Road Tripping the UK With My Dog – Comfort, Convenience & a Bit of Mud

I spend a lot of time on the road with my dog. Whether it's a day's training or travelling further afield for courses, events or just a bit of a reset near the sea, our trips always involve a mix of dog training, good views, and making sure Thea is happy, secure and comfortable.

As a professional dog trainer, I know how vital it is to set your dog up for success, not just in training but in how they travel, rest and recover too. If you've ever searched "dog trainer near me" or "how to make road trips with my dog more comfortable," this post is for you.

What We're Working With

Thea is a working-bred Cocker Spaniel. She's trained as a gundog and still loves nothing more than a proper job. We've covered some miles together – coastlines like Norfolk, Cornwall and the Devon, hill walks in Wales, the Peak District and Scotland, training trips to Surrey, and everywhere in between.

When we’re out on the road, we spend long days working, followed by quiet hours tucked up in the car, roof tent or a quiet spot. She needs to be warm, dry, and able to rest properly no matter the weather or terrain. And I need a setup that’s easy, ready to go, and keeps her safe.

Our Dog Crate Travel Setup

The core of Thea's setup is her Lintran dog crate, chosen for its:

• Lockability – Even though rarely unattended, I'm security conscious, especially when parked up.

• UV shielding – keeping her cool on hot summer days

• Ease of cleaning – ideal after a wet, muddy training session

Inside, I've made the crate as comfy as possible. She rests on a memory foam bed with bolster sides, like the one she has at home. I wanted to give her a proper "home from home" feeling when we’re camping or travelling long distances. If you're looking for comfort inspiration, Canine Arthritis Management is a brilliant resource (even if your dog isn’t dealing with arthritis).

Favourite Features That Make Travel Easier

The custom unit built by The Spanner House is one of my favourite additions. It fits Thea's crate perfectly and has a cut-out section that fits her non-spill water bowl.

This bowl stays put for the full journey, and doesn’t slosh water everywhere even on winding roads. It's the little things that make all the difference when you're doing hundreds of miles.

Staying Dry and Warm After Wet Days

After a soggy session or a day working in the cold, the first thing I do when we get back to the vehicle is strip off Thea's Equafleece dog coat and pop her in to nest on her super absorbent noodle mat.

Also in her crate is a heated pad – originally designed for whelping boxes, but it’s been a total game changer on cold days. It plugs into the 12V socket in my car and keeps her warm while she rests and recovers.

Summer Travel Tips

On warm days, keeping airflow consistent is key. I use a battery-compatible fan that works with the same batteries as my power tools. It slots in place between the headrests and helps with ventilation when we’re parked up or on the move.

I also carry a Mud Daddy to rinse her off before she settles. Quick rinse, towel dry, pop her on the noodle mat and we’re sorted. I keep everything I need within arm’s reach to save faff and get her comfy fast.

Why It Matters

Being able to walk and train across the UK is one of the best parts of this job. Having Thea settled, clean, dry and safe means I can focus on the work at hand and she can rest well between hikes or sessions.

And honestly, there's something pretty special about stopping at a windswept layby, kettle boiling, dog tucked up fast asleep in the back after a great day's work. It makes the effort worthwhile.

Recap: Road Trip Essentials

Here’s a quick roundup of the products mentioned in this post:

• Lintran Crate – secure, lockable, easy-clean dog crate

• Non-Spill Water Bowl – 2L, secure fit in vehicle

• Noodle Mat – quick-dry option post-training

• Heated Pad (12V) – keeps your dog warm on the go

• Battery-Operated Fan – great for airflow in summer

• Mud Daddy – portable cleaning solution post-walk

If you're planning your own road trips or want to make your dog’s training days more comfortable, I hope this gives you a few ideas. Let me know how you travel with your dog – I’m always up for a chat about kit, coastlines and comfortable crates.

Looking for a dog trainer near you who understands what it means to live and work with your dog? You’re in the right place.