Well I have had my X5 for over 8 years and my dog for 9. So, what I usually do is bring a towel from home and lay it over the button area (fold it over many times to create a buffer/cushion)--it usually works as he won't step on the button directly. But honestly, I'm only going into someplace really quick so no one is going to take something out of the car and also that is the reason you have a dog --to fend off any criminals ! Unless you have a Chihuahua or that size ha.