Car Safety for Dogs: Keeping Big Dogs Like Staffies Secure
Big dogs in cars can be a hazard when not properly secured. Car safety for dogs is essential—especially when transporting large, strong breeds like Staffies. Whether it’s a quick trip to the park or a longer drive, securing your dog properly helps prevent injuries and distractions, keeping everyone in the vehicle safe. And if you regularly drive your dog to outdoor spaces, the right dog training tools and equipment can make every journey safer and more manageable.
Table of Contents
1. Seat Belt Harnesses – Great for Calm Dogs, But Watch the Muscle
If seat belt clips are the training wheels of canine car safety, then harnesses are the seatbelt equivalent for dogs who’ve graduated past puphood — but maybe not into full Staffy strength just yet.
They’re simple, and some are more affordable than others like this one from the Company of Animals suited to dogs up to 34 KG. They’re a big step up from letting your dog roam loose in the back. A proper car safety harness works by attaching to your vehicle’s seatbelt system and anchoring your dog in place. In the event of a sudden stop, that means no flying dog, no panic, and no emergency swerve to avoid a nose in your ear.
That said — for strong, heavy dogs like Staffies, this setup has limits. Many standard harnesses are built with average-sized dogs in mind. If your Staffy gets excited, pulls hard, or decides they must be in the front, even the best harnesses can struggle.
What to Look For:
- Crash-tested, car-specific designs (not just a walking harness with a clip). Something like the EzyDog Drive Dog Car Harness if you’re going to be using it a lot. Like, for long journeys.
- Wide chest plates for better force distribution
- Strong metal clips and stitching (avoid plastic hardware). I’m a huge fan of the EzyDog brand because of the strength of the nylon, and the double-stitching. All of their gear is high-grade. Check out my EzyDog Vario 6 review here to see what I mean about the quality.
Tip: If your dog’s still young or more relaxed in the car, this is a solid option. For bigger, bolder dogs that tend to launch, you might want to combine this with a barrier or step up to a crate.
2. Back Seat Barriers – For Dogs Who Think They’re Co-Drivers
If your Staffy believes their rightful place is either on your lap or in the driver’s seat, a back seat barrier is a solid line in the sand. These dividers fit between the front and back seats to stop your dog from leaping forward mid-drive.
They don’t restrain your dog, but they do create a physical boundary—helping to prevent distraction and reduce risk while driving.
Why Barriers Help:
- Stops sudden front-seat invasions
- Keeps dogs from interfering with driving (like pressing buttons with their paws)
- Adds another layer of safety when used with a seat belt harness
Barriers work best for calmer dogs who stay seated—if your Staffy is more determined than most, this could be paired with a harness or crate for proper containment.
Types to Consider:
- Mesh or fabric slings – Like the Kurgo Backseat Barrier. It’s lightweight and easy to install
- Metal grid-style barriers – The Midwest Wire Mesh Pet Barrier is stronger and better for big dogs
- Hammock-style covers – The Doglay Car Seat Cover has a section that goes across the center console, solving the problem of dogs wandering mid journey. It doubles as seat protectors and soft barriers.
Watch out for: gaps at the sides or top—some dogs will find them, exploit them, and end up riding shotgun before you’ve hit second gear.
3. Crates – The Gold Standard for Big Dogs Who Need Boundaries
If you’ve got the space and the dog, a crash-tested crate is about as safe as it gets. This isn’t just about stopping your Staffy from hopping between seats—it’s about serious protection if something goes wrong.
A solid crate creates a secure space that keeps your dog contained during the drive and protected in the event of a crash. No sliding across the boot. No climbing over headrests. No surprise tongue in your ear mid-roundabout.
Why Crates Work:
- They prevent movement, distraction, and injury.
- They turn the boot into a calm, enclosed space—great for dogs who get anxious.
- For those who do get anxious during travel, read What to Put in a Dog Crate because there are some solid options to sooth nervous dogs.
- The structure absorbs impact in a collision, keeping your dog safer.
For muscular dogs like Staffies, crates offer control without relying on restraint systems that might not hold up against a 25kg bundle of determination.
If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, these related reads will be of interest:
What to Look For:
- Crash-tested designs like the Lucky Dog Kennel, the Gunner G1 Crate, or the Thule Allax Crate, (don’t settle for a wire crate that rattles around)
- Aluminium or reinforced plastic over cheap materials
- Secure anchoring – a crate that slides in a crash is just as dangerous
Fit matters: It should be just big enough for your dog to stand, turn, and lie down. Too much extra room and they lose that safe, den-like feel.
Bonus: Crates are great for muddy dogs. Containment means less mess all over the car, especially if you line it with a washable mat or towel.
4. Boot Barriers – For When the Boot Becomes the Back Seat
Got a big dog and a boot to match? A boot barrier turns the rear cargo area of your car into a safe space for your Staffy—while keeping them from launching over the seats mid-journey.
These barriers fit between the boot and the back seats and are ideal for large, energetic dogs who need room to stretch but also need firm boundaries.
Why Boot Barriers Work:
- Keeps your dog safely contained in the rear of the car
- Stops them from leaping into the main cabin or onto passengers
- Gives them space without turning your car into a free-for-all
They’re especially useful if your Staffy travels with a partner in crime (aka another Staffy) and both need room to lie down without playing car-wrestling.
What to Look For:
- Metal construction that bolts or clamps in (not pressure-mounted if you want serious strength)
- Custom-fit options for your make/model of car—less wiggle, more security
- Easy access for you to get in and out of the boot safely
The 4 or 6 bar vehicle barrier from MidWest fits the bill.
Pro Tip: Pair with a boot liner and you’ve got a solid setup for muddy walks, wet dogs, and everything else Staffy life throws at your upholstery. Now, if you do go with a boot liner, be sure it’s sturdy enough to cope with heavy pawing, or give them a couple of safe durable dog dog toys for aggressive chewers that’ll keep them entertained during the journey.
Final Thoughts – Safety First, Staffy Second… Okay, Maybe Tied
Driving with a dog loose in the car isn’t just risky—it’s a crash hazard. Whether you’re running to the park or heading off on holiday, securing your Staffy properly means fewer distractions, less stress, and way more safety for everyone involved.
You don’t need to go overboard with gear, but you do need something that suits your dog’s size, strength, and travel style:
- Harnesses work well for calm dogs or shorter trips
- Crates offer serious security (if you’ve got the boot space)
- Barriers help keep front seats human-only
- Boot setups are great for bigger dogs who need room
Staffies are built like tanks, but that doesn’t mean they should bounce around like one. A safe dog is a happy dog—and you’ll enjoy the drive a whole lot more when your rear-view mirror isn’t filled with a grinning face trying to climb into the front.
