The more confident puppies and dogs feel in a car, the more comfortable they will be. They will be less anxious and less likely to suffer travel sickness. The trick is to get your dog used to being in a vehicle from as early an age as possible. You can start by simply putting your puppy or dog in a stationary car to get him used to things. Then graduate to short, slow trips - just to the end of the drive or road, for example. Always provide a reward and praise when the dog has sat quietly in the car. Your dog might get travel sickness at first, so it's sensible to cover the car seats and floors with old rugs or newspapers. Once your passenger gets comfortable, simply increase the length of trips on a gradual basis. This technique will also help older, rehomed dogs not used to travelling.

Tips for a comfortable journey

1. Remember safety first. Your dog must learn to behave and not distract you during a journey if you are driving. He/she must never try and jump onto the drivers lap while the car is moving. Spend time training your dog to behave well whilst travelling to ensure all passengers’ safety.
2. A harness for your dog may act as a 'safety belt'. Many harnesses attach to an ordinary car safety belt. Get a harness to fit your pet comfortably and acclimatise by putting on in the house, and rewarding, before putting on and then off in the car with rewards and building up to a longer journey.
3. A waterproof sheet will come in handy for the car seat.
4. Always carry lots of paper towels and a cleaner spray with you, in case your dog has an accident.
5. Take your dog for a walk just before setting off.
6. Don't feed your dog for two to three hours before you travel.
7. To provide some kind of familiarity in unfamiliar surroundings, take along your dog's favourite toy or most-loved rug.
8. Make a habit of stopping every couple of hours for a toilet break, a drink of water and the chance for your dog to stretch its legs.
9. Don't let your dog ride with his or her head out the car window - however much he might want to!. This could cause eye irritations and other ailments. On top of that, there is also the very real possibility that your dog could jump out or be hit. Open the window enough, however, so that your dog gets adequate ventilation. You can also buy a window guard to allow you to open the window further without risking your dog jumping out.
10. If the weather is hot, shades can be put onto the windows to prevent the strong sunlight coming in.
11. NEVER leave your dog in the car during the summer. Even with the windows down, cars can heat up very quickly causing heatstroke, brain damage or even death.