In this guest blog, we are hearing from Lorren guardian of @polka_dot_loki as they navigate life as a reactive dog. Lorren shares her insights of enriching Loki’s world by seeking out safe spots for reactive dog holidays. sharing top tips and insights for fellow pet parents looking to book accommodations that cater to their reactive dogs.
Embarking on a holiday with a reactive dog can feel like navigating a maze filled with uncertainty and worry. As the guardian of a sensitive soul, the quest for peace and relaxation is often overshadowed by a pressing need for environments that embrace, understand, and cater to the unique needs of our reactive companions. The world needs more sanctuaries of compassion and awareness for dogs like mine, offering them the sanctuary they need to feel secure and cherished. Finding secluded, enclosed, and dog friendly accommodations that welcome our reactive pets with open arms shouldn’t be an uphill battle. It’s time for more destinations to open their hearts to the concept of a reactive dog holiday, where every dog has the chance to experience the joy and freedom of a truly inclusive getaway.
Join me on this quest as we explore destinations that not only welcome reactive dogs but also provide an environment where both humans and canines can truly unwind and enjoy the holiday.
Tips for booking holidays for reactive dogs
Communicate with the Host: Before booking your accommodation, reach out to the host or property manager. Ask specific questions about their pet policy, including whether they have experience hosting reactive dogs (some even have reactive dogs themselves). Inquire about the layout of the property, any potential triggers nearby, and if there are quiet areas where your dog can relax undisturbed. Communication ensures that both you and your dog are comfortable and welcome during your stay.
Book Midweek Stays for Peaceful Exploration: Consider scheduling your stay during the middle of the week, if possible. Weekdays tend to be quieter, with fewer crowds and distractions, making it easier for you and your reactive dog to explore new surroundings. Walking unfamiliar routes can be daunting for reactive dog parents, but during midweek stays outside of school holidays, you’ll likely encounter fewer people and other dogs, providing a more relaxed environment for both of you to enjoy.
Pack Comfort Items and Anxiety Aids: Bring along familiar items from home, such as your dog’s favourite toys, bedding, and calming aids like pheromone diffusers or anxiety wraps. These familiar scents and comforts can help alleviate stress and provide a sense of security in a new environment. Additionally, packing high-value treats or puzzle toys to keep your dog occupied during downtime, helps to redirect their focus and settle anxious behaviour.
Reactive Dog Holiday Recommendations
Discover some of my favourite serene escapes and compassionate retreats that promise not just a holiday, but a haven for you and your reactive dog.
Ty Twt
Ty Twt is a gorgeous, thatched wooden cottage with its own acre of woodland attached. It’s surrounded by rolling fields and peaceful walks. The garden is enclosed and secure for most dogs.
Guests are welcomed with a hamper, and dogs also have some goodies. Picnic blankets are provided. You can sit under the apple tree and read or whip up a pizza in the pizza oven. The space is stunning, and you hear nothing except the sounds of birds and the river below making it perfectly reactive dog friendly. Additionally, Ty Twt boasts a gorgeous stained glass window in the living area that creates the perfect sun puddle for an afternoon snooze.
The Boot Room
The Boot Room is a charming retreat where traditional elegance meets canine convenience this cosy accommodation features a convenient mud/boot room, ideal for guests and their dogs to rub down muddy paws post walkies. With a fully enclosed courtyard garden and two semi-enclosed private fields to let your dog enjoy, this place is a beautiful spot to unwind.
Situated near The Forest of Bowland AONB and a short drive from the coast, this retreat offers endless exploration opportunities. With thoughtful amenities for canine companions, including enclosed spaces bowls treats toys and blankets. The Boot Room ensures a memorable and comfortable getaway for all.
The Welsh Farm Glamping
The Country Yurt at Welsh Farm Glamping is a perfect escape for reactive dogs. The hedged enclosed garden offers privacy and a large space for dogs to potter about, complete with a pizza oven, firepit, and hot tub for the humans. Additionally, there are chickens tucked away at the top end of the garden. They are totally secure, but if you have a dog that’s reactive to birds, this may not be the one for you. With local surrounding walks and a private woodland on the doorstep, it’s also a short drive from several quiet beaches, making it the perfect getaway for reactive dogs.
Unplugged Rest
Unplugged Rest offers a handful of dog friendly off-the-grid cabins scattered across the UK. This growing collection varies from location to location, with some having rolling fields and open surroundings, while others have fully fenced gardens. They are all located in remote locations with beautiful farmland and surroundings, so you can truly escape the buzz and get lost in nature. Most of these escapes would be perfect for a reactive dog due to them being nestled in farmland and open space, but if your dog is reactive to livestock, it may be worth checking the individual listings to see if they have sheep or cattle grazing. We stayed in the Pablo and had an incredible time.
Dogs Love Holidays
Dogs Love Holidays is probably the ultimate in reactive dog friendly holiday, with fully enclosed gardens and acres upon acres of enclosed just for you and your dogs. It’s the perfect escape for reactive dogs, with multiple dogs welcomed free of charge. Spare dog beds, crates, bowls, leads, etc., are available.
With an outdoor hot and cold dog shower and unrestricted access to 15 acres of private land, which includes paddocks, woodland, a small lake, a waterfall, and a Dingle, all of which is stock fenced and gated, making it ideal for nervous, fearful, or reactive dogs who can wander without the fear of coming across other dogs or people.
Do You Have A Reactive Dog?
In our journey to uncover the perfect holiday spots for reactive dogs, we’ve ventured through landscapes of compassion, understanding, and boundless love. These recommendations are more than mere destinations; they are a testament to the joy and peace that can be achieved when the world opens its arms to all dogs, regardless of their challenges. Our adventures have shown us that with the right environment, every dog can enjoy the splendour of a holiday tailored to their needs.
For those who walk life’s path with an XL bully by their side, our exploration into XL Bully Friendly Holidays offers insights and inspirations for adventures that both you and your mighty companion will cherish. Our own heartwarming experience at Reactive Dog Suitable Holiday At Rowley Farm underscores the beauty of finding a place where your reactive dog can roam freely, enveloped in safety and serenity. And for days out closer to home, our guide on Taking Reactive Dogs Out To Dog Friendly Places reveals how even everyday outings can be transformed into joyful expeditions with a bit of understanding and the right approach.
Here’s to more inclusive travels, where every holiday is a step towards understanding, acceptance, and unconditional love for our reactive companions.
