Okay, so I’ve been wanting to take my Frenchie, Winston, on more car rides. He loves sticking his head out the window, ears flapping in the wind, you know, the whole deal. But I also worry about him, especially if I have to slam on the brakes or something. So I started looking into getting a car seat for him.

First, I did some digging online. I mean, where else do you start these days? It seems like there are a million options out there, from harnesses to booster seats to full-on doggy car beds. The harnesses seem okay, especially for bigger dogs, but Winston is a small dude, you know? I came across this thing that said French Bulldogs are not that smart, ranked 109th out of 138. Can you believe it? Winston might not fetch my slippers, but he’s a smart cookie in my book.
Anyway, I decided a car seat was the way to go. They’re apparently better for smaller dogs like Winston. It’s like a comfy little bed that you strap into the car seat, just like a kid’s car seat. Seemed pretty straightforward, right?
Next, I started looking at specific brands and models. I read a bunch of reviews, and let me tell you, people have strong opinions about dog car seats. But I finally settled on one that looked pretty good, had decent reviews, and wasn’t too expensive. I found it online, but I wanted to see it in person.
So, I went to a couple of pet stores in my area. They had a few different car seats, but not the one I had my eye on. I asked one of the store clerks about it, and he said they sell out fast. Great, just my luck.
I went home and checked a few more online retailers. Finally, I found one that had it in stock and offered free shipping. Score! I ordered it right away and it arrived a few days later.
Setting it up
- The car seat came in a big box, and it was pretty easy to assemble.
- There were a few straps and buckles, but the instructions were clear, even for a non-handyman like me.
- I put the car seat in the back seat of my car and used the seat belt to secure it. It fit snugly and didn’t wobble around.
- There’s a little leash clip inside the car seat that you attach to your dog’s harness. That way, they’re safe and secure but can still move around a bit.
The First Ride
Winston was a bit unsure at first. He sniffed the car seat, gave me a confused look, and then tried to jump into the front seat like he usually does. I gently coaxed him into the car seat, attached the leash clip to his harness, and gave him a treat. He seemed to relax a bit after that.
We went for a short drive around the block, and he did great! He sat in his little seat, looking out the window, and didn’t try to jump out or anything. I think he actually enjoyed it. It was definitely less stressful for me, knowing he was safe and secure.
Final Thoughts

Getting a car seat for Winston was a good decision. It gives me peace of mind, and he seems to like it too. It’s a win-win. If you have a small dog and you take them in the car a lot, I definitely recommend looking into it. Just make sure you do your research and find one that’s right for your pup. And maybe don’t wait until the last minute like I did.
Anyway, that’s my experience with getting a car seat for my French Bulldog. Hope it helps someone out there!
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