Are you worried your dog isn’t well behaved enough to take on holiday? Or perhaps you’re looking for something fun and stimulating to do with your four-legged friend while you’re away? So why not combine a trip to a beautiful holiday destination with a dog-training course or fun-packed agility session in the hands of the experts? Boost your dog’s ability and agility while you’re away at one of these top locations for dog training holidays.
Isle of Mull, Scotland
If you’ve got a passion for dogs, wildlife and wild coastlines, castaway to the Isle of Mull on the west coast of Scotland. Here, Paws by the Loch Dog Training run individual sessions and bespoke training for you and your four-legged friend – whether you want to work on challenging behaviours, enjoy some fun agility or learn the sport of flyball together. Squirrel away beside the shoreline in Driftwood Cottage, where – after a day of training and exploring – you can bubble in a Jacuzzi bath and flop beside the log burner.
Severn Vale, Gloucestershire
Make the most of dog-friendly adventures in the beautiful scenery of Gloucestershire’s Severn Vale, and brush up on your doggy training in the expert hands of Just Paws. Veterinary nurse Helen Merrett has years of dog handling and training under her belt, and uses a one-to-one approach to calm your dog and help owners understand and train their pets effectively. Based on a dairy farm in Arlingham, you can stay nearby in Greenhaye Cottages, where there’s a large enclosed garden and plenty of waggy-tailed walks on the doorstep.
Lincolnshire Wolds AONB, Lincolnshire
Fancy honing your dog’s focus, obedience and self-control in a fun, gun dog training class? Waggy Tail Farm in Lincolnshire offers a range of training courses, including this one-hour session and specialist workshops for dogs with behavioural issues. Retreat to a former toll house in the peaceful village of Heapham, and once you’ve got your dog under control you can roam the rolling countryside of the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB with your dog trotting obediently at your heels, or kick back in the hot tub under the parasol while your four-legged friend enjoys the large, enclosed garden.
Dartmoor National Park, Devon
From the tors to the vales, Dartmoor National Park boasts mile-upon-mile of terrific terrain for an active, dog-friendly holiday. While you’re there, you can boost your dog’s ability and agility under the tutelage of pro trainer Lauren Langman – a regular feature at Crufts and Olympia, who has also represented Great Britain at World Agility Championship level. Her set-up, Devon Dogs, on the edge of Dartmoor, is a Centre of Excellence training facility offering a range of training options, from agility training, game changer days and motivational handling days, to super-duper spaniel weekenders, as well as guest training sessions. Base yourself at Clearview, a cosy cottage on the western edge of the moor to combine dog training days with walks in the glorious countryside.
Malvern Hills, Worcestershire
Take a dog-friendly holiday in the magical Malvern Hills in Worcestershire, where you can tap up the experts at Worcester Dogs for any tuition you need to ensure your dog is a well-behaved member of your pack. If you’re concerned they’ll bound out into the hills and never turn back, try the small-group masterclass in reliable recall or loose lead walking, or harness your dog’s natural instincts and abilities in a gun dog taster training session. One-to-one training sessions to eliminate behavioural issues are also available. Stay at The Goose Nest barn conversion where you can enjoy a pet-friendly garden enveloped in countryside, with the Malvern Hills and National Trust Gardens on the doorstep for doggy days out, as well as dog-focused events at the nearby Three Counties Showground.
Pembrey Country Park, Wales
Make yourself at home beside the sea in the vibrant village of Berry Port, nudging the countryside and coastline of Pembrey Country Park in Carmarthenshire, Wales. Aside from wild walks and days out at the beach with your four-legged friend, have fun and work on their skills on an agility course with Dog Behaviour Wales. Stimulating their mental and physical abilities, nurturing your relationship and running off that excess energy, means that you’ll be able to relax and make the most of the luxuries in your beautiful Burry Port escape once you’re all worn out.
The Cotswolds, Gloucestershire
The experienced team at Cotswold Dog Training can boost your dog’s ability and agility in all disciplines, using the likes of flyball, heel work and positive behaviour training. You can even train your dog in tricks and TV/ film work. Stay nearby in the village of Woodmancote, where you have a wealth of walking from your front door including Cleeve Hill and waymarked paths that will take you deep into the beauty of the Cotswolds AONB. From your Cotswolds dog-friendly retreat, you can also enjoy the Regency Spa town of Cheltenham on the doorstep, famed for its racecourse and festivals throughout the year.
Ready to brush up on your hound’s behaviour on a dog-training holiday?
Check out our huge range of dog-friendly retreats across the UK. You can also find more information and dog-training instructors in other areas via the Kennel Club website.
