5 Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Travel with Your Dog

How to handle long drives, busy hotels, and new environments.

The holidays are here—which often means long drives, busy airports, and overnight stays with family or friends. If you’re planning to bring your dog along for the adventure, you probably already know the mix of joy and stress that can come with it.

From endless barking in the car to restless nights in a hotel room, traveling with your pup can feel overwhelming. But with the right preparation, you and your dog can enjoy a smooth, stress-free trip.

1. Prepare Your Dog Before You Go

Dogs thrive on routine, so sudden changes like car rides and new environments can trigger anxiety and barking. A few weeks before your trip:

• 🚗 Take short practice rides: Get them used to the car again.
• 🏠 Crate training: Expose them to their travel crate or carrier early.
• 🤫 Quiet training: Practice settling at home with rewards for calm behavior.

2. Pack a “Dog Travel Kit”

Just like you wouldn’t leave without your suitcase, your dog needs a travel kit too. Having familiar items reduces stress, which helps prevent barking outbursts.

3. Bark Control on the Road

Travel often brings new triggers—traffic noise, unfamiliar smells, and constant activity. If your dog is prone to barking in the car or hotel, you need a portable solution.

Recommended: OnGuard Handheld

This pocket-sized trainer lets you redirect unwanted barking instantly and humanely with ultrasonic sound. It fits easily in your glove box or bag.

Shop OnGuard

4. Keep Breaks Frequent

On road trips, plan to stop every 2–3 hours for a short walk. These breaks let your dog stretch, use the bathroom, and release pent-up energy that can otherwise come out as barking or whining.

Pro Tip: If you’re staying overnight in a hotel or Airbnb, schedule a walk soon after arrival to help your dog adjust and settle down.

5. Mind Holiday-Specific Stressors

Traveling during the holidays means extra challenges. Be proactive about:

• Guests: High traffic means more doorbell barking.
• Loud Celebrations: Fireworks or parties can increase anxiety.
• Overstimulation: Kids, new scents, and busy environments can overwhelm them.

Enjoy the Journey

Traveling with your dog doesn’t have to mean constant stress. With preparation, consistency, and the right tools, you can make the season memorable for all the right reasons.