DIY small dog platform for rear seat

My 12lb dachshund loved my Prius, where the rear seat-backs fold wonderfully flat right up to the front center armrest, allowing him to partially come up to the console. Not so much in my M3 since the rear seats don't fold down sufficiently, especially with the front seats all the way back. I couldn't find anything pre-made, so this is what I came up with.

Put the passenger seat back far enough for your typical passenger(s), with some room for reclining.
Make a template using some thin cardboard.
Glued together 3 thick layers of cardboard from my new 65" TV box.
Once the glue dries, cut out the thick cardboard same shape as template.
Cover with some contact cement and faux leather (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08W2B24VL/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1)

The finished product fits in very snug against seatbacks, and passenger rear door when closed. Initially I had an inflated beach ball in the rear foot area to support it, but it wasn't needed. If your dog is heavier, you may need that, or some type of formed foam support or big pillow.

Make sure to use a dog harness, attached to seat belt receiver.

 

[evbuyer18]

And here is Cody.

 

[Late2theparty]

Oh a longhair dachshund, that makes perfect sense now

And also....I'd be making this out of 3/4" plywood, ridiculous overkill. Now that I know a few layers of cardboard will do it....you've saved me. Thank you Sir!

Joe

 

[Dismal Wizard]

And here is Cody.View attachment 960936

 

[Dismal Wizard]

Ahoy! Handsome rough coated! I know some Brits from Twitter that train their dogs to ride in a wicker basket fitted with a cushion. Basically the same idea as your bed. Clever of your folks! You might be interested in a RuffWare car harness designed to secure dogs on the seat using the LATCH points. From RuffWare or REI in the US.

 

[Dismal Wizard]

And here is Cody.View attachment 960936

 

[Dismal Wizard]

Now I get it. Dad made a deck for you! Nice. Boy are you tidy!

 

[Randy-12]

I use a bridge I got on Amazon for my Shiba Inu

FrontPet Backseat Pet Bridge, Dog Car Back-Seat Extender Platform, Seat Cover Divider Barrier, Ideal for Trucks, SUVs, and Full Sized Sedans https://a.co/d/9EJeum8

 

[gtgarner]

My 12lb dachshund loved my Prius, where the rear seat-backs fold wonderfully flat right up to the front center armrest, allowing him to partially come up to the console. Not so much in my M3 since the rear seats don't fold down sufficiently, especially with the front seats all the way back. I couldn't find anything pre-made, so this is what I came up with.

Put the passenger seat back far enough for your typical passenger(s), with some room for reclining.
Make a template using some thin cardboard.
Glued together 3 thick layers of cardboard from my new 65" TV box.
Once the glue dries, cut out the thick cardboard same shape as template.
Cover with some contact cement and faux leather (Amazon.com)

The finished product fits in very snug against seatbacks, and passenger rear door when closed. Initially I had an inflated beach ball in the rear foot area to support it, but it wasn't needed. If your dog is heavier, you may need that, or some type of formed foam support or big pillow.

Make sure to use a dog harness, attached to seat belt receiver.

View attachment 958835


View attachment 958836

Have you ever thought about going to the carpet store and getting a free remnant. Stick on with some double-sided tape.

For two reasons.

1. grip for the little one
2. soaking up any mistakes and keep it from running down onto your seats.

Otherwise - great job.