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Original poster

Holiday with friends and their dog

105 replies

MumSparkle24 · 10/01/2024 09:30

Hey, we are planning a UK holiday this year with some close friends, I have just found out they intend to bring their dog which in principal I don't have a problem with but am worried this will then limit what we can do whilst we are away? Will we have to get back to the cottage early, can you leave the dog in the cottage? can we only visit dog friendly places? etc. Should I speak to her, will I offend her, how do I say it in the right way?

OP posts:
welcometothnuthouse · 10/01/2024 20:18

Ime things end up revolving around the dog so there is no way I'd do the holiday with a friends dog in tow. I wouldn't want to be limited to when they need their meals, walks and general over indulgence that some owners give their animals.

welcometothnuthouse · 10/01/2024 20:20

Oh, and of course the dog smell, they DO smell no matter how often bathed.

StaunchMomma · 10/01/2024 20:23

I'd be tempted to reply saying something like 'Aaah, didn't realise you were bringing the dog. Might be a bit restricting in terms of where we stay/eat and how long we can be out etc? Maybe we should book separate cottages? Would free us up a bit?'

That way you've opened the conversation without it being 'we'd rather you not bring the dog'.

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RampantIvy · 10/01/2024 20:25

StaunchMomma · 10/01/2024 20:23

I'd be tempted to reply saying something like 'Aaah, didn't realise you were bringing the dog. Might be a bit restricting in terms of where we stay/eat and how long we can be out etc? Maybe we should book separate cottages? Would free us up a bit?'

That way you've opened the conversation without it being 'we'd rather you not bring the dog'.

Good idea. I would also agree in advance that we might do different things during the day and meet up in the evening.

Nochoiceleft · 10/01/2024 20:27

We go away in the uk to holiday cottages with family. Our dog always come with us. It is entirely their choice to join us. Thankfully they love our dog and enjoy spending time with her.
Our holidays revolve around hill walking, packed lunches and lazy evenings in the pub. The dog is with us all the time.
It works for us. If it isn’t what you want you need to speak up.

Iloveacurry · 10/01/2024 20:28

Some accommodation won’t allow you to leave dog in the property unattended. So the dog will need to be with you the whole time.

keylemon · 10/01/2024 20:29

The only reason I would holiday in the U.K. is to able to take my dog. 🐶 we do it once a year and never had problems. Better tell your friend that you do not want to go because the holiday will be dog oriented. I consider my dog part of the family so if you were coming with me you would have to like my dog and adapt.

Cherrysoup · 10/01/2024 20:32

It’ll be all about the dog! Our last holiday was, finding places for him to swim, ensuring pubs were dog friendly. You normally can’t (and shouldn’t) leave a dog in the accommodation.

Spidey66 · 10/01/2024 20:44

We take our dog on holiday all the time, and it's great fun.

While many places don't want you to leave the dog alone, tbh we have done. 😗She's a chilled, well behaved dog without any separation issues, and it's never longer than 1.5-2 hours, maybe once a week, and the dog has always been calm and relaxed on our return. I wouldn't if she had any kind of separation anxiety. Most of the time though when we eat out we go to a dog friendly pub and eat there.

Foxylass · 10/01/2024 20:49

It depends on what kind of holiday you are wanting.
I work in tourism (holiday cottages - dogs welcome) in a very dog friendly area.
Cafes, pubs, shops and some attractions are very welcoming of dogs.
There may be day kennels near where you are staying, for dog free days?
Dogs are not usually permitted to be left unattended in holiday cottages (some get very stressed being in a strange house, with no-one there).
Some cottages even offer dog sitting.

Have a chat, see what the plan is. Take it from there.

RKP123 · 10/01/2024 20:59

We've just booked two lodges that are pet friendly. I'm guessing we won't be doing everything together as I think the dog won't be able to go to all the places we might go to, but then we have young kids so we both have limitations. If she's a friend then just discuss what your plans for the holiday are and check you're on the same page?

NewYearNewPyjamas · 10/01/2024 20:59

Depends on the dog and the place. Some holiday destinations are extremely dog friendly and taking our pup has zero effect on our holiday. However, our dog is more than happy to be left alone for long enough for us to do an activity and go back to him. He actually gets annoyed if we are with him too much (dog sized cat) but adores coming to places with us.

We've only stayed in one place where we couldn't leave him (glamping pod) and that was a pain in the arse because he's an annoying dog. If he wasn't, it would have been fine.

I'd very much have a rule that any deposit lost because of the dog is covered by them and find out what their plans are re him attending activities.

Scottsy200 · 10/01/2024 21:00

Yet again back to the slightly recent entitlement where people think they can take their dogs anywhere as if they are their children, I’d be well annoyed as it will definitely limit what you can do and where you can go.

JustGotToKeepOnKeepingOn · 10/01/2024 21:01

I holidayed with a friend and her dog. Terrible. Would never do it again! So, so restrictive.

NoThanksymm · 10/01/2024 21:20

Talk to your friend. Say I wanted to do X on this day. Will that work? Can dog come? Do you have plans?

my dog is happy hanging in the car, but for too long I’d find a local dog sitter or doggie daycare. Then probably take two cars so I can get him when I need to. No different than kids.

Mybootsare · 10/01/2024 21:28

Scottsy200 · 10/01/2024 21:00

Yet again back to the slightly recent entitlement where people think they can take their dogs anywhere as if they are their children, I’d be well annoyed as it will definitely limit what you can do and where you can go.

So true…And the thing is if I was planning a holiday with a friend who had kids, they’d definitely ask from the outset as to whether it’s ok if their kids could come along. Bizarre how OPs friend didn’t even ask about the dog but just assumed it’s ok to bring it along.

Personally no way would I agree to this arrangement, but definitely raise it with her before you go and consider separate cottages as PP suggested.

Mybootsare · 10/01/2024 21:31

While many places don't want you to leave the dog alone, tbh we have done

One reason that many holiday homes refuse to allow dogs in because they know many dog owners won’t follow their rules. Suits me anyway as I need some accommodation to remain dog free 😌

Snowydaysfaraway · 10/01/2024 21:33

Are you taking dc and they count ddog as their dc?. <cringe at idea >

Velvian · 10/01/2024 21:50

We always book kennels for our dog when we go on holiday. I would not find it a relaxing holiday with a dog. If it is really hot, it is dangerous for the dog to be walking and you can't leave them in holiday accommodation. Can't go some attractions, restaurants or beaches.

Too stressful for me. People are really inconsiderate and not very responsible with their dogs. It is very annoying.

TinkerTiger · 10/01/2024 22:01

I wouldn't be going on holiday with her. But if you don't mind definitely ask her all of the questions that you've asked here. I certainly wouldn't be cutting my plans short or adjusting them for a dog either.

Mybootsare · 10/01/2024 22:07

@Velvian this exactly, my friends who own dogs are for the most part considerate and conscientious but unfortunately an increasing amount of dog owners seem to be irresponsible.

I was seeing a guy once who wanted me to come along to his annual family trip to a place in the UK and I was dreading it because his parents bring their huge & badly trained dog along.

I’d never met the dog but according to him it “ humps” everyone, and their parents never say no to the dog or train it out of jumping on people. And he told me a story about how the dog “escaped” from their car during a visit to a farm shop on holiday which didn’t allow dogs and ran through the shop.

I thought how did 4 able bodied adults in charge of one dog manage to let it get out and run amok in a shop and not even be embarrassed about it. Ridiculous.

BIWO · 10/01/2024 22:17

I do own a dog and take him on holiday. You do need to research where you are booking as to what the requirements are around leaving a dog in a cottage. The mainstream sites like Hoseasons have restrictions around not leaving a dog alone in a holiday cottage. I am a Solo traveller and in the height of the Summer I need to leave the dog in a holiday cottage to buy food etc. For that reason I book Airbnb as the ones I have booked thus far, have not put in such restrictions. I do take my dog with me most times whilst on holiday but you need some flexibility. I booked a holiday a number of years ago where we left the Goldie for half a day an the owner picked me up. This was when the temperature was around 30 and not practical to be travelling around. To the OP do check what the book8ng arrangements are around the dog.

Missingmyusername · 10/01/2024 22:19

Always leave my Lab in the accommodation, never had an issue as he’s a good boy. If he was a chewer then no.
Unless you plan on being attached at the hip, why does it affect what you do?
Most

Missingmyusername · 10/01/2024 22:20

places are dog friendly.
Just ask your friend what the plan is.

Theatrefan12 · 10/01/2024 22:33

As the dog will dictate the holiday (choice of accommodation, activities etc) they are not only unreasonable but a CF for deciding that this is what will be happening rather than discussing it with you

Personally I wouldn’t be happy and would drop out of the holiday if they insisted the dog was coming

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