Car Rides?

I find my dogs do better when I give them someplace that is THEIRS to lay -- So a specific blanket, or bed of some sort can really help.  "back seat" is too general -- it's too big an area to target a command.  But "get in your bed!" is easy. 

Mine just loves going for a car ride, the whole back seat is set up just for her.  She has toys and a portable water/food bowl that doesn't tip and everything else that would make her confortable for the 50 mile care ride I take twice a week with her.  I stop at a rest stop along the way and make it as enjoyable for her as possable.

When she was a puppy she would just wine the whole time in the car but now she loves it.  It's like a doggy play pen back there.  I do use a doggy seat belt that clips onto her collar to make the ride safe as well.
 
My suggestion is start with short rides, go to a park near your home and when you get there take out some treats and play games with her. then take her back home.  Each time you do this you can go a little further till she sees the car is a way to get toys and treats.  Make it enjoyable for her and reward her for being in the car and reward once you get to the location you want to go.

Max will get in the car, but he doesn't really enjoy it and he doesn't relax in there. He's kind of stiff and tense, like he's waiting for something terrible to happen to him. The only time he lies down and chills is when we're on our way back from the dog park and he's totally exhausted.

Joyce

LOL!!!  If mine happen to get off the deck when we're out there (the deck runs the entire length of the house and is a pleasant place to spend some time) they make a beeline for the van.  Now they are confused because the motor home is here again and if Ryan's truck happens to be here, Thunder goes straight for that....but I know all six of them will be at various vehicle doors sitting and waiting to be let in. []
 
Mine do ride with harnesses tho.....they are never allowed loose in any vehicle, except once in awhile in the motorhome.