Holidaying with the dog and preteens

[Revival75]

Looking for any suggestions for where to go with a dog and preteen/ young teen for holidays that will have enough to keep kids happy? Dog quite needy so not really comfortable leaving her in kennels and yet to find something that works to leave her. She loves off lead adventures.

I need to do a little research in what’s needed to take dog abroad but do wonder if it’s just too much hassle ( and the dog hates vet visits) so also considering UK (again🤣).

definitely harder as the kids get older as play parks and beaches just don’t cut it anymore.

We are Central Scotland. Ideally don’t want a really long drive.

Any suggestions please?

Center Parcs take dogs. Or any of those Forest Lodge holidays with hot tub type places.

we went to Keilder in Northumberland which was lovely. Or a cottage? Again Northumberland coast is great and Lake District is dog friendly.

Someone mentioned this place on a different thread recently, I’ve not been but it might fit the bill?

https://www.crieffhydro.com

Loads of places take dogs. Is it that you’re looking for something for the kids to enjoy?

what do they like doing?

unless it’s you that would miss the dog too much, have you considered having someone move into your house while you are away? I’ve always done this and dog been ok and happy.

Yeah, if it was just the dog it would be really easy but it’s finding the balance of something that’s good for the dog to run about and also things to keep the kids entertained.

they like usual teen stuff, high ropes, outdoor swimming, shopping, eating and of course tech!!!

we’ve already done Aviemore, Crieff Hydro (not v dog friendly), Windermere, Arran etc

Yeah good suggestion. I’d love to find somewhere that I knew the dog would be happy ( and the long term goal) but feel she’d need to get to know whoever she was staying with and not sure that’s going to happen by this summer. She is attached to my side at all times and I would worry about her if I wasn’t confident she would be ok/ happy.

The ideal would be leaving her somewhere she was happy with and flying somewhere to do a city break or weeks Sun holiday.

I would start now this week, find a dog Walker that does home boarding. Think of it as an investment in your future holidays! Start with a walk once or twice a week and move on from there to overnights, then weekends to build up the trust. The older the dog gets the more difficult it will be and you will be trapped.

if you don’t think the dog would even manage walks then you need a behaviourist.

Finding a holiday in this country is just pushing the problem down the road.

You’re right. She has a dog walker but doesn’t do boarding. That was the mistake we made but she loves her so much I’m reluctant to change. I could maybe try another walker one day a week who boards🤣

if she already goes to the dog Walker you’re halfway there already ! Ours had never been with anyone else (dh was convinced she would pine for us all night). she went for an overnight then 24 hours and loved it ( she loves other dogs!). Now we just book in when we are away and she has doggy holidays.

I changed dog walkers for this exact reason as we wanted one that took home boarders. She’s fab and only has her dog and one other in her house each week. But is fully booked nearly year round so you have to plan in advance if needing school hols. We don’t need a dog walker but it works for us

Will the dog walker house sit for you?

We have a similar dog who is completely attached to me and so we have a dog sitter come and stay in our house. It’s very stress free. The dog is happy (although apparently lies by the door for a day) and sticks to their familiar routine and walks, we have the holiday that suits the humans best. First time we had a couple of settling in sessions. We use an agency as they have strict rules for the sitters and they are there as back up if needed. We’ve had lovely sitters and it works great, once you get used to the idea of someone in your house. Also no dropping them off heartache or picking them up hassle. They are right there when you get home.

Unfortunately I can’t really have someone to stay in my home as currently have another family member staying (who couldn’t be in charge of dog) so would be a bit odd. Think the way forward is to persevere trying to find an additional walker with one who would also board. Costly but as you say perhaps an investment.