Car Seats

[Pinky]

How do you guys drive with your pups? I'm currently putting Stormy in her dog carrier and I just put the seatbelt around that..she HATES it. She seems to hate the carrier in general, perhaps bc it's velour and it makes her hot? She pants when she's in there (longest car ride has been about 25 minutes) and barks/cries up a storm. Ugh. I want to get her a car seat, but I don't know which one. My car is fairly small. It's a Volkswagen Beetle (I have a thing for cute, small things apparently ) so it can't be too bulky. I'd prefer something I can put in the front seat with me so she can see me. Any suggestions?

[minnie mee]

I have a great bag called outward hound.  It's like a back pack.  I can take mm anywhere.  I don't know if it would work in the car, but I use it in the front so she can see me.  The important thing is that she has to see you or she will be upset, so make sure the carrier window is where she can see you.

[shorkiejem]

I use the one below.  I think they come in different sizes.  I just don't care for the harness ones.  I can't see how a puppy could be comfortable.  The one I use below is high enough for Jemma to see out the window.  She is next to me in the front.  And it has a clip that you put on the dogs harness so she can't jump out.  LOVE IT!!!!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Large-Deluxe-Dog-Lookout-Pet-CAR-SEAT-Carrier-Booster-/270557401070?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3efe7a4fee

[Mai Tai]

I bought a harness one, but poor Mai Tai gets all tangled up in it and hates it.  Maybe I will try Jemma's.  Mo rides in his crate which gets strapped in because he is so freakin' tiny.

[shorkiejem]

Hey Mai, I was afraid of the tangle part and did not think it would be comfortable.  I'm sure some dogs do great in it.  Jemma would not.  Once I got this car seat and Jemma was front and could see me, what a difference.  I believe the size I bought is the same one in the auction.

[Pinky]

Did you buy Jemma a large one? I figured we might need smaller ones.

[shorkiejem]

Pinky I'll measure mine again.  I really never saw a small or med before listed.  Jemma is 6 pounds and she fits in it fine.  She was only 4 pounds when I got it.  But if they came smaller than what I have I would not buy it.  They still grow and you would end up buying another one as she gets bigger.

[ellietoo]

I realize this is an old post but just in case anyone is researching a car seat for their pet I thought I would add this bit of info to think about. If you keep your dog in the front seat you have to be aware of the danger of the airbag deploying in the event that you have to slam your foot on the brake or an accident. This could kill a little dog so a hard sided carrier is advised for the front seat. There are also sturdy booster seats available that are held in place by the seat belt and the dog is secured by an attached chain. A harness should always be used on a dog in such a seat in case the dog somehow jumped out of the seat. This would prevent the dog from hanging it's self. Just as with a small child the back seat is the safest place for your pet to be restrained. A unrestrained  dog can become a projectile inside the car in the event of an accident.

[Ann]

I totally agree. We must always take care with our Shorkies just like we would with our children. It is safety to everyone not just our shorkies.

[junip1977]

I'm so glad you posted about this.  I was looking at the car seats in the pet store the other day.  I never even really thought about getting one but it makes so much sense.  My question is, does anyone here use them and if so what is your experience with them?  I look at them and just imagine the dog relentlessly trying to gnaw her way out of the thing and me going through car seat after car seat...LOL  Plus, I always seem to have escape artists for pets...or pets that can bend and twist in unusual ways to get out of things...LOL 

[Pinky]

Ha you can tell from my post that this was when I was a new dog mom Like Ellie said, it's not safe to put them in the front seat bc of air bags. I never did buy a car seat, I still drive with Stormy in her carrier but I put her in the backseat now. She's totally gotten used to it and doesn't make a sound while she's in there.

[ellietoo]

I have been researching them quite a bit. There is a brand called Look Out 1 that comes in various sizes that I am considering. It is high enough for the dog to see out the window and sturdy enough to protect. Your dog still has to wear a harness and there is a strap attached to the seat that hooks to the harness which keeps the dog in the seat. I am considering that one as it is one of the safest I have seen. Right now Gracie rides in her carrier though she hates it, at least she is safe. I think for short rides around town the Look Out 1 would be fine. For real traveling I would keep her in her carrier most of the time. You can see the Look Out 1 on Amazon.com.

[junip1977]

Thanks Ellie, I will check it out! 

[raleysmom]

Raley rides in his kennel.  There are times where we will take him for a short ride and let him look out the window--but that is going about 30 mph and not in busy traffic.  Since he is kennel trained he really prefers to travel in it.

[ellietoo]

Gracie really hates the car up until now because I usually only take her to the vet or the groomer. Both places she would rather avoid. I'm hoping that having a booster seat and seat belt will make her more care friendly for short rides. I would always put her in a carrier for anything that involves leaving town or highway driving.