Preparing Your Puppy for the Holidays: Travel, Guests & Routine Changes

The holidays are full of love, laughter, and celebration — but for a new puppy, all that excitement can be a lot to handle. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving in Jacksonville, visiting family in St. Augustine, or traveling across Nocatee and Ponte Vedra, a little planning goes a long way toward keeping your puppy calm, safe, and happy throughout the hustle and bustle of the season.

✈️ Traveling with Your Puppy

If you’re heading out of town this holiday season, preparation is key. Puppies thrive on routine and familiarity, so start by taking them on short car rides around Jacksonville Beach or Atlantic Beach before any long trips.

Pack these travel essentials:
🐕 Food and treats in sealed containers
💧 Travel bowls and bottled water
🧺 A secure crate or carrier
🧸 Favorite toys or blankets for comfort

Breeds like Cavapoos, Mini Goldendoodles, and Pomeranians can be especially sensitive to travel changes, so comfort is key. Feed a light meal before hitting the road, take regular stretch breaks, and bring along familiar scents from home — like a favorite blanket — to help ease anxiety.

🎉 Introducing Your Puppy to Holiday Guests

Thanksgiving gatherings can be exciting — and sometimes overwhelming — for a young pup. Between the doorbell, laughter, and delicious smells, it’s a sensory overload!

When introducing your puppy to guests, go slow and steady. Breeds like Golden Retrievers and French Bulldogs may run to greet everyone, while Dachshunds and Shih Tzus often prefer to take their time. Let your puppy approach new people on their own terms, and reward calm behavior with treats or praise.

💡 Pro Tip: Crate training offers your puppy a safe and quiet retreat. Make the crate cozy with a soft bed and blanket and encourage your pup to rest there when things get too busy. It’s not a punishment — it’s their peaceful spot to recharge.

🕒 Stick to Feeding and Sleep Routines

The holidays tend to disrupt schedules, but your puppy will appreciate consistency. Stick to regular feeding and bedtime routines whenever possible. Breeds like French Bulldogs, Mini Goldendoodles, and Cavapoos thrive on predictable patterns — and steady mealtimes help avoid tummy troubles.

🚫 Avoid feeding table scraps, especially Thanksgiving favorites like turkey bones, onions, or rich desserts. Instead, include your pup in the celebration with a safe, dog-friendly treat or chew toy.

🐶 Finding Your Holiday Puppy in Jacksonville

If this season feels like the perfect time to add a furry friend to your family, Bark Street Puppies is here to help you find your match.

We proudly serve families across Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, and St. Augustine, offering a variety of beloved breeds — from Mini Goldendoodles and Cavapoos to French Bulldogs, Golden Retrievers, and Pomeranians — all raised with love and care.

Our team makes the adoption process easy, transparent, and joyful. Every puppy is healthy, socialized, and ready to bring warmth and laughter to your home this holiday season.

From our family at Bark Street Puppies to yours — happy holidays! May your days be filled with wagging tails, cozy cuddles, and unconditional love. 🐾❤️