Hi, we're planning a 10-day road trip with Pixie, she's almost 1 y/o. Very clingy and loves riding the car. But the thing is, she got used to sitting on my lap, so when we try to put her in the back she always jumps into us. Or sometimes scratch the side door as she wants our attention. We need some suggestions on what should we do. I'm thinking of buying a dog-guard/compartment divider. But, I'm scared because she may not like it and be stressed.
If you are in the U.K. there are rules about transporting a dog that include having it secured in a dog crate or seatbelt harness. Saying that ours goes in the boot but the headrests would stop him being flung forward into the car. It’s hard to break a habit but maybe you could sit in the back with your dog in the other seat in a harness. Have short spells in the front until she is used to you not being next to her. Enjoy your trip.
My young dog travelled on the back seat wearing a harness with a small extension which clipped into the seat belt holder which worked really well. She felt safe and secure. I felt a lot safer too, especially if I didn't have a passenger to keep an eye on her.
This is what the government website says “When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars” So yes that dog guard would be ok. I would say a crate would help stop the dog getting injured and the guard you. I’m no expert but this is my understanding of the rules.
My 9mth boy sits in the back with a Kong car harness that clips onto his harness. It's fixes to the isofix points of the car. I put his bed into too, so he is calm and comfy. So you could try putting something familiar in the back with her, or even something that smells of you.
