Backseat or in the boot? (Golden retriever)

[snapdragongirl]

Our Golden retriever currently sits in the backseat of the car. She has a Ferplast car bed/carrier which has been amazing whilst she’s small but she is outgrowing it fast! We use a Kong seatbelt restraint attached to her harness. She’s in the middle seat so can see me if it’s only me in the car, and if DC are with us one will usually sit in the back with her. She is typically a pretty happy car traveller.

I’m just starting to wonder whether we move her to the boot…or get a seat cover for the backseat as we have leather seats and they are already getting a bit scratched/mucky.

What do others do with similar size dogs/what do you recommend? Do we need a crate in the boot or just a boot liner? Do we need a dog guard? I’m assuming I can and should still restrain her in the boot? Would love to hear what you do and what you’d advise!

My collie probably could do that if he thought about it 😂 the other one has no thoughts anyway.

But their paws are too big for it to happen by accident

When the back seat was full of people, the dog was laid across their laps. No way was she ever going in the boot..

I have a couple of car seat covers from Pets at Home (similar to car mats and velcro over the headrest), which are great as easy to fling off if I have rear seat passengers. Dog is also in harness clipped into seat belt, although mine has ISOfix as well.

My husband has a foldable box/hammock for the back seat. This is better for keeping seats cleaner, but takes up space and is more faff. But, better for long journeys as the base is flatter and feels more stable for lying down and sleeping.