DOOG dog accessories put to the test

Spending my days out photographing on the road has been a 25-year adventure exploring the back country and outback of Australia.

When my new companion Cleo the mini cavoodle arrived, my first thought was how I wanted her to join me on these awesome journeys. Ensuring her comfort and safety on long road trips, while also protecting the 4x4s we test and photograph, became my priority.

DOOG (Dog Owners Outdoor Gear) has been instrumental in achieving this goal. The company’s NeoSport Soft Harness is adjustable in two places to suit small to medium dogs. It has not only enhanced Cleo’s safety with its easy attachment to the car restraint, but has also blended seamlessly with our active lifestyle, as the leash or car restraint can clip to the front or back ring for easy walking and dog control.

13

Made flexible neoprene, it is easy to put on and it dries quickly after wet beach runs. One thing I did find was it tended to gather up at her neck when lying down; whilst this didn’t seem to bother Cleo much, it may on a longer drive where napping is a must. Ensure you measure your doggo’s neck and chest before purchase.

The DOOG Booster Seat is a game-changer, made from quilted 600d Oxford fabric with padded sides. It’s tough and durable, holding up against puppy chewing, scratching and digging. It clips onto the headrest and has a strap to go around the base of the seat, preventing it from sliding forward on steep descents or during sudden stops, which from experience does happen.

The booster seat has kept Cleo secure, comfy and snug on even the bumpiest tracks, alleviating motion sickness, and paired with the Car Restraint (sold separately) it has minimised any in-car antics. While the booster seat has a small restraint clip built into it, the Car Restraint surpasses that by clicking into the other end of the seatbelt.

The Car Restraint doesn’t always work in some newer car models in the centre seat belt clip, as nowadays they often have a different clip design from the left and right passenger seats, but the internal bed restraint alleviates this issue.

The Booster Seat has great padding that is easily removable for washing. Also, the section that attaches to the headrest rolls down and zips up, making the compact bed usable for sleeping and resting wherever you land.

On our more adventurous days, the DOOG Car Seat Cover/Protector has been a lifesaver. It spans the back seat, shielding it from Cleo’s boundless energy. Waterproof, fur-resistant and equipped with a mesh viewing window, it has prevented even the wettest dog from wreaking havoc on upholstery. Adaptable for use on car seats or in the boot, it includes a convenient storage pocket for dog leads and toys. With features like seatbelt holes and a non-slip base, it’s effortless to maintain and it stores neatly when not in use.

13

The DOOG products are well made, and their quality and functionality have made our journeys together safer, more enjoyable, and worry-free. It should be noted that these products are not designed to protect your dog from injury in a major car accident, and as such we’d suggest a crash-tested travel cage for the ultimate in pet protection.

However, for any dog owner seeking gear that enhances both safety and adventure, DOOG stands out as a dependable choice.

Pricing (RRP)

• NeoSport soft harness: $32.99
• Car restraint (green): $19.99
• Car seat (black): $99.99
• Car seat cover/protector: $119.99