Do Dogs Need Holidays? Why Time Away Helps City Dogs Reset

As I was climbing up a mountain in Wales with my 12 year old ex street dog Conker I realised how relaxed he looked.  Where we live in London is very dog dense and Conker is not fond of other dogs especially if they go up his bottom.  He responds with a back off bark.  So when he sees another dog I have trained him to come back to me, which means he pretty much spends a lot of his walk by my side.  That can take the enjoyment out of the walk for both of us.  He’s going a bit deaf now so the noises of London don’t bother him so much, but little Scrappy my dachshund and Scooby my part boxer are both hyper vigilant to sounds and constantly on high alert.  And London is smelly, so it must be a sensory overload for dogs just walking down the street. 

We all look forward to a holiday as it is time to rest, recharge and get a change of scenery. But have you ever thought that your dog might need the same?  Just like us, dogs need a break from the daily grind. A change of environment gives them a chance to relax, move more freely and reset both physically and emotionally. I often hear from owners that their dogs seem like different animals on holiday, calmer, happier and more content. One owner told me just today how their dog, normally a bit grumpy and restless at home, transformed on a seaside break: more exercise, better sleep and a noticeably softer expression. Another has moved to Scotland with her street dog, who disliked busy London and is now able to be her true self.  I’m not saying you should move but breaks do make a difference!

Why holidays are so good for dogs

When we take our dogs away, they get:

• More freedom to move naturally: longer walks, more sniffing, and the joy of exploring new places.

• Better sleep: away from city noises and constant interruptions.

• Less stress: no busy roads, no constant decision-making about which dogs to avoid or which fox just ran past the garden fence.

• Improved mood and behaviour: fresh air, novelty and space to decompress all help reduce reactivity and tension.

City dogs are constantly managing stimulation. Even the most confident dogs are absorbing everything, smells, sounds and movement and it takes a toll over time. A bit like when we work work work and then burn out.  When dohs finally get to the countryside or the coast, you can see their whole body language change. Their faces soften, their tails move more loosely and their breathing slows. LIke us they nend to de-stress.

Including your dog in your holiday plans

When you’re planning your own holidays, think about your dog’s needs too. They’re part of the family and they deserve a proper break as much as we do. Whether it’s a weekend in the countryside, a beach trip, or a few days staying with friends who have space and fresh air, your dog will thank you for it.

And if you can’t take them away, look for ways to give them a mini-holiday at home, new walking routes, quiet open spaces, or a dog-sitter who takes them to one of the bigger parks for extra adventures.

I’ve noticed it with my own dogs when we visit friends in the countryside. They switch off completely, no foxes screeching outside, no trains rumbling past, no sirens, no constant city buzz. Of course there are other distractions such as livestock but not as intense.  Being out of the city means our dogs can just be dogs.  

Setting Your Dog Up for Holiday Success

Before you pack the car and head off, take a bit of time to prepare your dog for the change. Holidays can be exciting but also overwhelming, especially for city dogs who aren’t used to the peace and quiet (or all the new smells and sounds). Setting them up for success will help everyone relax and enjoy the break.

Here are my top tips:

• Bring familiar comforts. Pack your dog’s usual bed, blanket and toys so they have something that smells like home. Familiar scents help them settle quickly.

• Keep the routine consistent. Try to feed and walk your dog around their normal times. Predictability helps them feel secure in a new environment.

• Plan ahead for rest. Don’t fill every day with activities. Dogs need downtime between adventures, especially if they’ve been zooming around beaches or woodlands.

• Check your accommodation. Make sure it’s genuinely dog-friendly with an enclosed garden, safe walking spots, no toxic plants.

• Brush up on recall and calmness. Before you go, practise recall games and settle work. A good recall gives them more freedom and helps you both relax.

• Travel kindly. Take breaks on long journeys and offer water and comfort. Some dogs may need a bit of time to adjust before exploring new spaces.

A little preparation goes a long way. When dogs feel safe and understood, they’re far more likely to enjoy the freedom and fun of a proper holiday.

The takeaway

Dogs don’t need luxury hotels, but they do need time and space to decompress. A few days away from the city can work wonders for their wellbeing, confidence and behaviour. So when you’re planning your next break, make sure your dog gets one too.  If you are in The Club on the website let us know where your dog loves to holiday and it you have any dog friendly hotels to recommend!