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The doghouse

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Original poster

Unsure on whether to take dog on holiday UK break wwyd?

16 replies

99redballoonsgobyy · 09/08/2022 10:54

Just that really, we are off in a few days time for a week in a dog Friendly cottage in UK we are a family of 4 dcs age 9 and oldest a teen. The thing is kids really really want to take our small terrier dog away but I'm unsure as I think it is going to be quite restrictive on what activities we can do, we are about 20 mins away from a seaside town with funfair, there's a wildlife park nearby, swimming other activities that are not dog friendly. A relative has offered to have the dog for us if we decide to not take him although it will also put restrictions on them to.
The dog is quite bad with separation anxiety and I know will probably go crazy if left alone in the cottage and has never been crated so don't think that would work as it'd probably causes him more distress. Kids making me feel incredibly guilty when I mention not taking dog with us. I'm not looking forward to this holiday now as I really don't know what to do. wwyd take dog or leave him?

OP posts:

GCAcademic · 09/08/2022 10:57

We always take our dog on holiday. It was absolutely shit this year as the heat meant that we couldn't take him anywhere, other than a 6.00am walk. We therefore did virtually nothing for the whole holiday, or had to go out separately. Most cottages have it as a rule that you can't leave your dog in the cottage unattended too.

Saucery · 09/08/2022 11:09

We always take our dog with us, but having read your plans I think you would be best leaving your dog with the relative. Does he feel happy there? I think he would be miserable if you took him with you tbh, particularly if he isn’t crate trained.

Floralnomad · 09/08/2022 11:14

Lots of dog friendly accommodation stipulate that the dog not be left home alone anyway . Leave the dog with the relative it will be a much more enjoyable holiday . I never take our dog on holiday as it’s too restrictive so someone always stays home with him

SarahSissions · 09/08/2022 11:35

It depends on the type of holiday you like. If it’s countryside exploring, going to beaches, National trust places then great. If it’s funfairs and wildlife parks then you’ll have a miserable time.

I think you need to set out with your kids that if they want the dog on holiday then they will be going to dog friendly places- if they want to do fun fairs and the like then the dog has to stay with relatives.

check the weather too-it might make the decision for you- if it’s going to be 28degrees you aren’t going to be able to take the dog out with you for the day regardless of the activity

BarrelOfOtters2 · 09/08/2022 11:43

We took our dog away for the first time this year. It was a very different experience. It was just me and DH but meant we were limited where to eat, where to walk, what to do in evening.

That was fine as we love the dog, it was the Lake District, so lots of incredibly dog friendly pubs with dog beds, water and even dog menus. Lots of suitable walking and rivers to keep her cool.

She wasn't entirely happy being out of her usual place and routine - she was barky at night and nervous going out to toilet and went off her food. She didn't mind the walks and pubs but took her a bit of time to work out her safe space in the dog friendly accommodation.

In your circumstances talk to the kids about what you wouldn't be able to do if the dog was there and what you'd have to do instead.

Beamur · 09/08/2022 11:45

I used to leave our dog behind. Tried it a few times and it was just so restrictive. Limited where we could eat, where we could go. My last 2 dogs were also anxious about being away from home and they didn't enjoy it either!

Original poster

99redballoonsgobyy · 09/08/2022 11:50

Yes as my kids are getting older I want to make the most of doing things with them whilst they still want too such as wildlife parks, fun fairs etc. Eldest is already getting to the point where they are starting to not want to do things as its for "little kids" (their words!) and feels too old. we won't be able to do much fun stuff at all with dog in tow.
I also feel guilty leaving him in a way as he's a family member and feel like I'm leaving my 3rd child behind he's such a big part of our family, but I know it'll be a shame whilst away to say we can't do this and that because we've got the dog.
He will be fine and will settle with relative as he's used to visiting but they have a little dog of their own but they will need to be walked separately as their dogs behaviour changes when the 2 of them are together and he becomes very reactive to other dogs but fine when walked separately.

OP posts:

Ilikewinter · 09/08/2022 19:41

Will your accomodation allow dogs, you might want to check because not all do and there may be a charge to take him.

sunsetsandsandybeaches · 09/08/2022 20:10

I think you need to leave him with your relative.

Elsiebear90 · 09/08/2022 20:12

We leave our dog behind because it’s just too restrictive, our dog used to have separation anxiety, but over time she has got used to staying with my parents and now she loves it and is upset when we take her home!

Original poster

99redballoonsgobyy · 09/08/2022 23:15

We've had a word with the kids and teen is sulking but I think we will be leaving him with relative . It would be lovely to have him with us but I just know it will be way too restrictive and we'll miss out on loads of activities. kids seem to think he'll be upset he's missing out on a holiday but obvs dogs don't care and are much happier in familiar surroundings with his daily walk round the local park. I've promised we will take him on just a day trip to the beach which is only a hours drive away when we are back from holiday.

OP posts:

Cameleongirl · 09/08/2022 23:38

We miss our dog when we're away, but tbh, he's happier staying with our lovely dog sitters than being taken to a new place. He gets v. stressed in the car anyway so just getting anywhere would be a chore.

He gets lots of attention when we get back!

Mellowyell292 · 10/08/2022 13:20

Don't take the dog. We're on holiday at the moment with ours and we are having a lovely time but we're very restricted. Unless all you have planned is dog walks or one of you is prepared to stay behind with the dog then leave him with family.

The heat is making it even harder.

Ledkr · 10/08/2022 13:32

We are party way through two weeks away with ours and although it's been lovely at times (zooming on the beach and learning to swim) we haven't been able to do some things and constantly worrying about the heat. She is currently sitting panting in the motorhome as we drive to our next campsite. I think I'd leave her next time.

Mellowyell292 · 10/08/2022 13:46

I think an autumn/winter break in the UK with dogs would be ideal. Lots of lovely woodland walks, back to the cottage, get cosy in front of the fire-bliss! I'm looking forward to doing that when the DC no longer want to come with us.

findingsomeone · 10/08/2022 13:57

I'd leave the dog in your situation. Most cottages say not to leave the dog unattended. If I had a small dog who was happy to be crated I'd take them. But not with a dog with SA who doesn't. And super hard to have them out in the heat as well if not left behind.

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