If you have a lot of dogs do you go on holiday?
If so what do you do with all your dogs, put them in kennels?

Nope but hoping to judge in Spain this year family and friends will have my dogs

If it's a UK holiday we usually find a dog friendly cottage and take them with us. Once you get past the '1 dog only' places they are generally pretty relaxed about how many, though it helps that ours are small. In 2 weeks we are off to Cornwall, the details said 3 dogs but I phoned up and persuaded them into 4, though sadly we are back down to 3 now. If it's a holiday abroad, I am very lucky in having 2 or 3 friends, though they are a bit of a trek away, who are happy to have them, so we sometimes land all 3 on one if it's a short break, or split the group and let each friend just have 1 or 2 so as not to outstay our welcome!

I haven't had a holiday for 7 years. noone is brave enough to look after my lot and i dont like leaving them anyway, i do go to the shows though and hubby is home to look after them

Haven't had a holiday for 7 years!!!

really in need of one tbh - with all the ups and downs over the last few years - but not sure if can sort out the boys so probably won't get one abroad and will have to see where we can go in UK

I haven't had a real holiday since I was 21, I'm coming up for 45 now !, I do get away to friends in the Borders and take the horrid hairy's with me, if I went away without them I'd just pine lol.

No holidays for me....not even a weekend break in the last 7 years....but then i get to be home all day with my lot so its one big holiday lol :)  Well not quite a holiday as its 7am - 11pm  365 days a year, but thats the way i like it :)

Parents live in Wales so we go there and book a friends cottage..parents house isnt big enough for us 3, 3 dogs and their 2
or we go to Cornwall where my cousin has a chalet. I wont go without them.
Not going anywhere this year tho:(

One reason that we only have two dogs :) Ours have to go into kennels as they guard the house, so couldn't have a dog-sitter and neither of my children can have them in their homes as they rent/work. I don't like putting them in kennels for longer than 3-4 days usually, but this year we are having a special holiday, so the dogs are going into kennels for 5 days and my daughter is taking time off work to look after them for another 4 days. As our oldest is at least 12/13, it may be our last opportunity to have a holiday for some years.

Having elderly relatives/children living long distances away, we couldn't have managed the last ten years without being able to put the dogs in kennels :(

We only have 3 dogs but decided a few years ago that holidays weren't the same without them :)

If we ever change our minds though I'm quick lucky that we have 2 (separate) friends who own their own kennels

We used a home boarder last year when my daughter got married, which worked well, as they had her puppy in together with my two. We now have a 7 month old puppy, so 3 dogs at home. Would use the home boarding option over kennels anytime as they get walks every day etc. Cheaper than kennels too.

We're just about to purchase a caravan, and will keep it on a dog friendly site an hour or so away from home (in Devon) for weekends and holidays. The site in mind has no limits on dog numbers and even has a day kennel where you can leave your dogs so you can have a break. Sounds ideal!

We tried a short break a couple of years ago, putting our 2 dogs into a kennel, but cut the trip short because we missed them too much! I hadn't even unpacked, just dragged the camping stuff out of the car, and went straight to get them. They didn't look very happy!

Personally, would avoid kennels if possible. Our previous dog never went in one, but now we have 3, a bit more difficult to farm out. Home boarders would be my preferred option every time!

Kennels for us.  A good kennels, which took ages to find and are a 1 hr 15 min drive from us (!), but worth the peace of mind.  They walk the dogs - either with other dogs in kennels, or by themselves, depending on what is requested by owner.  Our dogs get used to kennels from a young age and don't mind going there.  Does us all good to have a break - feel so free without any dog caring responsibilities for a week or two.  I wouldn't be happy leaving them with family or friends or a dog sitter, due to all the things which can happen, but in kennels I know they are physically safe and even the walks are within fenced and boundaried areas.

thats great itsadogslife...we tried looking for a caravan to hire in Devon..(I was born in Plymouth, so family still there), but they all seem to limit to 2 dogs max.

Having trouble to understand what the word means..........holiday? Nope, never heard it before, might have to Google it to find out what it means! ;)

Holiday what is that never heard of it.

havent had a holiday for about 15yrs. if i get time off i am happy to spend it at home having time with my dogs.

I have not had a holiday since me and my partner got engaged. So in the whole time I have kept dogs I have not been on holiday. And I dont care, my dogs mean the world to me.

We went to yorkshire last october for a week and took all the dogs with us (3) and this year we are going to Portugal for a week for a big family get to together for dads 60th. My friend who dog sits for me is going to be staying in my house for a week to look after the dogs and all the other furries, but if he wasn't available it would be tough luck on my OH as he would miss out on Portugal and have to stay home to look after the animals. I would then owe him a week back for him to go off and have fun :)

i have lots of holidays most weekends in the summer at agility shows with my dogs, we all go together and OH and daughter go off doing what they want and i do agility we love it so travel all over and never have a problem with how many dogs i go with

Nope I would rather stay at home with my 2 plenty to do and can go off to nice places a day at a time. Anyway I owuld rather spend my money on other things than holidays. Wouldnt put the dogs in kennels. Fortunately have people around who would take them if I needed but as I sais at the beginning would rather be at home with them

We have holidays and my Nan has always stayed at our house and cared for our dogs so they are kept in their routine.
However I lost my old shar-pei in February and since have brought in another DDB , my Nan was not impressed and said I should of got a 'smaller' dog even though I have 2 other Dogues and show them . She said ' You will NEVER have another holiday as I for one will not watch your house and dogs again!'
This is all because I disobeyed her , I am 35 years old and I'm being treat like a kid.
Not sure if we'll get a holiday as my 6 dogs aren't used to kennels and I feel my 11 year old x breed would take badly with it so I won't stress her out .
My mam might look after them but that would have to be during school holidays , I've thought about a house sitter but have never heard anyone's experiences , hopefully this thread may benefit my thoughts :)

> Having trouble to understand what the word means..........holiday?

Ditto. Have not been on 'a holiday' for 15 years, we didn't even go on away after getting married! Couldn't imagine going away without the dogs and am ashamed to say that our two would be heavy going as guests! Lucky to have a wonderful friend who moves in on those occassions that we have had to stay away for a couple of nights.
My idea of a holiday is a dry, sunny day and a picnic out with the family. Sad.

I no longer go on holiday since ive had the dogs apart from of course in the uk, we took 7 to cumbria last year and they loved it(apart from all the ticks). I'm quite glad i don't have to go abroard now as i detest flying and after enduring a 10 flight to the states a few years back the dogs give me the perfect reason to say no :-)

no holidays for the last five years at least.

We are off here in May and taking all three girls.

We always try and have one holiday and try and take them and then have long weekends away on our own when child, house and dog sitters can fit us in !!
http://www.hoseasons.co.uk/lodges/forest-of-dean-lodges-FODE?PPSCODE=FODE&PPSPOS=1

Before we have rented cottages in cornwall .

Holiday? What's that? My idea of a holiday would be a cruise or sunning myself on a beach so that would exclude taking the dogs. If I took all my dogs on holiday I would be doing the same things as I do here only paying for the privelige.

My last holiday was 1999, before my Mum moved round the corner and I used to go and stay in Scotland with her and my cocker for at least 2 weeks each year.

Now I do mating trips where I go and stay a few nights but now there are 5 those will be a thing of the past,will have to be day trips, Mum helps out when needed.

I prefer days out with the dogs and sleeping in my own bed.

Last year our holiday was me and three dogs in a tent at the CLA Game Fair over a long weekend (the dogs did a  stint in the gundogs tent)--the dogs adored camping and the baby never batted at eyelid even though we were camping on the clay line and the noise from 8-8 was like Beirut...he'll never be gunshy!

The last time I went on holiday was 27 months ago--took friends and son plus friend to Venice for a week. I only had one dog then and paid my other son to come home and dogsit.

I'd never leave my dogs or put them in kennels, they have to come with me or I don't go (which suits me very well but upsets my mother in NY).

My idea of a holiday is a dry, sunny day and a picnic out with the family. Sad

That would be me with a big smile on my face permanently :)

No holidays.. to be fair, I do not like being away from home anymore, must be my age :-O .. I have been around the world at least 3 times lol.. a couple of years before I stopped work, I was in 10 countries in 12 months.. that is hard work lol... used to go to Switzerland for a long week-end .. Now, I am as happy as pig in the proverbial at home :-)

Back then, my younger daughter was still living at home, and looked after the dogs (there were only the two dogs)

We do do holidays however not this year as OH is finally getting round to building MY extension (as opposed to someone elses!). I have sitters in and have found a lovely couple who are great. I love my girls to bits but that does not mean I cannot enjoy time away occasionally. A phone call every morning sets me up for the day and we have a nice relaxing break. I hope next year we are cruising the Danube. We have done a Russian cruise, Germany, the Rhine, Egypt, the nile, cruised the med, France, Jersey, Zimbabwi for a family wedding and a 3 week safari/cruise/Vic falls trip (where I got to walk with the loins and have a fantastic picture of myself cuddling a half grown lioness) I love my adventure holidays and after getting to the age of 40 before having the chance to have hols I really love them.
Aileen

> (where I got to walk with the loins

Seriously Aileen lol

The highlight of my life!!! Yes seriously

>> (where I got to walk with the loins
>Seriously Aileen lol

Ooh, there's nothing quite like a good loin-walk!

havent been on holiday for 11 years was planning on one this year but mums health no, there are a few corgi exhibiters in wales who own holiday cottages with enclosed gardens any number of dogs allowed only must pay for any damage caused well that was the plan maybe next year

havent been on holiday for 11 years was planning on one this year but mums health no, there are a few corgi exhibiters in wales who own holiday cottages with enclosed gardens any number of dogs allowed only must pay for any damage caused well that was the plan maybe next year

We take our two dogs to Devon/Cornwall and rent a cottage for two weeks. I have found that if it says one dog you can ask if they'll accept two. I also tell them ours are crate trained and will be wormed before we visit. Tends to let them know you'll be unlikely to let the dogs harrass anyone!

Apart from my honeymoon where we had a friends teenager stay with parents supervising and walking the dogs my holidays are trips to shows with the dogs, such as doing Scotland one year,a dn taking the Caravan to East of England and Leeds another time, with the dogs all coming too.

I went on holiday in 1976 and, as I only had one dog, invited my sister and her husband to stay at my place.  As they were living with my parents, they jumped at the chance.

As my canine family grew, I just never went on holiday again, until I bought a static on a small private site by the sea.  That was in 2003, so a lot of years without a holiday.  I chose a site where dogs are allowed on the beach all year round.  I can train on the beach, and have private access, yards from my caravan. 

The other side from the caravan is just countryside and farms.  Plenty of lovely walks, which the dogs love.  It is extremely quiet and peaceful, and would not suit anyone looking for nightlife.  No bouncy castles, gift shops or nightclubs.  Bliss.

We are looking at static caravans, but with my parents in Wales both in their 70s and the rest of the family spread over Devon and Cornwall its difficult to choose!!

If you chose a tourer, you could spread yourselves to all corners of the country!  :) Both camping clubs are dog friendly, as are many of the 5 van sites. I take my girlies away in my little caravan, this year we are going to Arisaig for three weeks, pitched virtually on the beach. They will be in heaven!

We have bought a transporter and have converted it into a camper, so we enjoy doing out door holidays....New forest being a favourite spot.
We haven't been abroad for 7 years, but next weekend we are off to Florida for two weeks, which we are really looking forward to....it will be nice to get away, My parents and sister are moving in to look after the dogs so i will not worry, and i am sure they will be spoilt rotten. :)

We do get away with our 3 lge dogs once a month as from this month with our touring caravan and have already been away last weekend.
We are lucky living in Devon as lots of sites well in the country side for the dogs....and we dont need to go far from home...its just being away with hubs and dogs that count....leave all the grown family at home...bliss.

> If you chose a tourer, you could spread yourselves to all corners of the country! 

I guess we all choose what suits best.  I don't want to spread all over the country.  I want something in easy reach.  As I am by myself, taking a tourer would be a mammoth task, and nobody to help out with driving.

I wanted something bigger, as I wasn't wanting to pack to go away.  If I decide at 11pm on a Friday night, that I want a break, I only have to put dogs in the car, as the wardrobes are full down at the static, and a freezer is stocked.  I don't even need to pack a toothbrush.  It's what suits me.

I wanted the space to take as many dogs as I desired, and the living room seats 12 humans, so plenty of dog space, when I'm the only human.  :-)

After 30 years of never having a holiday, I went for what suited my needs best.  As it's a private, owner only site, it gives a better sense of security for a lone female.

We go on holiday 3 or 4 times a year. Twice a year to Egypt, various european city breaks and  occasionally a cruise or longer trip.

Someone who works for us lives in when we go away.

10 years since our last holiday (when we got married) definately looking at a dog friendly cottage to go for a long weekend or something (have a few in mind) could really do with a break but dont think i can trust anyone with my dogs and would be extremely choosy about kennels (although i do know a kennel owner with my breed and would most certainly travel over an hour for good kennels)

(To JeanSW) I can certainly see the advantages of a static- I may well be tempted myself at some point :)

Some of the sites I have stayed on have some lovely statics, and when I am struggling to erect an awning to increase my space,  I go green with envy! :)

I was just thinking that for Toffeecrisps situation, of maybe choosing between family member's location, it could be their ideal solution. I am on my own, only tow a small 12 footer, but had the advantage of being the tower of our bigger van when my husband was alive. I have taken it right up to the far north of Scotland, which is obviously for my benefit, 'cos dogs are just as happy with our local beaches and moors!

I think tourer or static, a caravan is fantastic for dog owners :)

My holidays are all dog-related, we go to agility shows with a big van and caravan... we also do some 'training weeks' a bit of training and some relaxing :-)

I did go on holiday when I had 4 - Dad lives in Spain so went to visit him and kennelled the dogs.

But with Soli's heart I don't want to kennel her any more, and Tia hasn't been in a kennel since she spent 6 months at DT when she was a youngster, so I think it would seriously upset her.  Ditto Raine, who when under severe stress gets very ill.

I will do it again at some point, but not till Soli and Tia are gone, and I will introduce Raine to it gradually.

Family & friends is not an option - I have two friends here who feasibly could do it but I wouldn't trust one to walk them, and the other is not brave enough/strong enough to do it!  All family is in Kent and Spain so kennels are the only option.

So to actually answer the question, no I don't have holidays LOL!

when I went to USA for the week end last December I got a dog (and parent) sitter in, not really a holiday as such, only had 1 day and 2 nights in america but knew dogs and Mum were well looked after, someone the dogs know and adore (with a couple farmed out to a friend)