Ideas for getting dog comfy in the car

[MissShapesMissStakes]

Ddog is almost one. He has always whined in the car. At first I thought he was feeling sick. Now I’m not sure as he starts immediately. Often he doesn’t cry on the way home too.

So I’m wondering if it’s that he just really wants to get where he’s going.

He has a seatbelt on his harness and sits between my kids. But he never seems to settle or be able to be comfy. And he goes from standing and sitting usually. Occasionally he will lie down on the way back from somewhere but not for long.

We are on holiday soon and it’s only two hours away but I really don’t want him whining all the way there and back!

Are there any ways to get him comfier and more settled without spending a fortune? I’ve seen a really comfy looking seat for dogs in the car but it’s £45 and who knows if he would settle in it anyway?!

[PookieDo]

I let mine lay in his bed on the seat that is where he seems to feel most secure but he is a small dog

Also sometimes we sit in the car with no engine on
And I make a point of taking him on day trips to pets at home which he loves so that he associates the car with nice outings

[WhiteLightTrainWreck]

For short journeys with only one of us, mine sits on a blanket in the passanger seat, long distance he is sat in his bed, harnessed onto the seat belt. He settles after a couple of minutes.
Because he's a small dog when we're both in the car he sits on mine or dps lap with his harness clipped to his lead and tied to the seat belt.

Is there space for yours to have the bed between dcs in the back?

[HappyHammy]

Is there room behind the back seat where he can have a basket or blanket to lie down on and a screen to stop him getting into the seat.

[Inagalaxyfaraway]

I’ve got this it’s only 11.95 dog very comfortable and lies down

[WhatALearningCurve]

I don't have a dog and was just having a nosy on the thread guy just wanted to say @PookieDo - that is one of the most wholesome things I've ever read and genuinely brightened my day!

[Fucksandflowers]

If he doesn't cry on the way home then my suspicion would be excitement at the antipation of wherever he is going.

If it was me, I would make sure he was relatively calm before even getting in the car so sitting nicely, walking nicely to the car.
Strap him in, put him in a sit and any attempts to get up or wiggle about i'd push his bum back down into a sit and calmly and quietly feed treats and stop treats immediately the second he whines.

[MissShapesMissStakes]

Thank you everyone.

I like the look of that seat, I might look into that more. I just don’t know if it would take up too much of his available space.

He’s only a miniature poodle but is quite tall for one. He’s about 10.5kg, and one of my kids is in a car seat, which takes up a bit more space.

There wouldn’t be room for him on the floor behind the front seats I don’t think either.

We will definitely be walking him before we travel. He does like being out and about so it could well be excitement. He’s only 11 months so outings are exciting, as are most things.

How do people with bigger dogs manage? Is it just in the boot?

If I was in the back with him I think he would sit half on my knee like he does at home. But I can’t have my dd in the front as I can’t turn off the airbag. Dd’s knee isn’t big enough for him to be comfy.

Well it’s all practice for the summer when we have a 5/6 hour car journey. I’m dreading that one already!

[PookieDo]

@WhatALearningCurve
😂 I don’t think they like him in there though he always cocks his leg on the large bags of dog food by the front door! I am so embarrassed by him

[Fucksandflowers]

How do people with bigger dogs manage? Is it just in the boot?

I don't have a car but whenever we go out with friends or family dog goes in the boot yes.
She loves travelling in the car!
I have to be vigilant on a walk as if she spies an open car she'll make a beeline for it!

[MissShapesMissStakes]

Haha! Excellent Fucksandflowers! That would surprise someone.

Pookie - I always worry that mine will do that! Others must, that’s why it’s appealing.

[WhatALearningCurve]

@PookieDo my friends dog weed on the fake grass display at the garden the other week. I said they should take it as a compliment and a testament to the high quality of their AstroTurf!

[Tara336]

I put a blanket in the rear footwell my Ddog prefers to lay down there, he’s secure if you brake and out of the sun. He gets very stressed if he’s on a seat (tried the car seat option he hated it)