Young pups on holidays, bad idea?

Candy

Biscuit Tin Guardian
Snowie loves going on holiday. Loves going to new places. He was 3 months when we first took him. And then 2 yo the next time. No fenced garden. He took off a few times and I had to traipse through peoples’ gardens to get him! An enclosed garden is wonderful, but not essential if your dog is used to being inside all the time. Snowie is; he seldom goes outside by himself at home.

I find that going on holiday together really makes the bond stronger between us. And helps with recall training. He’s in a strange place and constantly checking we’re together.

Definitely take his bed. It immediately creates a spot for relaxing and feeling safe.

The last holiday we took the rubber mats we use on our stairs at home. Gives a good grip. And there were varnished wooden stairs at the holiday house, so I was really pleased I took them.
I agree about holidays strengthening the bond between you. I was so surprised by how well Joy coped with holidays to begin with that I started to realise that I could probably take her anywhere that allows dogs, so long as I planned it around her needs and I can honestly say that she has never given me cause to regret it. I think one if the reasons that I enjoy holidays with her so much is because she gets so many compliments from people and I always end up feeling so proud of her.
Do your research, make robust plans, don't have unrealistic expectations and I think your lovely boy may well surprise you! Have a lovely holiday!
 

UncleBob

Administrator
Staff member
I don't remember what age he was when we first started taking Harvey on holiday with us (I think it was younger than 6 months). However, I do know that since getting him (nearly 9 years ago) we have only holidayed in the UK and he has, without fail, come on every one of those holidays.

A travel crate is a great asset - comfort and familiarity for the dog, peace of mind for the owner, and actually a requirement at some holiday venues.
 

Lab_adore

Moderator
Staff member
We love taking Maxx to my sister's beach house down the south coast and we have been taking him since he was about 3 months old. At home we don't have much of a yard, just a few of decks and a small grassed area. At the beach house they have a huge garden and grassed area so he does constant zoomies and loves it. We used to let him off lead at the dog-friendly beach, but one time he took off up the beach, over the dunes and into the bush behind. We thought we had lost him until an eagle-eyed young girl spotted a blonde flash through the trees and said it looked like he had gone into her back yard. Sure enough, there he was closely inspecting their chicken coop

Now we have a 10 meter long lead so he can still trot around the beach and splash in the waves. Everything is possible when properly managed against the circumstances :nod:

Enjoy your eventual trip @Parodius
 

Jacqui-S

Moderator
Location
Fife, Scotland
One holiday we stayed on a farm, and there was only a foot or so of good Yorkshire wall between Lilly and freedom (and cows).
We took a long line, or at least a rope we had used as a long line, along with a big ground screw (proper name evades me).
It gave us peace of mind, though I'm pretty sure she wasn't going far!
 

Candy

Biscuit Tin Guardian
One holiday we stayed on a farm, and there was only a foot or so of good Yorkshire wall between Lilly and freedom (and cows).
We took a long line, or at least a rope we had used as a long line, along with a big ground screw (proper name evades me).
It gave us peace of mind, though I'm pretty sure she wasn't going far!
I seem to remember the proper name for the ground screw thing is an anger. We always just called it 'the big corkscrew'.
 
Homer was 6 months old on his first holiday. We took his fold up crate and lots of spare towel. We had my mum and dad with us too. Since then he’s been on loads of holidays with us Around the UK and to France. we’ve stayed in lots of different dog friendly cottages and dog friendly hotels, all have been great. I suggest a harness for walking around strange new places.
 
Lottie loves going away with us. Her first trip was 8 weeks in France and Spain ( we have a Motorhome) when she was 4 months old. We did use a long line as a precaution but she was content to sit at the front of the van with a teddy in her mouth sniffing the Spanish air and waiting to greet anyone who passed. She tried 14 beaches and learned to swim and dig holes in the sand. Bella has only holidayed in the UK so far but has managed to wrack up 6 holidays. I wouldn’t contemplate a holiday without them, they are great ice-breakers and make our holidays.
 
It’s only taken several months but we’ve finally bitten the bullet and booked somewhere today! Thanks again for the Saunton Beach tip @kateincornwall , we managed to get a cancellation so it was a bit cheaper and we will be going out of season next month so hopefully not too busy (or cold!). Neo’s not been to a proper beach before, I’m curious what he will make of it! 🙂
Yay, I just read through this thread from start to finish and the ending is fantastic!! I can't wait to hear about your trip 😁
 
9DF1CB4F-5D89-4331-B729-3E3939F388D9.jpegWe made it! Neo was a star during the car journey, just napped the whole way, I was so relieved! Arrived too late in the day for the beach but here he is having a run on the dunes. Thanks again for all the tips, the extra throws etc are definitely coming in handy 👍 Beach time tomorrow, his little mind will be blown!
 

Candy

Biscuit Tin Guardian
You're all going to have the most wonderful time! Holidays with our dogs are the best thing ever, especially when they're discovering new things. Looking forward to seeing the photos!
 
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