A Holiday for the WHOLE Family 🐶
Hello, and welcome back.
Last time, we talked about human-only holidays and how to prep your dog. Today, I wanted to talk about dog-friendly holidays - where you all can have a wonderful time away together.
Holidaying with your dog can provide a rewarding experience for both ends of the lead. But whether you’re heading for a city break, to the beach, or mountains, there’s some key things to think about so you can all enjoy a stress-free trip.
1. Choose pet-friendly accommodation: Before booking your accommodation, make sure it is pet-friendly and offers everything your dog needs. Check to see if there’s an enclosed garden, whether dogs are allowed on furniture or upstairs, and if there’s fridge/freezer space for your dog’s dinner!
2. Plan dog-friendly activities: Look for dog-friendly beaches or safe hiking trails (which have don’t have any inaccessible stiles), alongside pet-friendly cafes or restaurants where your dog can join you. There may even be some local tourist attractions that welcome dogs but it’s best to avoid the busiest times of the year to head to those.
3. Prepare your dog for travel: If your dog isn't used to traveling or finds going in the car stressful, it’s worth prepping for this in advance. Speak to a behaviourist, such as myself, to support your dog so you can reduce anxiety during the actual journey.
4. Pack useful numbers: Find a list of local vets in the area you’re visiting - including one who has out-of-hours for emergencies. It’s unlikely you’ll need it but can save stress if something unexpected does occur. Take a note of your pet’s insurance details and microchip number too. And you might like to research local pet shops that stock your dog’s favourite treats or toys.
5. Pack for your dog: Bring familiar items such as your dog's bed, favourite toys, and enough food for the duration of the holiday. Blankets and towels are also useful to keep furniture or your car clean after your daily adventures. Make sure your dog’s ID tag is up-to-date with a phone number on it that you have access to while you’re away. And if your dog’s recall isn’t too hot, it’s worth packing a long training lead to allow them some freedom while keeping them safe.
6. Plan your journey: For long journeys, schedule stops in advance so you know where you can safely let your dog out of the car for a break. This will allow them to stretch their legs, toilet, and for added fun - sprinkle some treats in the grass for them to sniff or give them a chew while you enjoy a picnic. They’ll be much happier during the second or third legs of a journey if they’ve had a little mental workout before re-entering the car.
7. Be mindful of your dog's needs: Dogs can get overwhelmed in new environments - with so much new stimulus, some dogs can benefit from an easy ‘rest day’ during your time away. They may also find comfort from maintaining a routine as close to their usual one as possible, including feeding and bedtime.
By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable holiday alongside your dogs - leaving you to create wonderful memories together.
And here, we now leave you for our own Summer break! We look forward to connecting with you all again before long - until then, please enjoy these special times together with your dog.
Caroline