Creating "dog mode"

[Kingfish]

I've been working on a "dog mode" setup that will allow me to safely leave doggo in the truck for short periods of time on hot days.

This is useful on long trips when visits to the bathroom and supply stops ate unavoidable. It'll also be nice to not have to go home in between trail walks and running errands. These are very common (weekly at least) scenarios during the 4-plus months it's too hot to sit in a car here.

Here's what I have/am planning:

Remote start: After exiting the truck, lock it, hit the remote start. I have it set for 15 minute run time. Need to make sure the AC is on. You can extend the runtime with the key fob if needed. This is better than leaving the truck running with keys in for obvious reasons.

Tinted windows and sunshade: to minimize internal heat. Also to block the view so passersby don't worry about the dog in the truck and don't know if someone is in it with the engine running. I have the sunshade but haven't tinted to front windows yet.

Temp monitor: use the Waggle (or similar) temp monitor I'll get for my camp trailer soon in the truck to make sure nothing goes wrong. I don't have this yet.

We tested the remote start opten on a long drive this week. We only left it going for about 5 minutes since I don't have the temp monitor yet. But it allowed us a quick run in for bathroom and coffee stops and the truck was nice and chilly when we got back.

It's a simple thing, but it makes these trips a lot more convenient.

Any other ideas for fool-proofing dog mode?

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[Maverickman74]

If they are in the cab I just leave it running and use the keypad on the door. Lock the parking break to they cant drive it anywhere. All good.

 

[Hunters Edge]

I've been working on a "dog mode" setup that will allow me to safely leave doggo in the truck for short periods of time on hot days.

This is useful on long trips when visits to the bathroom and supply stops ate unavoidable. It'll also be nice to not have to go home in between trail walks and running errands. These are very common (weekly at least) scenarios during the 4-plus months it's too hot to sit in a car here.

Here's what I have/am planning:

Remote start: After exiting the truck, lock it, hit the remote start. I have it set for 15 minute run time. Need to make sure the AC is on. You can extend the runtime with the key fob if needed. This is better than leaving the truck running with keys in for obvious reasons.

Tinted windows and sunshade: to minimize internal heat. Also to block the view so passersby don't worry about the dog in the truck and don't know if someone is in it with the engine running. I have the sunshade but haven't tinted to front windows yet.

Temp monitor: use the Waggle (or similar) temp monitor I'll get for my camp trailer soon in the truck to make sure nothing goes wrong. I don't have this yet.

We tested the remote start opten on a long drive this week. We only left it going for about 5 minutes since I don't have the temp monitor yet. But it allowed us a quick run in for bathroom and coffee stops and the truck was nice and chilly when we got back.

It's a simple thing, but it makes these trips a lot more convenient.

Any other ideas for fool-proofing dog mode?

If they are in the cab I just leave it running and use the keypad on the door. Lock the parking break to they cant drive it anywhere. All good.

Just remember nothing is full proof. Besides heat or cold, I would be deeply concerned over possible carbon monoxide, or fire (over heating) from vehicle sitting. Also if traveling you may not be aware of any ordinances or laws prohibiting this. Then again not sure if there is any. Just don't think it's wise to leave a child in a running vehicle nor an animal.

• Overheating engines: Lack of coolant, radiator leaks, and other factors may cause an engine to overheat. Uncontrolled heat under the hood can lead to a fire. The best thing to do if your engine overheats is to stop the car in a safe place. Continuing to drive could cause permanent damage to the engine, as well as being an increasing fire hazard.

 

[Kingfish]

If they are in the cab I just leave it running and use the keypad on the door. Lock the parking break to they cant drive it anywhere. All good.

I've done that, too. But the risk of theft is much higher. I'm looking to avoid leaving the keys in the truck.

 

[Kingfish]

Just remember nothing is full proof. Besides heat or cold, I would be deeply concerned over possible carbon monoxide, or fire (over heating) from vehicle sitting. Also if traveling you may not be aware of any ordinances or laws prohibiting this. Then again not sure if there is any. Just don't think it's wise to leave a child in a running vehicle nor an animal.

• Overheating engines: Lack of coolant, radiator leaks, and other factors may cause an engine to overheat. Uncontrolled heat under the hood can lead to a fire. The best thing to do if your engine overheats is to stop the car in a safe place. Continuing to drive could cause permanent damage to the engine, as well as being an increasing fire hazard.

I suppose it is a risk. But so is my house burning down with the dog inside. I haven't read the stats, but I feel it's a comfortably low risk for the 5 to 15 minutes I'll be in the bathroom or store.

 

[AzureBlueBill]

I think it would be nice to let the dog out when you get out. He probably needs a break too!

Personally, I'd be so worried about something going wrong I wouldn't do what you are planning to do. I can imagine about a dozen scenarios with a very poor outcome.

 

[dogtruck]

Will leaving keys in a running vehicle void your insurance against theft?
At a minimum your premium will go up.
Don't be surprised if some do-gooder alerts law enforcement.
Too many downsides to this idea, brainstorm some more.

 

[Hunters Edge]

I suppose it is a risk. But so is my house burning down with the dog inside. I haven't read the stats, but I feel it's a comfortably low risk for the 5 to 15 minutes I'll be in the bathroom or store.

Always a risk but it increases tremendously with a vehicle. That's why they have gauges and idiot lights. Besides many pets do not survive a car accident, they are usually thrown into the dash or window. Besides being a distraction that can and have caused an accident. Also it appears your not concerned about others that are parked around you. I wished I knew a safe way. The only thing I can think of is a leash and take it with you. If your concerned about liability, buy a muzzle. Another you already mentioned leave the pet at home, when possible. It maybe why many leave their pets at kennels. Not saying that's better or an option. I have heard horror stories from those using a kennel.

Whatever you do best of luck for you and Fido. Just be thankful you have him/her

 

[Kingfish]

Always a risk but it increases tremendously with a vehicle. That's why they have gauges and idiot lights. Besides many pets do not survive a car accident, they are usually thrown into the dash or window. Besides being a distraction that can and have caused an accident. Also it appears your not concerned about others that are parked around you. I wished I knew a safe way. The only thing I can think of is a leash and take it with you. If your concerned about liability, buy a muzzle. Another you already mentioned leave the pet at home, when possible. It maybe why many leave their pets at kennels. Not saying that's better or an option. I have heard horror stories from those using a kennel.

Whatever you do best of luck for you and Fido. Just be thankful you have him/her

Thanks for the feedback!

And yeah, always grateful for the doggo!

 

[Kingfish]

I think it would be nice to let the dog out when you get out. He probably needs a break too!

Personally, I'd be so worried about something going wrong I wouldn't do what you are planning to do. I can imagine about a dozen scenarios with a very poor outcome.

Oh, he gets a break, too! On long trips I stop every 60 to 90 minutes to let him walk, pee, etc. I just can't take him in most stores.

I do worry about the what ifs. But there's danger just in him riding in the truck (accidents, etc). My goal is always to reduce risk.

 

[Kingfish]

Will leaving keys in a running vehicle void your insurance against theft?
At a minimum your premium will go up.
Don't be surprised if some do-gooder alerts law enforcement.
Too many downsides to this idea, brainstorm some more.

I wouldn't leave keys in the truck. Autostart gives me 15 minutes of secure run time. Truck won't move without the keys.

Concerned passersby is a worry. That's why I'd darken or block the windows. I also thought of attaching a laminated note to the sunscreen like "AC on, temps monitored remotely, Dog is comfy"

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[hdave]

Make a sign saying the dog is chilling in the AC and not to break your windows to 'rescue' it

 

[Automate]

Make a sign saying the dog is chilling in the AC and not to break your windows to 'rescue' it

Yes, and put on side windows, those are the ones someone would break to get in and "save" the dog.

 

[Gonzo chris]

I've been working on a "dog mode" setup that will allow me to safely leave doggo in the truck for short periods of time on hot days.

This is useful on long trips when visits to the bathroom and supply stops ate unavoidable. It'll also be nice to not have to go home in between trail walks and running errands. These are very common (weekly at least) scenarios during the 4-plus months it's too hot to sit in a car here.

Here's what I have/am planning:

Remote start: After exiting the truck, lock it, hit the remote start. I have it set for 15 minute run time. Need to make sure the AC is on. You can extend the runtime with the key fob if needed. This is better than leaving the truck running with keys in for obvious reasons.

Tinted windows and sunshade: to minimize internal heat. Also to block the view so passersby don't worry about the dog in the truck and don't know if someone is in it with the engine running. I have the sunshade but haven't tinted to front windows yet.

Temp monitor: use the Waggle (or similar) temp monitor I'll get for my camp trailer soon in the truck to make sure nothing goes wrong. I don't have this yet.

We tested the remote start opten on a long drive this week. We only left it going for about 5 minutes since I don't have the temp monitor yet. But it allowed us a quick run in for bathroom and coffee stops and the truck was nice and chilly when we got back.

It's a simple thing, but it makes these trips a lot more convenient.

Any other ideas for fool-proofing dog mode?

Like the thought but worry if someone might try to steal it or something would go wrong. Now if you want to work on mother in law mode I have a few suggestions......

 

[Gonzo chris]

Yes, and put on side windows, those are the ones someone would break to get in and "save" the dog.

I was recently in a situation where I saw a guy lock his dog in the car on really hot day and he was inside talking to somebody. He got to jabbering and apparently forgot. It was a little awkward to say something to him because I thought he might become irritated but I interrupted and told him his dog was in the car and he admitted he had forgotten. If he wasn't around I probably would have broken the window. There was no AC on in this situation

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