When Ryan and I adopted our dog Sasha, we knew that our way of travel would be changed forever. With visions of weekend hikes and road trips floating around in our heads, we were excited to spend more time outdoors, exploring more of our own backyard.
Little did we know, even a simple car ride would not be an easy task. Sasha has a tendency to either prop herself up on the center console or on our shoulders. The latter is what we like to refer to as “parrot the driver” [as seen above]. If overly excited about our destination, the insanity multiplies.
Enter Kurgo, a company dedicated to “helping dogs and their owners get out and enjoy the big wide world together.” They sent me two products to review – the Backseat Barrier and the South End Hammock. I selected these in particular not only to see if the frustration in the vehicle could be taken down a few notches, but because I have a feeling I’m not the only one out there who wants to take a long road trip with the dog without that additional worry.
Backseat Barrier
You might as well call this my lifesaver! This easy-to-install barrier attaches to the back of the front seats and discourages Sasha from moseying up to the front. Because it is made to fit most vehicles, Ryan and I can switch the barrier between our cars, depending on which one we’re taking.
Ideally, Sasha would sit down in the backseat like this ALL the time. Unfortunately, she is one stubborn dog. She’ll peek over the top of the barrier for most of the ride, but the barrier serves its purpose while we drive. Her paws are off the center console!
South End Hammock
This dura-suede hammock might very well be my car’s lifesaver, at least its upholstery. The plush exterior is waterproof, washable and stain-resistant. This easy-to-install [See a pattern here, folks? EASY-TO-INSTALL] hammock measures 55″ x 56″ and has Velcro openings for seat belts, which allows for conversion into a seat cover.
If only Sasha would stay seated! It would work beautifully.
But alas! She cannot help her curious self. I think I might try combining the magic of both products – the hammock to keep my car in one piece and the backseat barrier to keep her out of the front seat!
Overall
With a focus on four components – innovation, ease of use, quality, and multi-functionality – Kurgo creates easy-to-use dog-friendly travel products that not only take the wear and tear of dogs and their owners, but are also now considered industry standards. Aside from the two items mentioned above, they have a wide range of products to make your life with your dog much easier/safer.
Giveaway
Now for our Kurgo giveaway! They were kind enough to allow us TWO winners. The first will receive the Back Seat Barrier, just like the one I have described above. The second will receive both the Kurgo Collaps-A-Bowl and the Kurgo Quantum Leash, two items that you’ll want to take with you the next time you go hiking with the pup.
