We used a dog seat belt. Maybe if Oski were belted in the center he wouldn't be able to reach the arm rests. But it would be better if he could see out. I'm thinking much depends on the individual vehicle. If I were you, I'd stare at the configuration of the arm rest, window, etc., and see what I can envision.

Could you wrap a dish towel around the armrest and fasten it with something - a velcro strap or a twist tie. Then he could still look out the window but you could throw the towel in the laundry.

What about taking a wet washcloth or rag with you in a plastic bag and wiping his feet before you put him in the car?

I go with the towel advice. I know about muddy dog park paws. Luckily we have a Prius with a hatch back and a small back compartment where my two 26 pounds dogs fit nicely. Before when we had the greyhound, my seats and backs were covered with towels.

Orvis sells a cover for the side/door area, I believe. Try their catalog online.

This is all helpful. Flamey, Orvis had some door protectors which might work but I'd like to solve the problem a little less expensively. Yes, I do like him to be able to look out of the window, but this is just about 3 blocks from the park to home so he can sit quietly for that time. I also saw some dog seatbelts which would keep him in place for the trip home. I might even be able to run a seatbelt through his regular harness to keep him sitting for the brief trip home. OH! I just had another idea--put boxes or something by each door so he's confined to the middle. OK everyone, thanks for getting the thought processes going!
Thanks everyone. Maxmom, nice idea, but he's way beyond what a light cleanup will help!

I use a travel hammock..works like a charm

3 blocks? Hmmmmm. Walk him there. Why should only the beast get exercise?

Oski is a Westie, right? Maybe the answer is to 'slipcover' HIM. (Drop him in an old pillowcase and tie at the neck. LOL)

Have you 'inherited' Oski duties?

Our Westie is strange; not interested in looking out the side windows or hanging his head out of them. Eliot stands in the center of the back seat with his paws on the console and helps us drive, looking out the front windshield.

Think twice about that small (or large) dog ride loose in the car. Just consider what might happen in an accident. Not only can the dog be seriously injured but it becomes a flying projectile to injure people in the car, too.

Chisue, that's so funny. After I had the idea of putting boxes next to the doors, then I thought I should just put him IN one of the boxes! "Sit! Stay! It's only 3 blocks!"
(To answer your question, yes Oski is mine now. My DS and DIL have a 2 year old and 3 year old, and Oski wasn't getting much attention, so he came to live with Grandma.) Eliot sounds like a hood ornament, only inside the car.

Sushipup, you are right. Does your dog wear one of those seat belts for dogs?

Lucky Oski, living with Grandma! We gave the old fashioned McDuff series of books to our DGS (now eight), and they are now being read to our DGD (three in February). Of course they both call McDuff Eliot. They have their own dog, a Boxer, who is NEVER coming to live with this grandmother!

I think Eliot didn't have enough time with his mom, to learn that he is a dog.

Our dogs always travel in crates.

My neighbor has a small dog and she bought a booster car seat for her dog. It raises him up high enough that he can look out the window and it has a harness to secure him.

We have a SUV and the dog rides in the back but we use a harness for same reasons Sushi mentioned. We were also worried that in case there was an accident and someone opened the door the dog might be frightened and run off. We used to use a dog crate but it's too large for my car.

mine uses a fabric type crate. No way am I letting him run around free,

Mine use a harness when riding in the car. They have room to sit, stand or lie down, but they can't help me drive or become projectiles if we are in an accident.

As for muddy paws, an old towel and a spray-bottle filled with water should do the trick.

I have successfully used a dog harness made specifically to attach to the car seat belt when my previous dog was a pup. However I tried to use one with my Sheltie pup, who hates to ride in cars, and he managed to somehow (???) get out of the thing each time. He's so fearful of riding in cars that he never ever moves from the position I put him in, doesn't even turn around.
Of course once he's in the car, I have to drag him to get him out!

The harness should allow him to look out the window, but I really think the crate is the best and safest solution.

OK, how about taking a vinyl tablecloth, cut it up and attach it to the window with some suction cups, letting it fall over the side and the armrest? I'd put the suction cups low down on the window, so he can still see out.

we have doggy car seats -

or their travel crates.

They are always buckled in to seat belts in back. (we are no fun)

Could you pinch a large towel in the window at the top? That might discourage him from looking out as well as keep the armrest clean.

Keep the canine from looking out?

Canines are supposed to carry on - to participate in the world around them (or look at it, at least) - to have some fun!

You folks are real spoil-sports, aren't you (some of you, anyway)?

ole joyfuelled