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Thanks for posting this LMD. I featured this very scenario in this month's Petsmo newsletter. I would use two (in your case) large kennels (airline type plastic) with an attachment to the kennels, anchored to the back of the pickup bed, nearest the cab. The kennels (lined with a blanket) would help protect your Dog/s from the sun, wind, and the hot metal of the pickup bed itself. I have some ideas as to how to anchor the kennels, but it should be pretty easy to do. You might find a deal on kennels on craigslist, or at one of the local shelter thrift stores in your location. I'm not exactly sure about laws governing this in Canada, and if what I see on a regular basis, is anything to go by, then it's not enforced up here in BC. However, in some cities in the US, it is illegal to drive with a dog in the bed of a pick-up. e.g. Florida, New Hampshire, California, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Virginia, and Oregon, have laws prohibiting, and/or restricting, animals in cargo beds, of trucks. For those of you who live south of the border, and are thinking of transporting your Dog in the back of your truck, you might want to check with your local animal control, to find out what the ordinance is in your area. Hope this helps.

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Please, please, please - if you must have your dogs (large or small) riding in the cargo area of your pickup truck, then have them crated! And the crates secured! Those bungee cords work very well for this purpose, although you might have to drill a hole in the crate to anchor that end of the cord.... Growing up in a rural area as I did, we saw so many dogs maimed (usually broken legs) from riding in the back. Also - do not just tie them up: if they see something (even just you) and try to jump out, they will be hanged. I know of three dog owners who lost their dogs that way.....one was tied in the back of the truck (after riding in the cab) so the owner could go into a store for a couple of minutes. When he came back out, his beloved dog was dead.....

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I agree! Dog's should be in a crate if they ride in the back of a truck. I hate seeing those poor dogs who look like they're going to jump out when riding in the truck bed. They see other dogs, bikes, people, and other stuff that some dogs like to chase, or whatever, and I always think of the worse happening to them! I think there is a law here in BC, as far as I know...but I'd definately double check on that. I do hope you go with your decision to use crates for your giant babies!

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my main thing was when Memphis jumped out the back window..while the truck was moving onto to cement, it was the most devestating thing ihave ever seen with him. if i do decide to put them in the back they will definitely be in crates. another thing i wanted to ask about was steps to get into the back, i tried to coax them to jump but they wont. i was wondering what kind of things you might use to get them back there?

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There are ramps that you can get that just hook on. You could also look into the stairs....

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lets keep in mind, they are ridiculously exspensive dogs Great Dane- $1000 Monthly Food- $200 Average Vet Visit with medicine- $250 Having happy, healthy, full, happy, gorgeous dogs-PRICELESS.. hahaha. ill look into that, maybe they'll just have to be spoiled for life.

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Yeah, spoiling dogs, that deserves it's own special page on it's own...hehehe...

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ummm...i dont do doggie daycare..lol. my dogs are so spoiled. me and my bf almost always work opposite schedules so someone is always there for them. i only work part time so im usually home with them. theres only one day no one is there for 8 hrs, they do just fine (sleep all day)...but yeah they are extremely spoiled big dogs. thank god, can u imagine if i had to put them in doggy daycare everyday? i dont even vacation because i dont trust anybody to take care of them.

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hey LMD =) you should start to interview pet sitters in your area in case you have an emergency and can't take the pups! I know it's hard, but there are many qualified pet sitters out there that can handle big dogs=) Just a thought...everyone needs a vacation sometimes! But as far as the truck goes, crates are essential if you don't have a canopy. I have a canopy, but all of my dogs are still tethered in the back. I also have a ramp for Gunnar, my saint bernard. He didn't like it at first but I conditioned him to get used to it and now he flies up it like nuttin! I did this by putting his dinner in the bed of the truck and guiding him up the ramp! So when he got in he got the best thing EVER! lol... I also taught the pups that I walk to use the ramp too! it works great...they all walk up to a seat in the back and I clip them in for their safety.

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funny th\ing about this truck thread i posted. just after i posted it...on that sunday. my bf was t-boned after dropping me off at work, hes okay, but we now have a rental truck till we get the other one fixed up. i looked up some carriers today....exspensive.

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i understand its not an everyday occurance, but it would take a lot for me to trust somebody with my 2 precious darlings. i know i need to learn how to let go and trust that they'll be ok, but even the people who are close to you might not treat your animals with the care and attention that you give them. trust me its happened. thanks the bf is doin good. and the rental truck is just awesome!

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As a professional pet sitter/dog walker, I know what it's like to be so attached to your babies, that you wanna check in with the sitter every occasion you get! Trust me, it's happened... Some people (myself included, and like the OP), just don't think anybody else is good enough for their pet, and that's fine...we just need to be able to trust others...For pete's sake, I don't even trust my husband with our pets when I go spend the night at my client's home, and its in the same city! Talk about not able to let go! Anyway...I understand your point...

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im sure if i found someone, and just did it, they would love them and i would too. its just taking that huge first step thats hard for me

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The first time I travelled with out my two dogs was soooo hard!!! The second time was not as difficult lol but still somewhat tough to do. I checked in everyday to make sure they were behaving themselves and that all was well. it feels awesome to have someone that I trust to stay in my house, run my business and watch my dogs and cat so that I can get a break! And she understands my worries and concerns so she doesn't mind my checking in everyday =)