I am thinking of investing in one for my estate.  Are they any good and could you use them whilst driving (I have a tailgate guard) so that there is a current of air through the boot?

Claire

Just in case you didn't know it REALLY dangerous to drive with the boot open a little bit. The exhaust emmissions can get sucked into the car and could make the people and dogs in the car drowsy  or feel sick, or maybe worse?

Hi Clair

Brilliant to give dogs some extra air - but you do need other windows open a little as well  when stationary, but definitely not whilst driving because of the reasons given above.

where can I get one of these from ?  I was thinking of getting one for when I go camping and if I wanted to go out for an evening to leave the boys in the car with the vent lock :)

http://www.ventlock.com/

Never even thought about that in which case it is really pointless.  As I have a tailgate guard anyway they cant get out.  When we leave them for a short time in the car I just lift the tailgate.  I have padlocks on the guard anyway just in case any pain in the ass children decided to open it up.

Funny because the way they advertise it I took it to mean when the vehicle was travelling:

The Ventlock Tailgate Lock allows more ventilation into your car than just leaving windows open. It works by fixing the rear door or tailgate in a semi-open position and combined with a front window open just an inch or two, it allows free flowing air just where the dogs need it most - on their nose at the back of the vehicle.

I suppose I thought that if the car was stationary there would be no free flowing air.  Just shows how wrong you can be! Will have to stick to the old fashioned fan idea instead.

Claire

I also have a tailgate guard which I padlock.  I want one of the vent locks though because when I go camping if I want to leave the dogs in the car whilst I go out for an evening I wouldnt want to leave the boot up because padlocks are too easy to break into at least witht he vent lock it would be like having to break into the car.

we use ours at shows claire, usually on a warm day if we have to go to tescos or somewhere while at a show (esp if the food van dosent turn up!) its quite handy as the boot can be left open slightly and the car can still be locked, so we dont have to worry about the dogs being stolen  (or tormented!) while we are shopping!

yes, i know we are un organised, we should shop before we go!!!!!!

doghealth/stock nutritions do a cheap one
http://www.doghealth.co.uk/vents.htm
it worked with my volvo, but not my focus estate which has auto button opening and this means their isn't a hole to clip the vent lock - bet that makes no sense!!

just to add they are also good because even if you have a tailgate guard if kids stuck their fingers in while you were shopping and got nipped it would be your fault.

I got one, and I use it loads.  Ive even used it this evening when I went to meet my mates I had the boys in the car because I came straight from training so I felt safe leaving them in the multi story with the vent lock to give them plenty of air - its brilliant :)

Careful though, the first size I got was too long and someone could have opened the tailgate guard and released the dogs so I sent it back and ordered a smaller one :)

LOL I have been thinking of getting one BUT I have no idea how I would secure it in place with my two inside. They are so keen to go to new places that as soon as I pop the tailgate they zoom out <rolleyes>

I have a tailgate guard so that stops them getting in the way.  They also have been taught to sit and wait, they arent allowed out of the car until they have permission ;)

I cant have a tail gate guard as I would be spending half my life taking it in and out for when I load up my trade stand for shows. And we all know how likley it is to be put back in when I actually need it!

Mine do lovley sit stays but it dosent work in the car - that is just too exciting! Problem is that our front garden is open plan and on the route to the park so it is impossible to practice with the car on the drive as there is a constaint stream of dogs walking past and Hook thinks that they cross his teratory so need to be 'warned' (groan).   

thanks for the additional info guys.  Hadnt considered the kids putting fingers in.  Not sure how the boys would react as we dont have kids so they dont have much to do with them.  Not sure I would want to risk it.  Maybe will purchase one after next pay day!

The only reason I got a tailgate guard was because I was concerned owning an older car that the boot lock could fail if I was shunted from behind.  My dogs will sit and stay whether I have it or not.

I have one from Barjo that comes out quick and easy just needing two butterfly nuts to be undone.  Well recommended!