transporting puppy in the car?

[Jen & Ember]

Well, Ember has been home for four days now and is adjusting remarkably well. She's such a doll. Most things are going well. We're dealing with the usual crazy puppy biting, but usually she can be redirected. She has helped me with my fashion by adding some nice holes to my pant legs... 

 

My question for you is how do you transport your puppy in the car? I am pretty on-the-go and like to be out and about, but with Ember I'm not sure what the best way is of bringing her along. On the way home from the breeder I used a crate and it did not work out that well. I also don't love the idea of moving the crate in and out of the house. 

 

Do you recommend a harness clipped into the seat belt? Or something else? She's 12.9 lbs (weighed at the vet yesterday!). 

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I bought a car harness which attaches to the seat belt and Riley had no problem adjusting to it.  Only problem is you will have to buy the next size up as she grows out of the first size.  I took Riley to the pet store to get the right size one for him a day after I got him home.

[Mimi Linna, Lilly and Lolly]

This is what I want because Jane, Rooney and Stuart has one. I am waiting until Lilly gets closer to 4 months so I can guess what size she will be. I will add a harness and she will be set.  http://www.inthecompanyofdogs.com/itemdy00.asp?ID=17,473&GEN1=D...=

[Carol Brand]

Crate.  Easy to get the dog in and out of.  Keeps the dog safe and contained.

[Jeanne, Tura and Dolly]

Mimi, even if you have a dog that is small enough for these seats, they still need harnesses so the dog doesn't fly out of them upon impact.  I have 2 large doods and I think a harness that attaches to the seat belt is a good idea. When my pups were small I just left a crate in the car and they got in and out. When they outgrew that I just didn't do anything (I know, bad doodle mom). So now I think it will be harder to get them used to a harness because they are used to roaming around freely.  So Jen, get a harness now and let Ember get used to it and it will be no big deal.  You will have to get a larger one when Ember gets bigger but she (and you) will  be safe. Look for old discussions on harnesses or car harness, there have been suggestions, I'm sure.

[Mimi Linna, Lilly and Lolly]

you are correct. I meant to say I will harness her in the seat.  right now we only have one car in nebraska (the other is in florida) so when we go anywhere I hold her. not safe I know. this is a good post to get me off my rear and get the harness and get her used to it..

[Jeanne, Tura and Dolly]

check out champion or easy rider

[Jeanne, Tura and Dolly]

The reviews on the Easy Rider are mixed but the Champion is pricey. I will be interested in what people recommend. Thanks for this discussion.  I have put it off too long.

[Camilla and Darwin]

We bought a seatbelt for Darwin, and buckle him in each and every time. It's America Tourister brand from petsmart. We really like it. It's comfortable on him, he can sit up or lay down, and I think it was about 30 dollars.

 

[Mimi Linna, Lilly and Lolly]

oh my goodness..he is the cutest thing.. do you brush him every day for that beautiful coat?? I will order one for lilly.

[New puppy owner]

I bought a solvit harness and altough I like it, during the first car ride Waffle chewed the seatbelt and the cup holder.  Maybe it will work better when he's older.  I can't fit his big crate in back of mini-van when I have the back seat up.  I've yet to figure this out.  For now, he sits on a kid's lap but in addtion to the dubious safety of this practice, it only works when I have a kid with me, so I don't know what to do when we ride  alone.