Dog friendly holidays are the highlight of many owners’ summers, even more so when you’re travelling with friends! I frequently take trips away with friends and family, of course that means their dogs come too. It can be tricky holidaying with multiple dogs, particularly if you’ve never tried it before. I thought I’d share with you some of my tips to ensure everything runs smoothly and you all enjoy your time away!
Let Dogs Meet Beforehand
If possible, organise for the dogs to meet before you travel. It doesn’t have to be immediately prior, however you should allow enough time for the dogs to get to know one another. I recommend meeting on neutral ground, such as a local woodland or beach. This prevents any disagreements or discomforts over space, there’s nothing for your dogs to argue about.
If you’re not able to introduce your dogs before you travel, meet up the day you arrive. Again, choose somewhere outdoors and neutral and allow your dogs to sniff and interact together as they will. Nothing beats bonding over a game of fetch!
Allow Plenty of Space
Dogs like their space. The same goes for humans too. You wouldn’t want to share a bed with someone you only just met, so don’t force your dog to either! Packing blankets and bedding will enable you to provide your dog with a variety of sleeping options when you’re away. Remember to cover soft furnishings to protect them from muddy paws!
You’ll also want to offer your dog with a safe space they can escape to. Dogs can get overwhelmed, particularly in new environments. A quiet corner, crate or bedroom gives your dog somewhere to relax quietly when they need to.
Stick to Your Routine
Different dogs have different routines. When travelling with friends, things can easily get out of sync. Try to stick to your dog’s usual routine as much as possible when you’re away. It’ll help settle them initially, as well as prevent accidents in your accommodation.
The dogs you’re holidaying with may have different routines to yours. Remember to stick to what your dog is used to, not any one else! Woody and I have holidayed with dogs that have completely different routines to ours before. We worked around each other as best we could, each prioritising our own dog’s needs first. It may be tricky, however your dog will thank you for the predictability and stability, especially when you’re exploring somewhere new!
Bring Enough Supplies
Remember to pack enough food, treats, toys and belongings to last the whole time you’re away. It’s easy to underestimate how much food you’ll get through on holiday and it can be hard to find pet shops that stock the same brand of food. To avoid this, I like to pack a little more than I think I’ll need. This goes for treats, blankets and toys too – the more the merrier!
If you’re feeling super organised, or planning a longer trip, why not organise a delivery of your dog’s food while you’re away? It’ll save carrying heavy kibble bags in your suitcase or racing to get to the freezer before your raw food begins to thaw.
Enjoy Yourselves!
Holidaying with multiple dogs is lots of fun, especially if they’re canine companions already. Woody enjoys trips with his friends throughout the year and I love watching their reunions, particularly if they haven’t seen each other for a few months.
There are plenty of accommodation options for multiple dogs too. I recently took a trip to the New Forest with Woody and his sprocker friend Twiglet (springer spaniel cross cocker spaniel) and found a lovely cottage that allowed two dogs. Woody and Twiglet loved exploring new walks together during the day and playing with their toys in the cottage each evening.
Do you enjoy travelling with multiple dogs? What are your tips to ensure everyone gets along?
