At the risk of being accused of being a nanny, I would also like to suggest, for safety reasons, the use of a pet restraint system any time you take your dog in your car.
We have a Jack Russell terrier and before we purchased a car seat with a restraint system for her – it does give her some wiggle room – she was bouncing all over the car, blocking the windshield or mirror views and was an obvious distraction to careful driving.
Not only is she safer now but so is every other driver and passenger on the road, including me. As an extra bonus, there are no smears from her moist nose on my windows.
She happily climbs into her special seat and she knows her place in the car.
Please consider adding a pet restraint/seat for your beloved pet – and for your sake too. I have a feeling many accidents are caused by pet distractions in cars.
