Many of you are packing up for Thanksgiving at your family home or a Christmas getaway in the mountains, and you’re bringing your Bernedoodle, Irishdoodle, or Goldendoodle along. I love that. Truly, nothing makes me happier than picturing our pups curled up by someone’s fireplace.
In this post, I’ll share what I pack, how I pick pet-friendly places to stay, how to manage long drives, and how I help my dogs stay calm around holiday crowds and decorations. I’ll also share the little quirks of each breed worth keeping in mind.
What I Pack for Holiday Travel With a Doodle
Packing well is half the battle. I’ve found that when my dogs have their familiar things, they settle in so much faster.
My Go-To Doodle Packing List
Here’s what goes in my bag every single time:
- Their regular food, plus a few extra days’ worth in case of travel delays. A sudden food switch and a long car ride are a rough combination for tummies.
- Collapsible water and food bowls
- A bottle or jug of water from home, which can help sensitive stomachs during the first day or two
- Leash, harness, and a backup leash (please learn from my gas station story)
- ID tags with your cell number, and make sure their microchip info is current
- Their bed or a blanket that smells like home
- A favorite chew or puzzle toy for downtime
- Poop bags, and then a few more
- Any medications, plus a copy of vaccine records
- Old towels for muddy paws and snowy coats
The Grooming Kit I Never Leave Behind
Doodle coats are beautiful, but they do require regular brushing! I always tuck in:
- A slicker brush and metal comb
- Detangling spray
- Paw balm for cold, salty sidewalks
- Pet-safe wipes for quick cleanups
A little tip from me: Try to schedule a grooming appointment a week or two before you leave. A freshly brushed coat is so much easier to manage than one that’s already starting to tangle.
Choosing Pet-Friendly Accommodations
I’ve learned that “pet-friendly” can mean very different things depending on who you ask. Some places welcome dogs with treats and a bed. Others allow one small dog under 25 pounds, which rules out many doodles right away.
Questions I Always Ask Before Booking
Before I book a hotel, cabin, or vacation rental, I call or message and ask:
- Is there a weight or size limit?
- How many dogs are allowed?
- Is there a pet fee or deposit, and how much?
- Can dogs be left alone in the room, even for a short time?
- Is there a grassy area or walking path nearby?
- Are there any rooms closer to an exit for easy potty trips?
Why I Love a Fenced Yard
If you can find a rental with a fenced yard, I highly recommend it. Doodles love to stretch their legs, and a safe space to sniff and play makes the trip so much more relaxing for everyone. It also means fewer late-night leash walks in the cold.
Staying With Family? Have a Quick Chat First
Holiday trips often mean staying with relatives. I always check in ahead of time about other pets, small children, and any house rules. Bringing a crate or a portable gate helps give your doodle a quiet “home base,” and it gives your hosts a little peace of mind too.
Managing Long Road Trips
Our doodles are smart, social, and love to play. Most doodles are great travelers, but a bored doodle in a car for eight hours can become restless. Here’s what has helped me.
Start the Day With Exercise
Before we ever hit the road, I take my dogs on a good, long walk or a game of fetch. A tired dog is a happy traveler. Even 30 minutes makes a real difference.
Plan Stops
I build our route around parks, rest areas with walking paths, and dog-friendly towns. Each stop includes:
- A potty break
- A short walk to sniff and explore
- A drink of water
Sniffing is surprisingly tiring for dogs. Letting them explore a new spot for a few minutes can calm them down more than you might expect.
Keep Them Safe and Comfortable in the Car
I’m a big believer in a crash-tested crate or a secure dog seatbelt harness. It keeps your pup safe and helps them settle. I also:
- Keep the car at a comfortable temperature (doodle coats run warm!)
- Offer a long-lasting chew to keep busy minds occupied
- Feed a lighter meal before driving to help with motion sickness
Remember: Never leave your doodle alone in a parked car. Cars can get dangerously cold in winter and surprisingly warm on sunny days, even when it feels cool outside.
Keeping Your Doodle Calm Around Holiday Crowds and Decorations
The holidays are joyful, but they can also be a lot for a dog. New people, new smells, doorbells ringing, and a glittering tree in the living room can be overwhelming.
Create a Quiet Retreat
Whether you’re at a hotel or Aunt Linda’s house, set up a cozy spot with your dog’s bed, a blanket from home, and a chew toy. A spare bedroom or a crate in a quiet corner works well. Let your doodle take breaks from the action whenever they need to.
Help Them Greet Guests Politely
Our doodles adore people. Sometimes they adore them a little too much and greet everyone with muddy paws on a nice sweater. I like to:
- Keep a leash on during the first few minutes of arrivals
- Reward calm sitting with a treat
- Ask guests to wait until all four paws are on the floor before petting
Watch Out for Holiday Hazards
This is the part I care about most. Please keep these out of reach:
- Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic
- Cooked turkey bones, which can splinter
- Rich, fatty table scraps like gravy and turkey skin
- Anything with xylitol, a sweetener found in some baked goods, gum, and peanut butters
- Tinsel, ribbon, and ornaments, which curious doodles may want to chew
- Tree water, which can contain fertilizers or bacteria
- Holiday plants like lilies, holly, and mistletoe
I gently remind my family that “just one little bite” from the table adds up fast when ten people are sneaking treats.
Breed-Specific Traits to Keep in Mind
Each doodle breed has its own personality. Knowing a few of their quirks can make travel smoother.
Bernedoodles: Snow Lovers With Big Hearts
My Bernedoodles light up when the temperature drops. Their Bernese Mountain Dog roots mean they often love the cold and snow. Just keep in mind:
- They can overheat in warm cars or cozy, crowded homes, so watch for heavy panting.
- They tend to be gentle and a bit sensitive, so they may need extra quiet time in busy settings.
- Snow tends to clump into little ice balls on their legs and paws. A quick towel-off helps.
Irishdoodles: Snuggly Adventurers
Irishdoodles get their snuggle and spark from the Irish Setter side, and they are usually ready for anything. For these pups:
- Plan exercise before and during your trip.
- Puzzle toys and sniff games are wonderful for busy minds.
- Their love of people makes them great holiday companions!
Goldendoodles: Social Butterflies
Goldendoodles are often the life of the party. They are friendly, eager to please, and usually very food motivated. Watch for:
- Counter surfing around holiday meals. That turkey on the counter is a big temptation.
- Overexcitement with new people, which training treats can help redirect.
- Coat tangles from car seat friction and harness rubbing. A quick brush each evening goes a long way.
Caring for That Fluffy Doodle Coat on the Road
No matter which doodle you have, that curly or wavy coat can trap snow, burrs, and moisture. I always:
- Dry them thoroughly after wet or snowy walks to prevent matting and chills
- Brush a little every day instead of a lot at once
- Check under the harness and behind the ears, where mats love to hide
- Rinse off road salt from paws and legs
Common Travel Mistakes I’ve Made (So You Don’t Have To)
- Skipping the morning walk to “save time.”
- Forgetting to update ID tags after changing phone numbers
- Overbooking our days with no downtime for the dogs
- Assuming a hotel was doodle-friendly without calling first
Every trip teaches me something new, and I’m sure next year will be no different.
Quick Answers to Questions I Hear Often
Should I bring my young puppy on a holiday trip?
It depends on your puppy and the trip. Shorter drives and calmer settings are best for young pups. Make sure they’re up to date on vaccines, and check with your vet before you go.How do I keep my doodle from getting carsick?
Feed a light meal a few hours before you leave, keep the car cool, and take frequent breaks. If it keeps happening, your vet can offer suggestions.Is it okay to take my doodle to a Christmas market or parade?
If your dog is comfortable with crowds and noise, it can be lots of fun. Stay toward the edges, keep visits short, and head out if your pup seems stressed.A Warm Holiday Wish From Our Family to Yours
I love thinking about the doodles who started out here with us and now ride along to holiday dinners, each one carrying a piece of our hearts. Knowing they’re out there being loved, spoiled, and included in your family traditions means more to me than I can say.
So pack the extra towels, plan those potty breaks, and give yourself grace if things don’t go perfectly. Your doodle doesn’t need a flawless trip. They just need to be with you.
From all of us at Morning Glory Doodles, I hope your season is full of cozy nights, happy tail wags, and plenty of fluffy cuddles. Safe travels, friends. I’d love to see photos of your doodle’s holiday adventures, so please send them my way.
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