Keeping Dogs in the Back

Hello, I was wondering how you guys keep your dogs cool/warm during the summer/winter months? I'm thinking about getting a hard shell for my Tacoma and I wanted to know if I keep the rear windows open, would the A/C and heat be enough to keep my dogs safe? If not, what do you guys recommend? Thanks!

 

Hopefully this thread gets you some ideas soon.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/dog-in-a-camper-shell.375125/

 

I'm currently debating similar circumstances. Most of the shells are available with pet screens on the side windows. And there are fans available to circulate air.

In winter, it would have to be real cold, and the pup would have to be left in the shell for an extended period to become affected.

 

Here ya go, I have a Snugtop Rebel with pet screens and a slider up front to access AC from the cab. It has a front window fold down so i can clean both sides of the window.
The truck sees the dirt and the shell stay's perfectly secure. I can fit the dog crates in the back if needed.

 

I have a 12v clip on fan mounted in cab window to blow AC into bed and let topper windows open 2-3 in to let hot air out. This is working well but day that get above 90 think I'll use a box fan plugged in to the 120v outlet.

 

If you use any sort of boot between the truck rear window and canopy window, you can heat/cool the back very well. Crack a window in the shell and it becomes the least resistant path for air to escape, so the hot or cold air from the cab flows right through. An insulator on the floor will help a lot too (rubber mat/heavy carpet etc).

 

Speaking of birddogs.....keeping the dog hydrated is critical, also being out of drafts, fed good food and bedded in material that insulates will be all that is necessary to keep pup happy and healthy to well, well below zero.

Heat can be tough...personally, I have seen no reason for A/C even on a hot day in the Kansas shortgrass but ventilation, fans and parking in the shade...again with the all important hydration will do the job.

Keeping the dog in a vari-kennel would go w/o need of saying and I have found that a horse stall mat serves as a kennel floor better than most ideas.
I personally prefer a topper in a light color with solid wire pet screens over the sliders.

 

I know this is a dead thread, but I ran across it looking for ideas on removing the sliding windows between the cab and topper. Just wanted to comment on your dogs. Look like American Bulldogs you have there, yes?

Have a friend that was breeding them here in NorCal about 10 years ago. He was working with some champion lines and produced a lot of great dogs for the short time he was breeding. That's when I fell in love with the breed. Great all-around working/family dog.