Tissue warning, not for wimpy:
I had my first Newf crash into and shatter my windshield when I had to brake suddenly. He was fine, but I was devastated and mortified by my own stupidity. Crates if possible, otherwise a tether.
Had a friend whose two Newfs were in the car when she rear ended another vehicle. One Newf ruptured an eye, had broken ribs, and internal injuries. The dog recovered well, thank goodness, but with one eye gone. Dogs were behind a home rigged barrier that was well constructed, but collapsed when the weight of two large dogs impacted it. It happens to the best of us, so don't think it can't happen to you.
Knew another fellow whose dog (not a Newf) hung himself when he was loosely tethered in the bed of a PU truck. Fellow took a corner too fast and dog fell over the side. Dogs should NEVER be in the back of a truck unless in a crate or commercial dog carrier. Same fellow also tied a GS dog out on a long chain and it hung itself trying to jump over the fence. Fellow came home from work to find his dog had strangled.
Helpful tip: If your crate pan doesn't fit tight in the crate and tends to slide around (or even if the pan door "slot" can't be secured), put a length of pvc pipe (or something rigid) between the crate and under the lip of the pan to take up the extra space. Same dog, that broke the windshield, had his toes pinched hard when I came to a gentle stop, because the pan slid forward easily. He screamed bloody murder until I could pull over and slide the damn pan back. It nearly gave me a heart attack.
Again, he was fine, but I was NOT! I'm surprised, but he still loved riding and going places, even though I kept making it a near death experience for both of us. PLEASE...Learn by my mistakes!
As far as making it a pleasant experience, put a peanut butter filled Kong in his crate, or a safe chewy. Feed him his meals in his crate, at home and in the car (while it's parked). Make getting in the car a pleasant experience. If he's getting motion sickness, try ginger snap cookies or DAP pheromones or have your vet suggest a motion sickness med. Don't feed him just before you leave if he's sick. Otherwise, make the car as joyful an experience as possible. It may take some imagination on your part.
I've also had two Newfs who hated being in the car, but enjoyed themselves when we got to our destination. Don't make every trip a veterinary visit. Go to the park, friends houses, fun places. Practice driving around the block and coming home to play. And do it often. If you only go every few months to a year, he'll never see the pleasure of going places. Do NOT act frustrated or upset with him. Be very upbeat at all times. Talk sweetly and act silly when you want him to do something he's reluctant to do. Newfs can read your emotions quickly and will shut down in a heartbeat, so be happy, happy, happy and he'll be likely to follow your example. This applies to every facet of living with him. Happy owner, happy dog.
