He rides upfront with me.. Am I a bad mom?

[HisNameIsHarley]

Well, my car doesn't have any airbags (94 chevy suburban).. Here's a pic of my front seats.. And I couldn't get one of the seats for my rear seats bc they have no head rests either! And I too think that a new car seat/halter restrainer would be a great christmas present!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17...ctures1390.jpg

[lilbumbleybees]

they make carseats that don't hook to the headset. You strap them in with a seatbelt. BOuncer LOVES his and would just about die if he didn't have it. It's made by Global Pet, but I've had a hard time finding one like mine. I nee another one now that I'm getting a little girl. If you have the airbag option, make sure it's turned off. if something were to happen, it can kill your baby.

[HisNameIsHarley]

Originally Posted by lilbumbleybees

they make carseats that don't hook to the headset. You strap them in with a seatbelt. BOuncer LOVES his and would just about die if he didn't have it. It's made by Global Pet, but I've had a hard time finding one like mine. I nee another one now that I'm getting a little girl. If you have the airbag option, make sure it's turned off. if something were to happen, it can kill your baby.

Is this the harness you're talking about? http://www.globalpets.com/ProductDet...000-1080233046

[lilbumbleybees]

Originally Posted by HisNameIsHarley

Is this the harness you're talking about? http://www.globalpets.com/ProductDet...000-1080233046

No, mine is an actualy carSEAT. It has a luggage compartment underneath and when taken out of the car, I canunhook the luggage part from it and fold it out to be a nice sized bed. The seatbelt hooks through two loops on the back to secure it in your car so it doesn't flip over with your baby in it. There is a harness hook in the seat so that you can hook your baby in and not worrying about them jumping out of the seat. Bouncer loves it b/c he's right at the level with the window and he LOVES to stare out the window and bark at cars and people on the street. I'll take a picture of it tomorrow and put it on here!

[HisNameIsHarley]

Originally Posted by lilbumbleybees

No, mine is an actualy carSEAT. It has a luggage compartment underneath and when taken out of the car, I canunhook the luggage part from it and fold it out to be a nice sized bed. The seatbelt hooks through two loops on the back to secure it in your car so it doesn't flip over with your baby in it. There is a harness hook in the seat so that you can hook your baby in and not worrying about them jumping out of the seat. Bouncer loves it b/c he's right at the level with the window and he LOVES to stare out the window and bark at cars and people on the street. I'll take a picture of it tomorrow and put it on here!

Wow, that sounds really neat.. I'll keep looking, thanks!

[livingdustmops]

This is what I use but if you do a search on car seats you will see a number of threads that show all the different kinds people have. I also posted a thread today on the safest place your dog can ride in the car but I can't figure out how to bring in another thread (dah).

http://www.snoozer-dog-beds.com/dogcarseats.htm

You might want to look at the console seat that could be put between you and your boyfriend, Harley would be happy and safe.

Yes, this is big momma talking , you need to harness him in. I would hate to see anything happen to your baby because he was loose in the car.

[Saragp]

A friend of mine was letting his dog ride in his lap. He drives a Truck/Rig and he and his dog travel-ED all over the US. Then one day, on his way home from AZ he went down a wrong road, lost control of the dog which flew in the cab. The dog broke her neck and the fell under the air seat which smushed her little head.
Ironically, he had ordered a seat and it came to his house that same day.

No one in there right mind would put a baby in the car without being strapped in properly. Why is a dog so different?

I am so NOT trying to come off harsh, but it is somthing to think about as it COULD happen anywhere, anytime. Whether you are far from home, or just around the corner. I remember someone telling me (probably my mother) that most accidents happen within 5 miles of one's home. Most people become more relaxed when they are familiar with where they are.

There are tons of carseats that don't require a headrest. I have the Lookout II that I got from www.imapreciouspup.com. It was pricy, but worth it. There are less expensive ones that buckle onto the seat.

If you where a seatbelt, so should the dog!

If you need help, I would be more than happy to research some less expensive seats for you that do not require a headrest.

I hope I come across as someone who is passionate and not someone who is RUDE!! I hope you understand my tone.

[kewtee]

Originally Posted by Saragp

I hope I come across as someone who is passionate and not someone who is RUDE!! I hope you understand my tone.

You do to me
I recognize the passion in your language, so no offense taken at all

[SoCalyorkiLvr]

Defintiely compassion....no rudeness and I totally agree. Carseats are a great investment!

[centralnewyorki]

Originally Posted by Saragp

No one in there right mind would put a baby in the car without being strapped in properly. Why is a dog so different?

Very good point- I was thinking the same thing.

Originally Posted by Saragp

I am so NOT trying to come off harsh, but it is somthing to think about as it COULD happen anywhere, anytime. Whether you are far from home, or just around the corner. I remember someone telling me (probably my mother) that most accidents happen within 5 miles of one's home. Most people become more relaxed when they are familiar with where they are.

I've actually heard that statistic for within one mile of home, too. Like you mentioned, it's probably because people let down their guard, aren't as alert, don't wear seatbelts, etc.
I don't think that anyone is a bad mommy for not strapping in their dog. I just don't understand why it's worth taking the risk. Perhaps I'm overly cautious, but I don't ever drive even a foot without my seat belt on. I take the time to ensure I'm safe by straping on a seat belt, why let Olivia (so small and fragile) roam freely? Maybe nothing will happen, but if something does, I'll be happy that she's in a carseat.

[HisNameIsHarley]

well what would be perfect is if I could find a car seat that could be buckled into the middle seat between me and my boyfriend. ( here's the pic of my front seat http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17...ctures1390.jpg ) The middle is not a console and does not have a shoulder strap, only the lower belt portion. So if anyone knows of any seats that fit this criteria I would be VERY thankful! I'm still looking and google'ing!

[Itspuppyluv]

The lookout car seat I have only needs the lap belt - http://www.snoozer-dog-beds.com/Pet%.../lkoutnice.jpg - the shoulder strap isn't what holds it in even though you see it in the picture. I could be wrong but looking at your picture it doesn't look like you have enough room (?) so if I were you I would buy a car harness and strap.
The car seats I own really only lift them up to see out the window anyway, they are almost as flat as the seat of the car - you can see it in the picture - and offer very little protection. In my opinion, what is really keeping the dog safe is the safety strap and harness holding them in place. Something like this...
http://shop.petsmart.com/product/253...4441779741.htm
It's important that the harness fits well and the safety strap is not too long. They shouldn't fly forward if you slam on the brakes.
Just like with kids, the safest place is the back seat but if they are going to be in the front, strap them in. Hope that helps if you can't find a car seat.

[Saragp]

Originally Posted by HisNameIsHarley

well what would be perfect is if I could find a car seat that could be buckled into the middle seat between me and my boyfriend. ( here's the pic of my front seat http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17...ctures1390.jpg ) The middle is not a console and does not have a shoulder strap, only the lower belt portion. So if anyone knows of any seats that fit this criteria I would be VERY thankful! I'm still looking and google'ing!

Here is one that would fit in the middle, lay on the seat and be strapped down by the center seatbelt, http://www.petsmart.com/global/produ...t=car+seat&N=2

All my dogs sit in the back seat. Most car manufactures suggest/recommend that children (and that's what my dogs are to me) sit in the back as it is safer. My oldest Bailey, a pom, used this particular seat when she was growing up. Like a crate that gives security, it too gave her her 'own' spot in the car that gave her the feeling of security. It has a strap that connects to the dog's harness. But if you are focused on the front seat, it will work there too.

[Itspuppyluv]

Just had to share this picture... http://www.woofnwhiskers.com/info-st...g-car-seat.htm ...yorkies are too cute!!

[mybirdys2003]

I got a car seat and two different crates, but Snoodles will just drive you nuts, crying and scratching, etc. So, what I do, is put her harness on, then the leash, and tie the leash to the head rest. I know this isn't perfect, but hopefull it will help some.
Pat