Transporting a dog in the car: When a dog car seat is the right solution

Whether it's a short trip to the vet or a long drive for a holiday: for many small dogs, the car is not a natural place to be. Some pant after just five minutes, others whine throughout the entire journey. With a few preparations and the right spot in the vehicle, car journeys will be much more pleasant for your dog. We'll show you what's important when it comes to transport and when a dog car seat is the right solution.

Why small dogs often get restless in the car

A car is an unusual environment for a dog: it vibrates, it's loud, and they can't control the movement themselves. Small dogs, in particular, have an additional problem: in the back seat or footwell, they see nothing but upholstery. They are pushed to the side on every bend, without seeing what's happening around them.

This is precisely what leads to restlessness and often nausea. A secure, confined space helps the most. A dog that slides around with every brake application will never settle down. A car seat provides your dog with a stable lying surface with a rim: they have contact with the sides and stay put even on bends. Many dogs fall asleep as a result, instead of panting throughout the journey.

Securing your dog in the car: an overview of dog car restraints

A dog lying freely on the back seat will slide forward with any sudden braking. Some end up between the seats, others get up restlessly, walk back and forth, or try to get to you in the front – and suddenly you're looking at them instead of the road.

In addition, there's something that's easily underestimated: in the event of an impact, any body in the car experiences a multiple of its weight. An eight-kilo Dachshund at that moment weighs so much that no one could hold it. This becomes dangerous for the dog itself and for everyone else in the car.

Four variants have become established for securing dogs in the car:

• Transport crate: secured in the boot or across the footwell behind the front seats.
• Safety harness with seatbelt adapter: The dog is buckled in using the existing three-point seatbelt.
• Divider guard: separates the boot from the passenger compartment, but does not prevent the dog from sliding around.
• Dog car seat with belt guide: limits freedom of movement and keeps the dog in place.

Which solution fits depends on two things: your dog's size and where they travel in the car. Large dogs usually travel in the boot, and there you need a secured crate. A harness alone is not enough because there's nothing to buckle into. For small dogs on the back seat, however, a crate, a safety harness, or a car seat are options.

Where is the best place for a dog in the car?

Most dog owners ask themselves this question at some point. An overview of common places:

Back seat: In most cases, the best choice for small dogs. The area is manageable, the dog is not affected by airbags, and can be well positioned on a seat. It is important that they are not lying freely on the upholstery, but are secured in a box, a car seat, or with a safety harness.

Footwell: Cramped, dark, and no view outside. Feasible for short distances, unattractive for long journeys.

Boot: The classic solution for large dogs, usually in combination with a secured transport crate and a divider guard. This also works for small dogs, but is rarely the first choice: the crate takes up the entire boot, and the dog travels far away from you. Without a crate, the boot is not a solution because your dog will not find a secure footing on the smooth surface.

Front passenger seat: Popular because the dog is close to you, but associated with a risk that many underestimate. If the passenger airbag deploys, it inflates within milliseconds with considerable force, precisely where a small dog is sitting. If you still want to use this spot, you should deactivate the airbag and push the seat as far back as possible. Whether the airbag can be switched off is stated in the operating manual. If not, the back seat remains the better choice. There, your dog is close enough to hear and smell you.

Dog transport in the car: transport crate, safety harness or dog car seat?

There are three common solutions for transporting dogs in the car. A comparison is worthwhile, as they serve different purposes.

The transport crate offers the highest level of protection, provided it is crash-tested and correctly secured. However, it takes up a lot of space and is difficult to take with you once you arrive at your destination.

A safety harness with seatbelt adapter is space-saving and quick to put on. However, the selection of suitable models for very small dogs is limited, and the dog lies directly on the seat cushion.

A dog car seat is primarily a comfort solution. It creates a confined, padded space where your dog won't slide around. It also prevents your dog from moving around during the journey and distracting you. With a shoulder strap (available in brown, grey and black), the car seat also becomes a carrier bag. This way, you can easily carry your dog when you reach your destination.

What a soft car seat cannot provide is the protection of a tested restraint system in a serious accident. Here, crash-tested boxes and harnesses clearly have an advantage. If maximum accident protection is most important to you, the box is the right choice. If you are looking for a quiet, comfortable place for everyday use and a dog that gets through the journey relaxed, the car seat is the more suitable solution.

Acclimatising your dog to the car seat: in five steps

Take a few days to get your dog used to it, instead of taking them on a long journey the very first time.

1. Get to know it at home: Place the car seat in the living room and put a familiar blanket or toy inside. Let your dog explore it at their leisure.
2. Positive association: Reward any voluntary stay in the seat with a treat. Do not force your dog into it.
3. Practice in the stationary car: Secure the seat in the vehicle and sit with your dog for a few minutes without driving off.
4. Drive short distances: Start with five to ten minutes and a nice destination – for example, their favourite walking path.
5. Increase gradually: Extend the journeys incrementally as soon as your dog remains relaxed.

Finding the right size dog car seat

A dog car seat should be large enough for your dog to lie comfortably, but not so large that they slide around on bends. Our car seats are available in two sizes:

Size	Dimensions	Weight	For dogs up to	Suitable for, e.g.
S	40 x 50 cm	1,500 g	12 kg	Dachshund, Havanese, Miniature Poodle, Maltese, Chihuahua ...
M	50 x 60 cm	1,900 g	18 kg	Beagle, Shiba Inu, Poodle, English and American Cocker Spaniel ...

If in doubt, measure your dog lying down from nose to tail base. In addition to length, your dog's weight is also crucial. If you have any questions about sizing, we will be happy to help you at kontakt@leopolds-finest.de.

Securing the dog car seat in the car

Attachment is done in two steps. First, the belt on the bag is placed around the car seat. Then you fold down the front and pull the car seatbelt through. This combination secures the bag to the seat cushion.

Inside, there is an integrated safety leash. Attach the safety leash to your dog's harness; this prevents your dog from jumping out of the seat while driving. Suitable dog harnesses for Dachshunds and small dogs can be found in our shop.

Our dog car seats at a glance

We offer the dog car seat in two versions: the basic model and the Cosy dog car seat. Both are made from robust, easy-care vegan leather, have foldable side panels, and a removable cushion with hypoallergenic filling. When folded up, a protected area is created; when folded down, your dog can observe everything and rest their head. Side indentations make it easier for short-legged dogs to get in and out. The car seat and cushion are washable at 30°C, and each bag is 100% handmade in Germany. A matching shoulder strap (brown, grey, black) is available separately, allowing you to comfortably carry the bag outside the car.

The two models:

Hunde-Autositz Cosy ab €270,00 Jetzt ansehen

Hunde-Autositz ab €250,00 Jetzt ansehen

Checklist for car journeys with a dog

• Transport method suitable for dog's size
• Dog harness for the safety leash
• Water and collapsible travel bowl
• Familiar blanket or cuddly toy
• Matching shoulder strap for carrying the bag: in brown, grey and black
• Poop bags and towel
• Treats for breaks
• Sun protection for the windows in summer
• Vaccination certificate for longer journeys