The holidays are a time for family, food, and togetherness. For many Springfield families, that includes bringing their dogs along for the ride. Whether you’re driving across Missouri or flying across the country, traveling with a dog requires more than just packing a leash. Proper training, structure, and preparation make all the difference between a stressful trip and a smooth, enjoyable adventure.
As a professional dog trainer, I’ve helped countless families prepare their pups for travel. The key is to blend obedience, planning, and safety so your dog feels calm and confident wherever you go.
Why Training Matters Before Travel
Dogs thrive on predictability. When their environment changes—like a car ride, a hotel room, or a busy airport—they look to you for guidance. This is where obedience training pays off.
Core travel commands include:
- Place: Keeps your dog settled during long waits or meals.
- Heel: Prevents pulling in crowded areas.
- Come: Essential for recall in new environments.
- Down/Stay: Helps your dog remain calm when you’re unloading or checking in.
Our Basic Obedience Program ensures your dog masters these commands before your trip, so every part of the journey feels predictable and stress-free.
If your dog still feels uneasy around vehicles or new settings, check out our blog on training your dog to stay calm in the car. It provides a step-by-step approach to make travel preparation smoother.
Car Travel: Keep It Comfortable and Safe
If you’re driving, the car should feel like an extension of home—secure, familiar, and structured.
Tips for successful road trips:
- Secure your dog: Use a crash-tested harness, seat belt clip, or travel crate.
- Pack essentials: Food, water, medications, poop bags, toys, and a leash.
- Plan breaks: Stop every 2–3 hours for water, stretching, and bathroom breaks.
- Maintain routines: Keep feeding and walking times consistent.
- Avoid car anxiety: Practice short drives before your trip to build confidence.
Air Travel: Preparation Is Everything
Flying with dogs takes extra planning, but it can be safe and manageable with preparation.
Before your flight:
- Research airline policies and pet fees.
- Get a health certificate from your vet.
- Introduce your dog to their travel carrier weeks in advance.
- Label the carrier with your contact info and “Live Animal” stickers.
- Arrive early to minimize stress at check-in.
If your dog is too anxious for flying, consider boarding or leaving them with a trusted family member. The goal is comfort and safety, not just convenience.
Managing Behavior in New Environments
Hotels, Airbnbs, or family homes come with new sights, smells, and temptations. Prevent unwanted behaviors by:
- Using the “place” command when unpacking or eating.
- Keeping your dog on leash indoors at first.
- Sticking to daily routines for walks and meals.
- Bringing your dog’s own bed or blanket for familiarity.
The AKC’s complete travel guide for dogs offers additional checklists and airline guidelines to help you plan for a safe, positive trip.
Checklist: Holiday Travel Essentials for Dogs
- Crash-tested harness or secured crate
- Leash, collar, and updated ID tags
- Food and water bowls
- Poop bags and cleaning supplies
- Favorite blanket or toy
- Health certificate and vaccination records
- High-value treats for training on the go
- Portable water bottle and travel snacks
- Medications or calming aids (if needed)
FAQ: Traveling With Dogs
- How early should I start travel training?
Ideally, begin at least a month before your trip. Start with short car rides and exposure to new environments to build comfort gradually. - Should I feed my dog before a long car or plane ride?
Feed lightly a few hours before departure. Avoid large meals right before travel to prevent motion sickness. - My dog gets anxious in new places. What can I do?
Use the “place” command to help them settle and bring familiar items from home. Consistency helps ease anxiety. - Can obedience training really make travel easier?
Absolutely. A dog that listens to cues like “heel,” “down,” and “stay” remains calm and manageable, no matter where you go. - What should I do if my dog refuses to get in the car?
Start slow. Use treats, praise, and positive association. Practice short rides before attempting long-distance trips.
Final Thoughts: Make Every Trip a Training Opportunity
Traveling with your dog should be rewarding, not stressful. The secret is structure—plan ahead, practice commands, and maintain routines wherever you go.
At Off Leash K9 Training Springfield, we help families prepare dogs for real-world experiences, including safe, calm holiday travel. With the right training, every trip becomes an opportunity to reinforce obedience and strengthen your bond.
Want to make this holiday trip your dog’s smoothest yet? Contact us today to build your dog’s travel confidence.