Mantrailing – Setting up your car

Living Life in the Driver’s Seat – Different Setup Options

Harness & Restraint

This is a quick and easy solution – just clip your dog’s harness to a seatbelt buckle or headrest restraint, and you’re good to go!

Allows freedom of movement while keeping them restrained
Simple to install and doesn’t take up space
Ideal for dogs who settle well in the car

Things to watch out for:
If the restraint is too long, they might try hopping seats or even out of an open window
Dogs can still chew seatbelts, restraints, or your lovely leather seats
Being able to see out the window might trigger barking or frustration

Great for some, but not ideal for escape artists or seatbelt chewers!

Boot & Headrest Guards

This setup splits the car into compartments, usually keeping the dog in the boot area while blocking access to the rest of the car.

Allows better ventilation – you can open windows without worry
Gives your dog more space to get comfy
Doesn’t take up extra room like a crate might

Things to consider:
Can be tricky to install and find one that fits your car well
Dogs still have a clear view out the window, which can be stressful for some
If you’ve got a chewer, your seats or boot lining might not survive

This is a great option for calm dogs who don’t chew, and it works well if you need the extra space.

Crates – The Ultimate Setup

Crates come in all shapes and sizes – from basic foldable crates to crash-tested, built-in setups.

Keeps dogs fully secure – no escaping, no chewing, no chaos
You can cover them for a calmer, more settled dog
Allows you to open doors and windows for fresh air without worrying about escape attempts
Keeps multiple dogs separated, so everyone has their own space
Crash-tested crates add an extra layer of safety in case of an accident

Things to consider:
Crates take up space in the vehicle
They can be pricey, especially crash-tested or custom-built options
Needs to be secured properly so it doesn’t move in transit

For our own dogs, crates are our go-to – they tick all the boxes for safety, security, and comfort.

The Bottom Line? Find What Works for YOU!

There’s no one-size-fits-all – what works for one dog and owner might not suit another. But keeping our dogs safe, secure, and comfortable while making sure we can ventilate our vehicles properly is something worth investing in – not just for mantrailing, but for every car journey!