5 Tips for Traveling With Your Dog This Summer
Summer adventures are better with your best friend by your side—but hitting the road with your dog takes more than tossing a leash in the backseat and hoping for the best.
As a trainer and an advocate for pet friendly travel, (have you used my Dogs Welcome website yet or joined the group?) I’m here to share a few tips to help make your summer travels smooth, safe, and fun for everyone involved—especially your dog!
1. Travel Safely: Restrain Your Dog Properly
As exciting as it is to have your dog ride shotgun, letting them free-roam in the car isn’t just distracting—it’s downright dangerous. In the event of a sudden stop or crash, an unrestrained dog can become a projectile, risking serious injury to themselves and everyone else in the vehicle.
The safest way for your dog to travel is securely restrained using a crash-tested seatbelt harness or riding in a crash-tested crate that’s properly anchored in your car. Make sure your dog is comfortable with their harness or crate before the trip. Need help with that? let me know!
Not only does proper restraint protect your dog, but it also keeps you focused on the road—and that’s a win for everyone.
2. Pack for Their Needs, Not Just Yours
Your packing list should include more than food and a leash. Think about what your dog needs to feel safe and secure on the go. Bring their favorite chew, a comfy mat or bed that smells like home, and a few enrichment toys like stuffed Kongs or snuffle mats to help them decompress after a long day of adventure. Remember, licking, chewing, and sniffing activities all help a dog regulate their emotions and provide great mental stimulation.
Don’t forget poop bags, a collapsible water bowl, and a copy of their vaccination records just in case.
3. Plan for Mental and Physical Exercise
A tired dog is a happy traveler—but not just from hiking miles or playing fetch. Dogs need mental enrichment, too, especially when they’re adjusting to new environments.
Work in a few five-minute training sessions each day to keep their brain active. Bring puzzle toys, scatter-feed meals, or let your dog sniff around on a “sniffari” instead of marching from point A to point B.
Pro tip: Practice a fantastic Settle, check in, and leash skills all before you go—these little “life skills” go a long way in keeping your dog relaxed and focused during busy travel days.
4. Stick to a Schedule (As Much As You Can)
While travel is full of unexpected twists and turns, dogs thrive on predictability. Try to keep your dog’s schedule—meals, potty breaks, and rest times—as consistent as possible.
Predictability helps lower stress, which means fewer meltdowns and better behavior. Build in downtime every day for your dog to rest and recharge—especially if they’ve been meeting new people or exploring crowded areas.
5. Advocate for Your Dog
Travel can bring out the social butterfly in humans—but not every dog wants to be the star of the show. Watch your dog’s body language and be ready to politely decline petting or interactions that your dog isn’t comfortable with.
You’re their voice and their advocate. Giving your dog the choice to say “no thank you” builds trust and helps them feel safe in new places. Remember: a comfortable dog is a happy traveler.
One Last Thought…
Not every dog is ready to be a travel companion—and that’s okay! Take your time, use your training skills to build your dog’s comfort and confidence, and don’t be afraid to call in a positive reinforcement trainer for support.
Here’s to wagging tails, wide open roads, and lots of new smells. Happy travels!
Sara Sokol is owner of Mr. Dog Training in Brunswick Maine; A positive reinforcement dog training facility, offering both virtual and in person classes, that has been voted best training in Maine.
