Hellobee Boards

We also have two dogs that are used to getting the backseat to themselves when on car trips. Our dogs tend to settle down once we get on the highway so we don't have too much issue with them going from window to window. We have my son's carseat behind the front passenger seat so the dogs seem to automatically respect that they can't sit there since it is in their way. We have started to lay down all but the one seat my son's in and let them have more movement room, even if it is on top of our bags and such. We have also put one of their beds in the car so they know where they should lay, even if they choose not to do so. Consider putting the carseat in your car with a babydoll or something strapped in and see how they react to a short trip. I know it isn't the same as a living baby and how they will react to your baby but it might be worth a shot.

I only have one big dog and since the baby came he gets shot gun and he wears a seat belt. I take the back with the baby because I know he'd just sit there licking her the whole time.

Personally I feel a lot safer having the dog in his seat belt, especially if they're sitting in back with a baby. If you get in an accident they could be flung anywhere, so it's safer for the dogs and your lo to keep them in a belt. Plus, I think its taught my dog that when he's in the car he has to sit still and he just lies down now.

@mediagirl: you should install your car seat and let the doggies get used to having it there. Maybe put a doll in the seat?

@mediagirl: hahaha i never had a cabbage patch doll! they scared me.. but yes. I would put the car seat in way in advance so you have time to train the doggies to stay off/away.

We have a lab and she's very good about leaving the baby alone. With our old cars, they just sat next to each other in the back seat- with the car seat in the middle. Now we have an Outback and the dog goes in the trunk unless we have it full of stuff, then she sits in the backseat.