Mar
13
2010
Outward Hound OH00679 Back Seat Hammock, Black
Posted by Blogmaster in Dogs, tags: Back, Black, Hammock, Hound, OH00679, Outward, Seat
- Give your pet a comfortable ride wherever you go
- Attaches across front and rear seats of most automobiles
- Safe for pets
- Keeps hair off the seats
- Easy to install
Product Description
The Back Seat Hammock gives pets a safe and comfortable ride suspended between the sturdy material. Attached easily from the front and rear seats of most automobiles.
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I bought this having read the other 5-star reviews, including the one that says the hammock has a “chemical or dirt” smell. Well, now that I’ve got the hammock, it’s so incredibly easy to use and setup, I can’t believe I was putting down an old blanket before. But the other reviewer was right: That chemical/dirt odor (and seriously, I couldn’t have come up with a better description than dirt, myself!) is really strong. It probably will wear off eventually, but leaving it out in the sun, spraying it with Febreeze, and even washing it on the mild cycle with hot water and “fluff” drying it without heat (DO NOT TRY THIS as it tears the nylon backing!!!) have not rid it of the smell. If the smell ever goes away, I’d rate this as a 5, but for now, I’m optimistically giving it a 3. Might not be a bad idea to check the other hammocks available out there and spend a bit more money to see if you can get a non-dirt-smelling seat cover!
Rating: 3 / 5
I am a Vet Tech, so I am able to take my dog to work with me & I take him almost every day. He is a Golden Retriever, so he sheds A LOT. My GMC Jimmy’s back seat is pretty much covered with hair & it kind of smells like dog in there. Well, I recently purchased a new car & definitely do not want the back seat to be trashed like the old one is.
This cover is very easy to install. There are four adjustable straps that fit around the head rests of your seats. They have clips for easy removal & replacement. It fits pretty well in the back seat of my car, which is a 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. It took me 10-15 minutes to hook everything up & get the straps adjusted just right. There are velcro slits that allow for access to seat belts. There is also a velcro slit at the edge of the seat which enables you to open it to allow a human passenger to sit in the back without removing the entire cover.
As for cleaning, I just run it through the washing machine, on the gentle cycle, & hang it to dry over my shower curtain. I think the instructions say not to put it in a washing machine but I have not had any problems, so far (after about 5 months of use).
My dog looked at it a little funny when he first saw it but he jumped right in & seems to ride comfortably, if not more so, since he doesn’t fall off the seat when I have to hit the breaks.
The down sides:
It doesn’t “grab” the dog hair, so the hair is free to just float around in the car.
The part that comes across the back of my front seats & acts as a barrier does not stay taught, so my dog could easily come up front if he wanted to. Fortunately, I have him trained to stay in the back. Also, it’s still a good idea to use a seat belt harness with this product.
Rating: 3 / 5
After getting at new car at Christmas, I just had to find something to keep the backseat decent. My two Briards (80 and 70 lbs.) sit together in the backseat of the Forester (used to be a Golf, this is spacious!).
The hammock hangs easily between the seats from the headrests. It only took a few minutes to put it in. Now the dogs ride comfortably and their muddy paws stay where they belong.
I was concerned when I first saw it that the velcro would rip open from the weight of the dogs, but that has not happened in nearly two months of use.
All in all, this hammock has made it possible for the dogs to have more frequent rides in the car — isn’t that the best news?!
Rating: 4 / 5
There are similar higher quality products on the market, but you can’t get more for less than you get with this product. I have a 70 lb lab and leather seats and haven’t had one problem with this hammock. Obviously, protecting your seats is best benefit, but it is also great for preventing your dog from falling behind the seats. My dog loves leaning against the hammock when sleeping on a longer ride. (Although, if your dog like to visit you up front, you might want to find another restraint, it may not hold them back depending on how persistent your dog is).
At first look, it doesn’t seem like much but mine hasn’t torn and my seats are in perfect condition after 6 months of continual use to and from hiking/swimming trips. Like others have said, I’m not sure how long the velcro (used to remove the “hammock” feature if needed) or the straps will last but I figure it will last long enough vs. the cost. It doesn’t have a perfect fit at the upper corners near the head rests, but since the dog doesn’t paw there, it doesn’t matter to me.
If you care that it “looks nice” as well as be functional, this isn’t for you, but if you want a good low cost cover that protects your seats – I highly recommend it.
Another added benefit – It’s great for hiding personal belongings behind the driver/passenger seats.
Rating: 4 / 5
My dog’s favorite place to be when we’re on the highway is sitting right in my lap. 30lbs of puppy trying to nudge her way between myself and the steering wheel has been keeping me from driving anywhere with her. Plus, I have leather and muddy claws after a hike were not a good mix. Now I don’t have to worry about the safety of either or us, or the state of my back seat. It’s incredibly easy to set up, just throw the loops over the headrests and anchor it in. I don’t usually don’t have other people in the backseat, but if I did it wouldn’t take more than a minute to take down for them. Not sure how well the velcro would hold for heavier dogs, but my medium sized dog is supported just fine.
Rating: 5 / 5