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Original poster

How realistic to take Puppy on Holiday? (UK)

28 replies

Teenminds · 18/05/2021 11:07

Our Labrador puppy will be around 5 months at the time I would like to go away for a short holiday. I have decided against a holiday I had planned to a caravan in Devon, as thinking about it more, it will probably be an issue as to how long we can be out with him as he is still too small to be exercised for too long. So I thought it probably wouldn't be worth the money, if we are limited to how long we can be out and about. As its also just me and two teenagers I have no other adult that can stay back at the caravan with him while the other takes the kids out and about. He can be left for an hr or so, but again wouldn't feel comfortable doing that in a caravan on a holiday park.

Is any short uk break suitable given his age, or will it be to much hassle?
Ideally a nice chalet or cottage near the sea would be nice, but I am also thinking about what stage he will be at 5 months with chewing, settling at night etc.
It would be nice to get away just for a few days and chill and take the puppy to the beach.

OP posts:
longtompot · 18/05/2021 11:25

If you crate train him then it shouldn't be an issue overnight, but I wouldn't leave him anywhere on his own, even for an hour, while you do something with the kids. Are you close enough to any beaches to just do a day out there?

Aria20 · 18/05/2021 11:31

We are in same boat and my husband is keen for a few days break but I reminded him puppy can't be out walking much for days out and can't be left alone in a cottage so I don't think it's worth it this year.

caringcarer · 18/05/2021 11:48

We took our 2 Lhasa Apso puppies to France when they were 5 months old. They had to have pet passports but they loved it. We have holiday home about 2k outside town and puppies walked into town in morning on their leads along as green route. They sat under table with water in bowl whilst we had coffee and a pastry at pavement café. Later walked back then slept whist we went out to swim. Other days they came to beach with us for afternoon. Playing on beach fetching a ball. Another day we drove in to market and they walked around market and enjoyed an ice cream. They were no trouble at all. On one day when son wanted to go further afield DH took him and I stayed home with puppies and lounged in garden but they slept most of afternoon anyway. We went out for a meal in evenings and were gone up to 2 hours but took them to toilet before we went and when we got back. We left TV on for them to watch. They had their chew toys and a ball and were quite happy. They sleep in a crate and several times they had put themselves to bed in crate.

cupsofcoffee · 18/05/2021 11:50

I took mine on holiday when he was five months old. He behaved perfectly and we had a fantastic time. No accidents, no chewing, no barking - he was better behaved than he was at home Grin

We went to Scotland and picked a dog-friendly cottage that allowed the dogs on the furniture and in the beds, as that's what he's used to at home. The cottage also had an enclosed garden, private beach/bay area and a hot tub so we had plenty to do while the puppy slept. We used a longline to tie him on the deck while we were outside so he could explore but not run off.

It was perfect. We'd go out for a walk in the morning (around 45-60 minutes with lots of rests - so we'd walk a while, stop for coffee/cake, drive somewhere else and do similar, then have lunch). Then we'd go back to the cottage, the puppy would sleep at the cottage or on the beach, and we either cooked dinner or ordered takeaway in the evenings.

Most holiday cottages won't allow you to leave the dog unattended, even if they are crated, so you do need to plan for them to be with you all day, everyday.

We've taken him since (pre-COVID) and it was just as good, though obviously we could explore and go out for full days once he was fully grown.

Ratatattatpat · 18/05/2021 13:45

It would be too much hassle for me. Lab pups are high energy and slightly crazy at this age. They mellow out so much when they mature that I would just wait. A year down the line and he'll be able to come with you anywhere you go.

Motorina · 18/05/2021 15:04

I took mine camping at that age. It was great fun, but I ignore the 5 minutes per month rule as there's no evidence behind it. We walked less far than I would on my own or with an adult dog, but still had several decent walks and lots of playing on the beach, which she adored. She climbed a hill, ate icecream, and met cow pats for the first time. It was the best!

I'm taking a 13 week puppy camping next weekend, which could be rather more interesting!

NoBetterthanSheShouldBe · 18/05/2021 15:07

Also worth bearing in mind that most beaches, certainly in Devon & Cornwall, ban dogs from May to September.

QueenOfToast · 18/05/2021 16:42

I've booked a holiday cottage in the peak district for a week in the summer when my puppy will be 6 months old. We won't be able to do the long walks that we usually do, but I'm looking forward to having a change of scene for a few days.

SimonJT · 18/05/2021 16:46

We got our puppy in June, I took him on holiday in August, it was fine, we still went on very long walks but I would stick him in a backpack part way. He was fine with toileting and didn’t have any accidents at the cottage.

The only drama was when he fell in the swimming pool and I had to jump on fully clothed after him.

LemonCake79 · 18/05/2021 16:53

We have a three month old pup and a dog friendly cottage booked for end August. I haven't yet decided if I will take him or not.

SnoopDogisamenace · 18/05/2021 17:07

We’re booked for self catering cottage for 4 nights when Snooppup will be 10 mths and dog friendly hotel for 3 nights when he will be 11 mths. Not sure how sensible either of these are! 😂

PollyRoulson · 18/05/2021 17:09

It does depend on what you are going to do.

We have carried collie puppies and wcs puppies around the coast path of Cornwall on several occasions. Smile

Hot weather can be a problem and the ability to keep them cool. Many beaches have restrictions but if you are prepared to walk in Devon and Cornwall you can find hidden gems of beaches that allow dogs. If you plan to visit attractions you would need to work out a plan for this if dogs are not allowed in.

Puppies will still need to sleep so plan in nap time but that could be when you are travelling to the plaeces or eating out.

I have never been to a holiday home that lets you leave dogs unattended although some places offer dog sitting options at an extra cost.

It would be great for your puppy though

PollyRoulson · 18/05/2021 17:11

Another option is to look into doggy care where you are going. So you could have some dog free days and some days with the puppy.

mumto2teenagers · 18/05/2021 18:09

We stayed in a lodge at Warmwell Holiday Park in Dorset when our puppy was 4 months old and he was fine, we have booked to go again this year. We have 2 dogs and they both came.

We did get a lodge that has a veranda so they could go outside without being on a lead, the veranda was raised and there was a gate, we could sit outside knowing they couldn't wander off.

The rule at Warmwell was that dogs could not be left unattended in accommodation, I think most holiday parks would be the same. Think you also need to bear in mind that caravans get quite hot in the summer so might not be safe for a dog to be left with the doors and windows shut during the day. Both of our DD's are adults so we were able to take it in turns staying in with the dogs. The restaurant also had an outside area where the dogs could go.

Generally Warmwell is very dog friendly, they even have a doggie park with a small agility course.

puppygalore · 18/05/2021 19:52

At 5 months my Lab would have been far too much to cope with in any other setting than our puppy-proofed home! She had her first heat at 9 months and since then she's calmed down a lot. It was like a switch when that season arrived! As in, nowadays she won't go into the garden to just eat my plants and dig stuff up, but she'll go out just to have a sniff around then lie on the cool patio flags or use her outdoor water bowl. When she's indoors she won't constantly try to be destructive/curious, she'll opt to lie down in the kitchen or get on her chair. But I still crate her when I leave for a few hours, I couldn't leave her anywhere in the house unsupervised just yet, not even the puppy proof front room - just in case! I feel like that time is getting nearer, I can definitely trust her more, but I def wouldn't risk it in a hired place. I'm not saying yours will be like that, maybe the temperaments are very different, but I'd be cautious about your plans

ruralwanderer · 19/05/2021 08:33

I'm putting my 9 month old puppy into kennels when we go away in the UK next week - he's big, bouncy and destructive and I know he'd be a massive PITA if we wanted to stop and eat out somewhere so in order that we actually enjoy our first break in 2 years, he's staying behind. I've found a lovely, highly recommended kennels who are happy to make sure he's loved and exercised, he'll have an enormous kennel and I'm sure will be very happy. We'll also be happy as we will be able to go anywhere and do anything we like while we're away.

Hoppinggreen · 19/05/2021 08:57

It will be fine but you will have to adjust your expectations. It won’t be the same holiday as Pre dog but it can still be fun.

breadfortea · 19/05/2021 13:00

I would really recommend North Norfolk Coast for being dog friendly. We have taken ours every year from pup to adult. I just move any hazards in the holiday cottage, like wobbly lamps on tables things that can be easily knocked over. Most of the beaches between Cromer and Hunstanton are dog friendly, and quite a lot of the pubs have doggy menus too.

Original poster
Teenminds · 20/05/2021 18:52

Thanks all, I honestly didn't know you could not leave them unattended even in a cottage. so good to know. As I say if we were to do that he would be in his crate and would only be for an hr or so.

I did have my eye on a chalet in Norfolk, never been there but yes seems very dog friendly, unfortunately it states in their t&c's they don't take dogs under a year old!

I am still looking, something just for 2 or 3 nights would suit as then if its too stressful at least you haven't paid for a week and it would be good experience for the puppy.

Having trouble finding anything at the moment though!
Looks like I may have to leave it till next year

OP posts:
LemonCake79 · 20/05/2021 19:34

@Teenminds, off the back of this thread I emailed the place we are booked into this summer. They said it's fine to leave a crated dog in the cottage. They have a pool and I wanted to know if we could leave the dog whilst we all swim for an hour or so.

cupsofcoffee · 20/05/2021 19:54

Yes, many places allow dogs but aren't what I'd describe as dog friendly!

Motorina · 20/05/2021 20:33

Update: I’m away in my camper as of this morning with the 12.5 week old puppy and two adult dogs. She’s been no bother so far, abd is currently flat out. It’s my van, which clearly helps as, if she pees it’s no big deal. We’ve done some little walks and lots of meeting of people. The whistle on the kettle startled her but otherwise all good.

BarkingUpTheWrongRoseBush · 21/05/2021 09:03

@cupsofcoffee pm-ed you.

Original poster
Teenminds · 21/05/2021 13:01

@LemonCake79 do you mind me asking where you are going?

I honestly can't find anything suitable or affordable

OP posts:
LemonCake79 · 21/05/2021 14:34

@Teenminds, we are going here...

www.theoldehouse.co.uk

If we take our dog he won't be generally left on his own but it's good to know we can use the pool together whilst he has a snooze in his crate.