the Outback’s superior traction and surefootedness will keep you and Fido safe and secure as you tread over snowy terrain. Additionally, the Outback’s wagon configuration makes for plenty of room in the cargo area. A wide, low load floor and an optional pet barrier round out the amenities. Subaru also has many pet-friendly accessories.”

Nissan Juke - "This little urban runabout offers a low, carlike ride height for easy in and out, especially via the large rear hatch. A combination of coupe, crossover and hatchback, the Juke offers just the right amount of size and utility for small-to-medium dogs that ride in carriers. Tether down the crate, and get out of the city for the weekend!"

The Nissan Juke – “This little urban runabout offers a low, car-like ride height for easy in and out, especially via the large rear hatch. A combination of coupe, crossover and hatchback, the Juke offers just the right amount of size and utility for small-to-medium dogs that ride in carriers. Tether down the crate, and get out of the city for the weekend!”

The Volkswagen Tiguan - "got its name by combining the words tiger and iguana, so the car's sure to be pet-friendly. The Tiguan is a lot like the Nissan Juke: compact on the outside but deceivingly spacious within. The rear seats fold flat, making room for pets of almost any size, and an optional dog barrier keeps your pet safely contained where it can't distract you.'

The Volkswagen Tiguan – “got its name by combining the words tiger and iguana, so the car’s sure to be pet-friendly. The Tiguan is a lot like the Nissan Juke: compact on the outside but deceivingly spacious within. The rear seats fold flat, making room for pets of almost any size, and an optional dog barrier keeps your pet safely contained where it can’t distract you.’

The BMW X3 - "Well proportioned, upscale and athletic, the BMW X3 maximizes canine comfort with soft, heated leather seats, a sunroof and rear climate control. The cargo area is the right size for small- to medium-sized dogs, and for dogs that like to play in the snow, the X3's AWD system makes winter driving virtually worry-free."

The BMW X3 – “Well proportioned, upscale and athletic, the BMW X3 maximizes canine comfort with soft, heated leather seats, a sunroof and rear climate control. The cargo area is the right size for small- to medium-sized dogs, and for dogs that like to play in the snow, the X3’s AWD system makes winter driving virtually worry-free.”

The Volvo V60 - "offers a spacious cargo area, lots of utility, rear climate control and one of the safest passenger compartments available. If crash safety is your top concern, the V60 is your best choice here. Rear tie-downs make harnessing your pet carrier easy. If you don't use a carrier, then go with the optional dog barrier."

The Volvo V60 – “offers a spacious cargo area, lots of utility, rear climate control and one of the safest passenger compartments available. If crash safety is your top concern, the V60 is your best choice here. Rear tie-downs make harnessing your pet carrier easy. If you don’t use a carrier, then go with the optional dog barrier.”

The Kia Soul - "This stylish urban cruiser offers rear-seat heat and an extra-large panoramic roof for lots of sunlight. Its boxy and efficient shape also allows for plenty of headroom, so even though the Soul is compact, it comfortably accommodates big and tall dogs. The large rear hatch is also a plus for quick entry and exit."

The Kia Soul – “This stylish urban cruiser offers rear-seat heat and an extra-large panoramic roof for lots of sunlight. Its boxy and efficient shape also allows for plenty of headroom, so even though the Soul is compact, it comfortably accommodates big and tall dogs. The large rear hatch is also a plus for quick entry and exit.”

The Honda Odyssey - "has it all when it comes to driving with your dog. There's a wealth of room, comfortable seats, rear ventilation, underfloor compartments and even a built-in vacuum. For dogs that shed excessively, this innovative vac system lets you clean up quickly and effectively. The Honda Odyssey also has side window shades that can help keep your dog from getting too hot while traveling."

The Honda Odyssey – “has it all when it comes to driving with your dog. There’s a wealth of room, comfortable seats, rear ventilation, underfloor compartments and even a built-in vacuum. For dogs that shed excessively, this innovative vac system lets you clean up quickly and effectively. The Honda Odyssey also has side window shades that can help keep your dog from getting too hot while traveling.”

 

The driving dogs of New Zealand

I’m so proud of the SPCA Auckland  (where I used to volunteer, when I lived up that way) for its imaginative holiday promotion for rescue dogs.

The SPCA teamed up with expert dog trainers to train three SPCA rescue dogs to drive a car – a Mini to be exact.

Driving Dog

Monty, Porter and Ginny went through extensive training before being put behind the wheel of the Mini.  Last night, on national television, Monty drove himself around a go-cart track.  Porter took on the dubious task of having the reporter accompany him on his drive – and I think he suffered the nerves for it because he took a turn rather widely.

This video covers the dog’s training and moment of glory:

Monty, Porter and Ginny prove that rescue dogs are intelligent and trainable.  If considering adopting a dog this Christmas, make sure you visit your local SPCA and rescue organisations.

You can read more about New Zealand’s driving dogs at www.drivingdogs.co.nz (which brings you to their Facebook page).

Driving Dogs 2

Subaru’s latest dog commercial – camping

Subaru (USA) has added to its repertoire of dog-themed commercials.  This one is about camping.

Subaru has recognised that dog owners are a market niche – and cater to their needs with models like the Forester.  Ads by Subaru are common in US dog magazines.

Too bad Subaru in NZ hasn’t caught on to the dog-owning public…time will tell!