Safety Gear

When it comes to puppies and safety, it’s a lot like having kids.  My son and daughter both had a ton of safety gear when they were babies.  Car seats, cribs, strollers, swimmies… The whole bit.

I’ve found the same with puppies!  They are small and vulnerable, it’s your job to make sure they stay safe. At the same time, you can’t over-protect them either…so I won’t be recommending you bubble wrap them completely at all times. ????

My suggestions here are based on need.  So for example; if you’re not planning on taking your puppy swimming in a large body of water, you might not have a need for a life vest at the moment. I also like to find the best value when looking at gear. This to me means you want something that unquestioningly does the job, is high quality, but isn’t costing a ridiculous amount just for the badge or brand or even features you’ll never use.

Crates:

A crate is one of the bigger decisions you’ll make on home gear for your doodle so we’ve created it’s own page HERE  

We recommend the MidWest Life Stages 1600 crate which we got on Amazon. You can check the price here or read our in-depth write up here where we share why we like it so much.

Safety Gate:

Lil Tuffy Expandable Gate (see on Amazon)

This safety gate is perfect for my needs.  It’s low enough that my wife and I can step over it, but tall enough to keep puppies out of trouble. These kinds of gates are awesome for a bunch of places. For me, it’s the stairs. I have a high set of wood stairs.  I always stressed the danger with the kids, but puppies don’t understand me when I say “be careful on the stairs”.

The kitchen is the other place I’d like to keep sectioned off from a puppy. When he’s older that’s fine but for now…keep out, please.

Features we love:

  • Easy to install and relocate if needed – No screwing into the walls
  • The short height keeps puppies out but lets us easily step over
  • A small door lets the puppy through when you want her to without taking the whole gate down
  • Bars are narrow enough that small pups can’t squeeze through

Safety Vest:

Reflective Dog Safety Vest (see on Amazon)

You’ll be taking your pup for walks and when it’s darker out these safety vests are great to have for both pup and owner.  They are high visibility, reflective and they even offer a bit of wind protection.

I like this one because it’s low cost and does everything I need it to do.  We also love that it’s simple to put on and take off. For 12 bucks this is a no brainer!

Features We Love:

  • Easy to put on and take off
  • Highly reflective
  • Lightweight but durable and quality construction
  • Great Price

Car Seat:

Devoted Doggy Car Booster Seat (see on Amazon)

This is probably one of the more over-looked safety items. And I think it’s partially because many owners don’t even know they exist (I sure didn’t). This is great for small breed dogs. Our family has 2 SUVs so there is definitely room in the back for pups. But we end up preferring the seats like this one.

The benefit here is everything is contained.  There are not stray hairs all over the place typically, and it’s nice and soft for her.  I feel like it also helps keep them in one place during the ride and they’re not bouncing all over.  

Features We Love

  • Self Contained Area – Confines any shedding to the box
  • Keeps roaming pups off you while driving – Safer for everyone!
  • Adjustable safety strap that hooks to a harness – keeps them safe during fast stops
  • Comfortable, durable, and inviting so your pup will want to sit in it

Car Seat Cover:  

Waterproof Car Seat Cover

I can’t say enough about this thing. We originally got it to kid-proof the back seat of the car. But it quickly proved itself to be perfect for our Labradoodle, Oliver. He loves everything outdoors (and dirty) and his longer hair collects everything…dirt, sand, mud, snow. It’s nice to know it won’t get through to the seats and can easily be shaken off or vacuumed off.

Features We Love:

  • It’s large and universally sized.
  • Durable and comes with a Lifetime Warranty
  • Protects the car seat from more than kids and dogs…Moving plants that might spill dirt, moving anything with edges that might scratch the interior or catch on the fabric, dirty cleats, goals and balls from soccer practice.

Have an SUV or just want something larger and more versatile, this car mat is a great option too (view on Amazon).

Safety Harness:  

Kurgo ‘Crash-Tested’ Dog Harness

Oliver, my Labradoodle, goes everywhere with me in the car. He’s loved it since he was a puppy. But with that comes the question of safety. It’s tough to think about, but an unsecured dog riding in a car that gets in an accident…is a terrible situation.

I love this harness because it’s crash-tested and certified, something most harness makers can’t say. But it’s also built for everyday use.

Features We Love:

  • Fully Adjustable – makes fitting to your pup easy
  • Strong, comfortable, and durable
  • Crash-tested and Certified
  • Includes a seat belt strap
  • Can be used for your normal everyday walks and trips out 

Swimming Vest:

Outward Hound Granby Dog Life Jacket

If you’re planning on going out for a swim this is a great piece of safety gear for your dog.  These will keep your pup afloat if she’s having trouble on her own. It’s also wonderful for training when you feel comfortable taking them in larger bodies of water:

Features We Love:

  • Durable construction:  This will last a long time
  • Easy to get on and off:  Lots of straps but still easy to do
  • 2 Safety handles are great for bigger dogs
  • Neck flotation cushion helps keep his head above water