Question about cars in particular with a lab/retriever

[sunshinelemons]

We have 3 children who are still all in car seats but only one isofix and then two booster cushions. I'm changing my car and we plan to get a Labrador/retriever next year too. What cars can I look at that you would recommend please? Just to add I won't need space in the boot for a pushchair/stroller. I'm also a bit confused about how to restrain a dog safely in the car for when we all go out as a family. In trying to avoid getting a 7 seater if at all possible . I currently drive a Mondeo. Thanks

The dog can go in the boot with a dog guard like this.

www.halfords.com/motoring/travel-accessories/pet-travel/halfords-mesh-headrest-dog-guard-336630.html

It will mean you can't put your picnic in there too, so foot wells will be used for 'stuff'

We have an Outlander with a boot guard in half the boot. Other half can be used for kayaks, picnics etc. Works well but I’m not space there’d be space for 3 kids.

We have an estate and MPV, both with boot fitted out for the dog. Dog guard, dog bed, non-spill water bowl, divider to allow dog 2/3 and luggage 1/3 of space. You can get the dog guard/boot splitter for most cars.

Are you buying new? A lot of brands have pet packs that mean they throw in guard or crate and a boot liner but much cheaper to do it yourself. We put our dog in a crate in the boot of DH's car. There is still room for picnic, wellies, coats, enough for a day out, possibly 2 or 3 days away. My car is smaller but there is tether points in the boot so I keep him in his harness and lead and secure him.

Hey thanks for all the replies I wouldn't be buying brand new thinking 2018/9. I saw the boot packs on Halfords. I hadn't thought about cars until dh mentioned it, we had been considering a smaller dog for a while but when we looked into Labrador's we feel they would fit into our family nicely, we live near a few beaches all within a 10/15 minute drive which is where I tend to do most of my walking/bring the kids out to.