Tips for Traveling with Your Dog Over the Holidays
The holidays are a time for family, fun, and often, a lot of travel. If you’re planning to bring your dog along for the ride, it’s important to make sure both of you are prepared for the journey ahead. Traveling with your dog can be a wonderful experience, but it does require some extra planning to ensure your furry friend feels comfortable, safe, and stress-free throughout the trip.
Here are some key tips for traveling with your dog over the holidays, including how to prepare your dog through training to make the experience smoother for everyone.
1. Start with Crate Training
If your dog will be spending time in a crate during your travels—whether it’s in the car, on a plane, or when you arrive at your destination—now is the time to start getting them used to it. A crate can serve as a safe, cozy space for your dog while traveling, but if they’re not used to it, they may feel anxious or uncomfortable.
Training Tip: Start by introducing your dog to the crate in a positive way. Leave the crate door open and place treats or toys inside to encourage them to explore it on their own. Once they’re comfortable going in and out, begin closing the door for short periods while rewarding calm behavior. Gradually increase the time they spend in the crate so that by the time your trip rolls around, they feel relaxed and secure in their crate.
2. Practice Car Rides
If you’re driving to your destination, it’s important to ensure your dog is comfortable in the car. Some dogs love car rides, but others may feel anxious, especially if they’re not used to longer trips. Now is a great time to practice, especially if your holiday travel involves several hours in the car.
Training Tip: Start by taking your dog on short car rides around the neighborhood. You don’t have to go anywhere specific, just riding in the car and doing nothing is super beneficial. Gradually extend the length of the car rides to get your dog used to spending longer periods in the car. Make sure they have a comfortable, secure spot in the vehicle, whether it’s a seatbelt harness or a crate.
3. Teach Calm Behaviors for Public Spaces
The holidays can mean busy airports, crowded rest stops, and unfamiliar environments—all of which can be overwhelming for your dog. This is a good time to review and solidify your dog’s basic obedience to keep them settled in public spaces, even with a lot of distractions.
Training Tip: Practice training at home, then gradually introduce more distractions. Start with quieter public places like a park during off-hours and work your way up to busier environments, such as outdoor cafes or pet superstores. Reward your dog for staying calm and focused on you, even when there’s a lot going on around them. This will make traveling through busy areas much more manageable.
4. Prepare for Rest Stops
If you’re driving, you’ll need to stop regularly for bathroom breaks and to let your dog stretch their legs. Rest stops can be chaotic, especially during the holiday season, so it’s important to have control over your dog during these breaks.
Training Tip: Practice leash manners and a strong recall (coming when called) in the weeks leading up to your trip. Leash walking is essential when traveling, as you’ll likely encounter other people and pets. Make sure your dog can walk politely on a loose leash and respond to commands, even with distractions around. This will ensure your stops are smooth and safe.
5. Pack the Essentials
When traveling with your dog, having the right gear on hand can make all the difference. Here’s a quick checklist of essentials:
Food and water: Pack enough food for the trip and bring a portable water bowl to keep your dog hydrated.
Familiar bedding: Having a familiar blanket or bed can help your dog feel more at ease in new environments.
Treats: Bring plenty of your dog’s favorite treats to reward them for doing a great job!
Poop bags
Toys and chews: Bring along some favorite toys or long-lasting chews to keep your dog occupied during the journey.
Collar, leashes, and harness: It is critical to have these items in good solid condition and well-fitted. Even the calmest dog may be startled while traveling and slip a too-loose collar or harness. Likewise, if your equipment needs replacing because it is worn or fraying, do it well before your trip so you and your dog can get used to it.
ID tags and microchip: Make sure your dog’s ID tags are up to date, and if they’re not microchipped, consider getting this done before your trip.
6. Plan Breaks and Exercise
Just like people, dogs need to stretch and move around after sitting for long periods. Plan for regular breaks if you’re driving, and be sure to give your dog time to run around or take a walk. This will help them burn off some energy and relax during the next leg of the trip.
Training Tip: Teaching your dog to take short, controlled breaks can help manage their energy levels. After a brief run or walk, try not to pop them immediately back into the car. Instead, transition them with a bit of calm training (sits, downs, leave its, etc). Then, when you put them in the car, make sure there is a chew item nearby to help relieve any leftover energy.
7. Keep the Routine as Familiar as Possible
Dogs thrive on routine, and holiday travel can throw off their normal schedule. Try to keep their routine as consistent as possible, especially with meals, bathroom breaks, and exercise. Having a familiar routine will help your dog feel more secure, even in unfamiliar surroundings.
8. Consider Stress Management Techniques
Even with the best preparation, travel can be stressful for some dogs. If your dog tends to get anxious during travel, consider stress-reducing techniques like calming treats, or talking to your vet about options to help keep your dog calm. Keeping up with, and slightly increasing your dog’s normal exercise levels, as well as packing familiar items like a favorite toy or blanket can also help to alleviate anxiety.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with your dog over the holidays doesn’t have to be stressful—for either of you! With some training and preparation ahead of time, you can make the experience more enjoyable and comfortable for your dog. From crate training to practicing car rides and mastering calm behaviors, the key is to start now so your dog feels confident and ready for the trip.
If you need help preparing your dog for holiday travel, we’d love to help!
The first step is to contact us. We’d love to put together a customized package to help your dog.