Don't get to discouraged. Katie is almost a year old now but when she was younger she was all over place in the car. She has since settled down somewhat. She still wants to sit in my lap (when I am the passenger) but her being almost 45lbs and it really not being safe she isn't permitted to do this. Like you we too had dogs that were to big to go for rides so I was thrilled that Katie was able to go with us and that loves going for rides. Since she goes to work with my husband and there are times that he has to go to a job site she gets to go with him so she travels quite a bit. She really does pout when she can't go with us. I know I have said this before but bulldogs are such special dogs I can't imagine not having her and as soon as I can figure out how I can have another one I will. (This time I will adopt) Good luck and enjoy the riding along will get better.