The ultimate dog box

[MtnBoy]

I'm building a dog box for my neighbour's 5 hounds (Walkers). Its going to fit in the box of his truck and have 2 main compartments. I'm looking for ideas to make it very functional but have as many 'cool' features as possible. Its welded aluminum exterior with wooden interior. Basically 4.5 feet long by 4 feet wide. Anyways, any suggestions?....comments?.. I'm starting from scratch and have full access to a fab shop. Thanks.

[timberhunter]

Put some kind of rails, and tiedowns for the dogs to ride on top of the box. So they can't fall off as well.

[BlacktailStalker]

Yup rails on the top to leash them to and a lining on the top to give them grip on the aluminum platform.Also maybe a compartment or two with a divider. A guy I know has hounds and 2 of them don't get along in the box. A rubber mat on the bottom with tray like edges lined with straw is what he uses to keep the hounds comfortable and to keep wood rot to a minimum from excessive moisture. Lockable doors are nice too incase you only have a few hounds out and are away from the truck, nobody needs to have their dogs stolen. Hope it turns out good!

[MtnBoy]

Thanks guys. A rail or tie down on the top sounds like a must. I like the rubber mat idea too! Was also thinking of adjustable venting, storage compartments and flip-up side windows. I'm using my computer to model it up so it is easy to add, subtract things.

[Clint_S]

Some ideas here.

http://www.treehound.com/treehound/html/jcm.html

http://www.dogbox.com/

http://www.alum-line.com/dogbox.html

[Ozone]

I dont know, becouse my dog rides shotgun, but maybe foam insullation (allu is cold) and a padded roof (for rough roads).

[Marc]

Maybe be some carpet or atificial grass on top of the box for extra traction ?