Thanksgiving Travel with Dogs: How to Prep for a Road Trip or House Visit
Planning to hit the road this Thanksgiving with your dog in tow? Whether you’re heading down to Hamilton for a family gathering or making the trek across Montana to visit relatives, traveling with your dog doesn’t have to be stressful—as long as you prepare them ahead of time.
As professional dog trainers here in Missoula, we see it every year: dogs that love their routines suddenly thrown into long car rides, unfamiliar homes, and high-energy holiday chaos. But with the right structure, gear, and training focus, your pup can be just as well-behaved on the road as they are at home.
Let’s walk through how to prep your dog for a smooth, safe, and stress-free Thanksgiving trip.
Step 1: Crate Training for Car Rides
A crate is your dog’s safe space—especially when traveling.
If your dog isn’t already crate-trained, now’s the time to get started. Crates:
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Prevent dangerous jumping or pacing during long drives
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Create a familiar “home base” at a relative’s house
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Help dogs settle down in overstimulating environments
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Keep your dog safe in case of an accident or sudden braking
How to prep:
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Practice short drives in the crate every day leading up to your trip
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Cover the crate with a light blanket to reduce visual overstimulation
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Provide a chew or toy they can safely enjoy during the ride
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Pair the crate with a command like “kennel up” to build positive association
🟠 Pro tip: Use a crash-tested crate or harness to keep your pup secure in the car.
Step 2: Brush Up on Public Manners
When you’re visiting someone else’s home—or even stopping at rest areas or hotels—your dog’s obedience matters more than ever.
Focus on:
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Place command: Great for holding a calm down-stay on a mat while people eat or mingle
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Heel: Helps during quick walks at gas stations or on unfamiliar sidewalks
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Come: Crucial if your dog gets loose in an unfamiliar area
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Leave it: Essential around holiday snacks, decorations, or other pets
Practice these every day before you leave, especially around light distractions like neighbors walking by or kids playing nearby.
Step 3: Create a Travel Bag Just for Your Dog
Dogs need a holiday “go-bag” too! Make sure you pack:
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Their regular food (and a little extra)
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Portable water bowl and clean water
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Chews or frozen Kongs to keep them busy
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Crate or foldable playpen
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Bed or familiar blanket
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Leash, long line, and backup collar
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Treat pouch and training tools (e-collar, clicker, etc.)
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Waste bags
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Current vaccine records and ID tags
🟠 Pro tip: If your dog takes supplements, CBD, or any medication, pack a separate labeled pouch just for that.
Step 4: Dog-Proof the Place You’re Visiting
If you’re staying in someone else’s home (especially one that isn’t dog-proofed), it’s your job to make the environment safe and stress-free for everyone.
Look out for:
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Decorations your dog might chew or knock over
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Trash cans that are easy to access
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Open food left on counters or low tables
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Other pets or children your dog hasn’t met yet
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Unfamiliar doors and fences where a dog might slip out
Consider bringing a portable baby gate to create boundaries or a playpen to set clear physical limits if your dog needs more structure in the new environment.
Step 5: Maintain Their Routine as Much as Possible
Dogs thrive on routine. Even with travel disruptions, try to stick to:
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Consistent mealtimes
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Regular potty breaks
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Morning or evening walks
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Crate/quiet time during the busiest parts of the day
If your dog is used to practicing obedience drills daily, keep that going—even just five minutes at a time. It helps remind them what’s expected, even in a new place.
Bonus: Plan for Breaks
If you’re doing a long road trip, plan dog-friendly stops every couple of hours:
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Use pet rest areas (many Montana gas stations have grassy zones)
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Let your dog stretch, sniff, and re-center
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Avoid dog parks—too risky before the holiday, especially in unfamiliar towns
Ready for a Stress-Free Holiday?
Whether you’re hosting or heading out of town this Thanksgiving, our team at Off Leash K9 Training Missoula can help your dog feel confident, calm, and well-mannered in any setting.
From car training to guest etiquette, we’re here to set your pup up for holiday success.
📞 Contact us at 406-946-3037 or fill out the form below to get started with a trainer today.
