Keeping Your Dog Safe on Your UTV

It’s easy (and fun) to bring your dog onto your . Some riders want their trusty hunting buddy by their side. Some riders just want more time with their furry best friend. Whatever your motivation, you can safely bring your dog on your next side x side ride. You’ll want to be proactive to ensure it’s a safe, smooth ride for all involved. We created the following beginner’s guide to keeping your dog safe on your UTV below. For all your powersports needs, visit Family Powersports Lubbock. We proudly serve those in Lubbock, Texas.

Transporting Your Dog

You know you want your dog to join you on your side by side. But it’s important to also know that letting him roam around the vehicle free is dangerous. He could injure himself by jumping or falling out of the side x side. He could interfere with your ability to safely drive by getting tangled up in your legs or trying to jump in your lap. You need to keep him safe and secure in a crate.

When you put the crate on your side by side, it isn’t going to stay there without some strapping down. You’d be surprised at how easily a dog crate will slide right out. All you need is some tie downs to secure it to the bed of your UTV.

Don’t forget to consider your dog’s comfort in the crate. If it’s going to be cold out, put a kennel cover on it to keep your dog cozy warm. If it’s going to be hot out, make sure there is plenty of ventilation of fresh air. You don’t want it to get stuffy and hot.

Getting Used to the UTV

If your dog has never been in a crate before, you’ll need to build up his comfort level. Getting thrown into a confined space, put on a loud vehicle, and then thrown into motion could be traumatizing for him! First, you’ll want to get him used to the crate. Throw toys or treats inside to help him associate the crate as a positive experience. After he is used to the crate, go for a very slow and short side by side ride. Build up the length and speed of the ride until your dog is fully acclimated to side x side riding.

Packing UTVs

Your dog needs proper supplies for UTV riding as well. Running around the woods, especially on a hot day, is dehydrating. Bring along a water bowl and plenty of water. If you’re concerned about space, bring along a collapsible bowl. You’ll also want a first aid kit so you can address minor health emergencies.

There are also items that aren’t crucial to side by side riding, but they help make the experience better. An LED collar light helps your dog be more visible, especially when the sun starts to set. Booties keep their tender paws safe from the rugged turf. A brush helps you remove any stickers that cling to her fur. Don’t forget the treats and toys to help reward good behavior and show your pooch that side by side adventures are fun!

Before you can enjoy a ride with your four-legged best friend, your side x side needs to be functioning well. If your side by side isn’t running like it used to, bring it on into Family Powersports Lubbock. We offer service and parts replacement options to fix whatever is wrong. We also offer a number of new and used UTVs for sale for all budgets. We proudly serve those in Lubbock, Lake Tanglewood, Plainview, and Seminole, Texas.