A Perfect Day Trip with Your Dog in the New Ford Explorer Hybrid

Safety First

Taking your dog on a day trip is a wonderful way to bond, explore new places, and create lasting memories. The new Ford Explorer Hybrid is ideal for these adventures, offering the perfect blend of space, comfort, efficiency, and safety. To ensure your dog enjoys the journey as much as the destination, focusing on their safety throughout the trip is essential. Here’s how to safely tether your dog in the front seat, back seat, and hatch area, ensuring they’re secure and comfortable no matter where they ride.

Spacious and Comfortable Interior

The Ford Explorer Hybrid is designed with ample space, allowing your dog to travel comfortably. The rear seats can be folded to create a flat surface, perfect for setting up a dog bed. Whether your dog prefers the front seat, back seat, or hatch area, the Explorer Hybrid offers versatile options for safe and secure travel.

Safety First: Tethering Your Dog

When it comes to safely transporting your dog, proper tethering is crucial. Here are safe options for each area of the vehicle:

1. Front Seat:

While it's generally safer for dogs to ride in the back seat, some owners prefer to keep their pets up front. If you choose this option, ensure your dog is securely tethered:

• Dog Seat Belt Harness: A dog seat belt harness that attaches to the car’s seat belt system is a great option. These harnesses distribute the force of sudden stops across your dog’s chest, minimizing injury risk. Make sure the harness is properly fitted and attached to the passenger seatbelt.
• Pet Booster Seat: A pet booster seat can be a safe choice for smaller dogs. These seats elevate your dog to window height and include a built-in tether that connects to its harness, keeping it secure and preventing distractions while driving.

2. Back Seat:

The back seat is generally the safest place for your dog to ride, offering more space and less risk in case of a collision. Here’s how to safely tether your dog in the back:

• Dog Seat Belt Harness: Similar to the front seat, using a dog seat belt harness in the back seat is one of the safest options. Attach the harness to the seatbelt and adjust it to ensure your dog has enough room to sit or lie down comfortably while remaining securely in place.
• Crash-Tested Pet Carrier: A crash-tested pet carrier secured with the seatbelt can provide an additional layer of protection for smaller dogs. The carrier should be placed on the seat and anchored with the seatbelt to prevent it from moving during sudden stops.
• Hammock-Style Seat Cover with Built-In Tether: A hammock-style seat cover that spans the back seat and includes built-in tethers is a great option for larger dogs. The tethers can be attached to your dog’s harness, while the hammock provides additional comfort and prevents them from slipping off the seat.

3. Hatch Area:

The Ford Explorer Hybrid's hatch area offers ample space for larger dogs, and with proper safety measures, it can be a comfortable and secure place for them to travel.

• Dog Crate: The safest way to transport your dog in the hatch area is in an appropriately sized, crash-tested dog crate. The crate should be secured to prevent it from sliding or tipping during the drive. Ensure it has enough ventilation and is padded with a comfortable mat or blanket.
• Cargo Area Barrier with Tether: If your dog prefers to ride freely in the hatch area, install a cargo area barrier to prevent it from moving into the passenger area. Additionally, use a tether attached to a secure point in the cargo area to clip onto its harness. This setup allows your dog some movement while keeping it safe and secure.

Eco-Friendly and Efficient

The Ford Explorer Hybrid’s fuel efficiency means fewer stops for gas and more time spent enjoying your trip. This eco-friendly vehicle lets you reduce your carbon footprint while taking your dog on exciting new adventures.

Dog-Friendly Features

In addition to safety, the Ford Explorer Hybrid offers several features that make traveling with your dog easier. The power liftgate allows easy access to the hatch area, making loading and unloading your dog hassle-free. The durable and easy-to-clean interior materials are perfect for dealing with muddy paws or shedding fur, and the climate control system ensures your dog remains comfortable throughout the journey.

Planning Your Day Trip

For those in the Portland, Oregon (PDX) area, here are two perfect one-day trips you can take with your dog. Each offers scenic beauty, outdoor fun, and dog-friendly activities.

1. Trip to Cannon Beach

• Distance: Approximately 80 miles from Portland (about 1.5 hours each way).
• Highlights: Cannon Beach is one of the most iconic spots on the Oregon coast, famous for its wide sandy beaches and the stunning Haystack Rock. This destination is extremely dog-friendly, with most of the beach open to off-leash play as long as your dog is under voice control.
• Activities: Start your day with a leisurely drive to Cannon Beach in your Ford Explorer Hybrid. Once there, enjoy a long walk along the shoreline, letting your dog run free and explore. Pack a picnic and relax by the waves, or grab a bite at one of the many dog-friendly cafes in town. Don’t forget to snap photos of your dog with Haystack Rock in the background! On the way back, you can stop by Ecola State Park for a short hike with breathtaking coast views.
• Safety Tips: While your dog is playing on the beach, be mindful of the tides and ensure it’s wearing a collar with ID tags in case it gets lost. After the beach, rinse off any sand or salt water from your dog’s fur to keep it comfortable for the ride home.

2. Trip to Silver Falls State Park

• Distance: Approximately 55 miles from Portland (about 1 hour each way).
• Highlights: Known as the “crown jewel” of Oregon’s state parks, Silver Falls State Park offers stunning waterfalls, lush forests, and well-maintained trails perfect for a day of exploration with your dog.
• Activities: Take your Ford Explorer Hybrid on a scenic drive to Silver Falls, where you and your dog can explore the park’s famous Trail of Ten Falls. This 7.2-mile loop trail takes you past ten breathtaking waterfalls, with several spots where your dog can cool off in the streams. The park also offers picnic areas where you can take a break and enjoy lunch surrounded by nature.
• Safety Tips: Park regulations require your dog to always be on a leash to protect it and the wildlife. Bring plenty of water for you and your dog, as the hike can be lengthy. Be prepared for muddy trails, especially after rain, and use the Explorer’s all-wheel-drive capabilities to navigate rough or slippery roads on your way to the park.

Enjoy the Journey

The journey is just as important as the destination. In the Ford Explorer Hybrid, you can enjoy a smooth, quiet ride with your dog securely tethered and comfortable. Open the sunroof for fresh air, or listen to your favorite playlist while your dog relaxes in its safe, cozy spot.

Conclusion

Taking your dog on a day trip in the Ford Explorer Hybrid is a joyful experience, made even better by knowing your pet is safe and comfortable. You can ensure your dog’s safety while enjoying this versatile SUV's spacious, efficient, and dog-friendly features by using the appropriate tethering methods for the front seat, back seat, or hatch area. Whether you’re heading to the scenic shores of Cannon Beach or the lush trails of Silver Falls State Park, your Ford Explorer Hybrid is the perfect companion for a day filled with adventure and memories with your furry friend. So pack up, secure your dog, and hit the road for a day of fun and exploration in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.