I need advice on helping my eight year old greyhound Shakie learn to jump into the backseat of my Mini Cooper S. She has always loved rides and wants to jump into the Mini, but the problem is that it is only a two door and it's really awkward for for her to jump in and out. The front seat doesn't slide very far forward so there isn't a lot of room for her to put her front paws and it's a tricky angle for her to jump directly to the back seat. Putting the seats down is not really an option because I will be driving cross country and will need the trunk space for luggage. Once she is in, she is fine, very happy and comfortable. It's just getting in and out that is very dramatic. Please help with suggestions for getting a big dog into a two door car!

Can you food the front seat down for easier access and then flip it up?

If I remember right, cooper cars are a regular two seater in the front with a bench in the back that folds down.. So why not teach her to jump into the front seat, teach her the "Back" commad for her to walk over the center console into the back seat. That's what I taught my dogs.. If they jump into the front seat of my car, I just have to tell them "back" and they hop into the back seat.

The first time trying to get your dog into the back is a struggle.. Keep pressure on the collar with their head pointing towards the back seat and repeat the command "back"... soon they will learn that if you even point towards the back seat while saying the command, that this means to move into the back.

I've folded it down as far as it will go and slid it all the way forward but there is just not enough room for her to get good access.

You need a "Clubman"!