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Dog Behaviourist Reveals The Safest Holidays For UK Dog Breeds
![Image by Sven Lachmann from Pixabay]()
Image by Sven Lachmann from Pixabay
With dogs often considered part of the family, more and more people are opting to take their dogs away on staycations up and down the British Isles.
Holiday company Wheelwrights have discovered the best holiday type for some of the most popular dog breeds, collaborating with canine behaviourist Will Atherton to help you take your dog on their dream holiday.
Wheelwright’s Holiday cottage expert, Jerry Rebbeck also gives his advice on why you should make your holiday cottage dog friendly, and how.
Pack your Pooch – The Perfect Holiday for the UK’s Most Popular Dogs
1. Golden Retriever – Active City Break
Golden Retrievers are fairly easy going and adaptable. They are ideal for city or town breaks, but you will need to be active to keep them stimulated. Goldens can tolerate any weather, rain or shine, except extreme heat.
2. Collie – Hiking Holiday
Collies, such as Border Collies and Rough Collies, are extremely high energy dogs and would need a lively, outdoor holiday with lots of exercise and stimulation. These dogs are very adaptable to the weather though, so they be great to take along with you on your staycation winter or summer.
3. Labrador Retriever – Lake, Sea or Riverside Stay
Similar to Golden Retrievers, Labradors are adaptable dogs so can easily do city stays if needed, but also need lots of walks to keep them happy. They are very versatile, but they also love water, so would love a trip to the lake district or seaside holiday!
4. Spaniel – Quiet Outdoorsy Getaway
Spaniels are extremely high energy dogs, so need an outdoorsy, active getaways with lots of exercise as stimulation. These breeds have a tendency towards anxious behaviour in new places, so I’d recommend quieter walking routes with lots of opportunity for exploring. Physical activity will help tire the dog out and help them adapt to the new environment.
5. St Bernard – Relaxed City Break with Flat Terrain
St Bernards are low energy and unable to do huge amounts of exercise, so an adventurous holiday is not for them. Instead, stick to flat terrains, relaxed getaways and gentle city breaks with this breed.
6. Alaskan Husky – Cold Weather Active Holidays
Huskies are large athletic dogs who require lots of exercise, so are perfect for an active outdoorsy holiday. They also love the cold weather and snow, so they are the perfect companion for an active winter holiday.
7. Basset Hound – Relaxed Sightseeing Stay
Bassetts have low exercise needs and tend to be quite easy going, so they are best suited to relaxed city stays, such as walking around sightseeing. Bassett Hounds love new smells, so will enjoy the stimulation of a new holiday cottage and surrounding area to explore.
Jerry Rebbeck says:
"When bringing your dog on holiday with you and exploring the local area, holiday cottage expert from Wheelwrights.
“Always be considerate of farmers and livestock when passing through fields, during lambing season in particular. Be respectful of the local area by always picking up and appropriately disposing of dog waste."
Make your Holiday Home Dog Friendly
Google searches for both 'dog friendly holidays near me' and 'dog friendly break' have increased by 900% since last year- showing this type of holiday is in high demand for 2024.
Jerry Rebbeck says:
"Although some holiday property owners may have reasons for not allowing dogs, not doing so could be losing you bookings, especially in areas considered havens for walkers and outdoor activity.
“We always encourage holiday homeowners in popular walking areas to accept dogs as this increases the chances of bookings, with more people than ever looking for dog friendly stays.
“When looking to make your holiday home pet friendly, an enclosed garden is always useful, as is a boot room, pet friendly furniture and robust flooring.”
Google searches for 'dog friendly cottage with secure field' are also up 900% since this time last year, showing this in particular is a key consideration for dog owners looking to take their dogs on holiday.
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