hotelconperro ·May 06, 2025

10 tips to help your dog feel at home on holiday

Travelling with your dog is an amazing experience, but it can also be a challenge, especially when you change environment and routine. Whether you're staying at a dog-friendly hotel or enjoying a few days of nature at a campsite, it's important that your furry friend feels comfortable, safe and relaxed.

In this DUKIER article, we share practical tips to help your dog settle in easily and enjoy the trip as much as you do. And, of course, we'll tell you which accessories simply can't be missing from their suitcase.

Why is it important for your dog to feel “at home” during a trip?

Furry friends are creatures of routine. When their surroundings, smells, noises and people change, they can feel disoriented, anxious or overexcited. This can lead to excessive barking, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite or destructive behaviour.

Creating a familiar and safe environment helps them stay calm, rest well and enjoy new adventures with you.

Tips to help your dog feel at home during the holidays

1. Bring their usual bed or a comfortable, recognisable one

The bed is their resting and safety spot. Ideally, use a comfortable, cosy and breathable premium bed, like the new DUKIER beds, designed to fit your dog's body shape and provide maximum comfort wherever they are.

If this isn't possible due to space, you can opt for a lighter bed that's still recognisable and familiar to your furry friend. The DUKIER roll-up blankets are perfect for carrying along so they're comfortable wherever you go.

👉 Tip: place it in a quiet spot away from draughts, just like you would at home.

2. Use the same harness and lead to build confidence

In new environments, using their usual harness, like the Trail harness or the adjustable harness from DUKIER, provides security and stability. Avoid using a brand-new harness for the first time right before the trip.

Pair it with a sturdy lead with a good grip, ideal for exploring outdoor areas without any risk.

3. Don't forget their blanket, toys and items with their scent

Bring their favourite blanket, soft toys or a toy that smells like home. These familiar items ease their anxiety and reconnect them with their usual surroundings.

4. Create routines similar to those at home

Try to keep the same meal, walk and sleep schedules. Even if the environment changes, routines help them know what to expect, reducing stress.

5. Use a Lick Mat to help them relax at key moments

The DUKIER Lick Mat is perfect for helping them relax after a walk, during fireworks, or if they're left alone in the room for a while. Licking has a calming effect that releases endorphins.

👉 Extra idea: spread the Lick Mat with natural yoghurt, pâté or mashed banana to keep them entertained and relaxed. In this blog post you can find some recipe ideas.

6. The portable water bottle, their best friend on the go

During hikes or car journeys, make sure they can drink water easily with a foldable water bottle, lightweight and leak-free. Keeping them hydrated is key to their wellbeing.

7. Check in advance whether the hotel or campsite is truly dog friendly

More and more accommodations use the dog friendly or pet friendly, label, but in practice this doesn't always translate into a pleasant, restriction-free experience for your dog. It's common to come across unexpected limitations such as:

They can't be left alone in the room: this can be a problem if you plan to go out for dinner or do a short activity without your furry friend.
Only small dogs are allowed: many hotels don't clarify this until booking or check-in, causing frustration if your dog is medium or large-sized.
Restricted common areas: dogs aren't allowed in the restaurant, pool area or even the hallways, forcing you to take them out through side entrances.
Lack of basic facilities: no bowls, beds, nearby walking areas or adapted services. In short, the dog is allowed, but not exactly welcomed.

To avoid this, check the actual terms carefully before booking and contact the accommodation directly with any questions you may have to make sure your dog will have good conditions during their stay.

8. Do a “recon mission” of the new environment together

When you arrive, walk around the room or campsite with your dog. Let them sniff everything calmly, without forcing interactions. This reduces their uncertainty and increases their sense of control.

9. Stay calm and don't pass on your anxiety

Dogs read our emotions. If you appear calm, you're telling them there's nothing to fear. Reinforce this with cuddles and a relaxed attitude.

10. Positively reinforce their good behaviour

Reward them with treats or kind words when they behave well in the new space. This way, they'll associate the environment with positive experiences.

Travel checklist for your dog

Usual harness and lead
Comfortable bed or mat
Blanket or toys with their scent
Lick Mat and calming treats
Food bowl and portable water bottle
Poop bags
Their usual food
Documentation (pet passport, chip)
Sunscreen or coat (depending on the season)

Travelling with your dog can be a wonderful experience if they're well prepared. By following these tips and bringing the right products, you'll help them feel safe, loved and comfortable at any hotel, campsite or destination you choose.