Best Shell For Dogs?

I had some foam flooring that fits together like a puzzle that I put back there for a good solid but soft floor. On top of that I put a few pieces of 1 inch thick foam that I had laying around and a couple moving blankets and created a bed for them. I think anything with traction that is soft will work for a comfy bed for them, that's just what I had laying around since I didn't want them to mess up their nice dog bed. A no spill water bowl is a must....

 

The cheapest thing I could find are the 1.5x1.5 foam/rubber squares at Walmart, perfect for the back of the truck, simply cut to fit and very durable. They can be washed as well. I think it cost me around $40.00, purchased two packs and had two squares left over. The squares simply click into place via female/male slots along the perimeter of the squares. Works great for the dog and easy on the knees when you are crawling in and out.

 

I have an ARE CX series cap with the windoors on my truck. It has worked out GREAT for my dog and I! The screen windows on the side allow for great ventilation, and the ability to still open the sides up is awesome when strapping something in or just throwing something in the back real quick. She isn't one to try and jump through a screen after something so I haven't had a problem with the lack of pet screens... yet!

The OEM bed mat makes a HUGE difference with my dogs comfort level back there, and she also has a cheapo bed from Tractor Supply in there that she absolutely loves!

I also have the flip down front window, and am going to try to make a seal between the two windows with some pipe insulation like someone mentioned. Great idea to try and get some heat/AC into the bed a little more efficiently.

 

Happy as two pups in a pod...

 

I also have a spill proof waterbowl and the DIY Home Depot bucket swamp cooler that I hook up to the power outlet on hot days just to keep em extra cool.

What is a "bucket swamp cooler?

 

I responded to ^ your pm but i think it would be healthy to share here as well.

This is not my diy video, so I accept no credit for this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxSLbpAwibg

I used this concept except with a 5 gallon Barrel cooler I had laying about. The insulation helps quite a bit.

For all those with pups in the bed w/ shells, this is awesome for a hot summer day.

 

Thanks for sharing this idea, the dog will love it this summer..... That is if we ever see summer here in NB, we have had a total of 500 cm's of snow (16 feet) so far this winter.

 

That's a multi-tasker. Cool air AND drinking water.

 

Thank you all for all the replies regarding the ventilation. i did some more research about a canopy boot how it can help make a good seal btw the cabin window and the camper window. But some folks say stay away because the boot will rub. This will eventually scratch the paint off. I wonder if there is any protective tape that you can applied on the paint to help prevent the paint from coming off due to the friction? Again thanks all for your input.