Traveling with a Leonberger – Big Dog, Big Adventures

CRIZLY
May 18
3 min read

Part 9 of the “Life with a Lion: All About the Leonberger” Series

Traveling with a Leonberger isn’t quite the same as packing up a chihuahua—but with the right preparation, it can be an amazing experience. Whether it’s a road trip, a holiday getaway, or just a weekend at the lake, your Leonberger can absolutely be part of the adventure.

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about traveling safely, comfortably, and stress-freewith your gentle giant.

🚗 Road Tripping with a Leonberger

Leonbergers are typically calm car companions once they’re used to the ride. The key is comfort, safety, and familiarity.

✅ Essentials for Road Trips:

Large crate or car harness (safety first!)
Nonslip mat or dog hammock for back seat
Cooling pad or portable fan for warm weather
Water & bowl – offer water at every stop
Leash, collar, and ID tags
Poop bags, cleaning wipes, and towels
Favorite blanket or toy – comfort from home

🛑 Never leave your Leonberger alone in the car—even for a few minutes. They overheat quickly.

✈️ Flying with a Leonberger

Flying is not recommended for most Leonbergers unless absolutely necessary. Their size means they can’t fly in-cabin, and being in the cargo hold can be stressful and dangerous for giant breeds.

If you must fly:

Use a reputable airline with pet-friendly cargo policies
Choose nonstop flights
Travel during cooler months
Use a sturdy, IATA-approved crate
Acclimate your dog to the crate well in advance

✈️ Always consult your vet before flying and ensure your dog is medically fit to travel.

🏨 Finding Dog-Friendly Accommodations

Leonbergers are welcome at many pet-friendly places—just call ahead to confirm size policies.

Look for:

Dog-welcoming hotels (not just dog-allowed)
Ground-floor rooms with easy outdoor access
Vacation rentals with fenced yards or safe walking routes
Campgrounds or cabins with pet accommodations

Bring:

Dog bed or blanket
Food and bowls
Toys and chews
Proof of vaccinations (some places require it)

🧳 Packing Checklist for Your Leonberger

✅ Crate or safety harness
✅ Food (enough for entire trip)
✅ Medications & supplements
✅ Water & collapsible bowls
✅ Leash, collar, tags, microchip info
✅ First aid kit (for pets)
✅ Towel, wipes, waste bags
✅ Coat brush (Leo fluff travels with you!)
✅ Toys, treats, and comforts from home

🏖️ Best Kinds of Travel for Leonbergers

Cabin stays in nature – quiet, spacious, low-stress
Beach trips (with shade + fresh water!)
Lake houses or cottages
RV or camper travel (very Leo-friendly)
Road trips with regular breaks and cool temps

🚫 Avoid: city breaks with tight spaces, long-haul flights, or hot climates.

🐾 Travel Training Tips

Start with short car rides to fun places (like the park)
Practice getting in and out of the car calmly
Use positive reinforcement to build comfort with travel gear
Visit public spaces with your Leo to get them used to new sights and sounds
Train settle/stay commands to keep calm in unfamiliar environments

🧡 Final Thought

Traveling with a Leonberger takes a bit of planning—but the rewards are worth it. Few things are more heartwarming than watching your giant friend explore new places with confidence, joy, and that ever-swaying tail.

With the right approach, your Leonberger can be the perfect travel buddy, no matter where the road takes you.