If you’re on the banned list, you’re not coming in

We’re looking at going camping this summer for our family holiday in Europe, either in France or Germany and have started the process of getting our Staffie a pet passport. A friend has says she thinks Staffordshire Bull Terriers might be a banned breed in Germany. Is this true, and if so, where can in the EU can we take our soppy dog, who is very well socialised, camping with us?!

Karen Parks, by email

Home from home

Dear Dogs Today,

We've just taken on a rescue crossbreed and are after some advice.

We're thinking ahead to next year when we go on holiday as we will be visiting friends in the US for two weeks, which we booked a while ago. We're not sure about putting Rusty into kennels when we go away, or whether it'd be better to have someone look after him at their home. We don't want him to think we're taking him back to kennels.

Can anyone advise of our options?

Many thanks,

Mr and Mrs Port, by email


 Alison Logan, vet, advises...

This is a difficult decision to make. Your holiday is not until next year so Rusty’s memories of being at the rescue kennels should have faded. Visit several kennels and go with your instinct – a small homely kennel with friendly and experienced staff would be a great find. A trial one or two night stay would be worth considering. 

The alternative is to find someone who will look after Rusty in their own home. Obviously, you need Rusty to be happy in the person’s company. Another option would be for someone to move into your home to care for your dog in his usual environment, whilst coincidentally looking after your house. It goes without saying that in both situations you need to trust the person implicitly.

The advantage of kennelling is that your dog will be monitored and secure. I always worry that a dog being cared for at home or in someone else’s home might escape and go off to look for his or her owners, with the attendant risks of accidents, being impounded for straying… The flip side is how a rescue dog will cope with being kennelled once more. You have wisely given yourself plenty of time to decide.

I would certainly put a pheromone collar on him before kennelling, in fact in all situations when leaving him to go on holiday, whatever you decide.

Searching for a dog-friendly holiday in the Lakes

A friend of mine has just rehomed a four-month-old Jack Russell and is thinking of going to the Lake District for a walking holiday, just the two of them.

Does anyone know of any reputable companies that organise this kind of holiday, she doesn't want to be walking on her own but would like to be with other dog walkers.

Thanks,

Carol, West Sussex

Holiday plans

I'm just putting in for my holiday dates for work and I'm realising that now I have a pup I just can't contemplate jetting off somewhere and putting her into kennels. I just wouldn't be able to enjoy myself knowing that my lovely Roxy was stuck in kennels and missing me.
I have not holidayed in the UK since I was a kid and have no idea where to start and what it is possible for us to do together. There's just Roxy and me on this adventure as I've not long split up with my husband - so it'll be a girlie break!
Where do I find dog-friendly places to stay? And where do we eat - are there any dog friendly restaurants or will I have to just order room service or eat fish and chips in the car?
Are there any places we can visit together during the day? What do you think are the most dog-friendly UK destinations? Would be really grateful for any personal recommendations.
Roxy is a very well behaved Miniature Schnauzer by the way. We're up for any adventures you can recommend!
Charlotte Palmer, Sunbury-on-Thames

We've got a special bumper dog-friendly holiday section planned in our January edition and there are always ads in the back of the mags for doggie holidays. So do check them out! I found the Isle of Wight to be really good for dogs when I went a few years back, but I've not been on any very doggie holidays since I've had the kids and dogs - we just can't all squeeze in the car I'm afraid!
So over to you readers! Where have you been that you can recommend... Please give Charlotte and our other readers some tips.
Cheers
Beverley Editor, Dogs Today

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This is a great coastal location in the Pembrokeshire National Park, close to some fantastic beaches and many good pubs.
Well behaved and groomed pets are welcome. The cottage has a strictly non-smoking policy. Unfortunately the cottage is not suitable for wheelchair users. For further details visit www.woodcottage-stackpole.co.uk




Kim from Cornish Holiday Cottages, says...
Cornwall would be a great place for you and Roxy to explore; with many dog-friendly beaches, beautiful coastal walks and exotic gardens to visit. Self-catering gives you the freedom to come and go as you wish and there are many dog-friendly options available. We specialise in the Helford River area near Falmouth and have several properties which may tempt you. As local people and dog lovers ourselves; we are on hand to offer advice on anything from walks to (shhhhh....) vets. Our website www.cornishholidaycottages.net has full details of all the properties together with an online booking facility or, for a more personal touch, why not call us on 01326 250339. Good luck with your search, I'm sure you'll both love holidaying in the UK, wherever you decide to go.



Sarah, from Dales Holiday Cottages, says…
We have a great selection of 300 cosy pet-friendly holiday cottages that would be ideal for your girlie break away with Roxy.
You could consider the Yorkshire Dales. With green valleys, limestone crags and dry stone walls, this beautiful area is ideal for walking. The landscape is criss-crossed with footpaths and you can choose either a gentle riverside ramble or an invigorating hike on the fells ...or maybe even the challenge of the "Three Peaks" of Ingleborough, Penyghent and Whernside?! After a busy day exploring, you might like to pop into of the traditional village pubs which serve good local food and locally brewed ales - many welcome well behaved dogs in the bar area. If you visit during the summer you might also enjoy one of the many agricultural shows (dogs are normally welcome). Livestock displays generally take centre stage, but you'll also find exhibitions of giant home-grown vegetables, homemade jams, cakes and chutneys for sale, tractor and vintage car displays, tug-o-war competitions ...and even Terrier Racing (Gargrave Show, held in late August, is famous for their terrier racing event - I love popping along to watch this event with my Jack Russell to pick up some tips!).
Alternatively, if you're drawn to the sea and sand, then the Yorkshire coast or the Northumberland coastline would be perfect. With dramatic cliffs, quaint fishing villages and sandy beaches, the coast of northern England is very beautiful. The vast majority of beaches along this stretch of the Heritage Coastline welcome dogs throughout the year, and they provide the ideal scampering ground for dogs to play, paddle, and dig for sticks. Again, you will find a lovely selection of country inns which welcome dogs; during my holiday to Northumberland earlier this year, I found a lovely pub called The Crown & Anchor Inn on Holy Island where they made my dog very welcome, and we enjoyed a hearty lunch by the cosy open fire.
Whether you decide to go for the rolling hills and dales, or the rugged coastline, we have a range of dog-friendly cottages to choose from, either in peaceful rural locations with walks straight from the doorstep, or in the historic market towns with excellent amenities
within easy reach.
We'd be delighted to help you find somewhere that both you and Roxy would love, so please give us a call on 01756 790919 to discuss your wish list, or pop onto our website at www.dales-holiday-cottages.com.
We also have a great choice across Scotland via our sister company Scotland Cottages - if you'd like to find out more, visit www.scotland-cottages.co.uk or call the team on 01756 702558.
I hope you have a lovely break! Please do give us a call if we can be of any help.

Veronica Parry, from Barleycorn House www.barleycornhouse.co.uk, says...
One thing you will miss is the sun; but we in Devon have so much more. Devon is a very 'dog friendly' part of the country. Lots of places to stay are happy for you to bring your dog and even if there is no evening meal provided because it's a B&B property there are plenty of gastro pubs all quite happy for dogs to come in and enjoy being made a fuss of. There are plenty of 'pet friendly internet sites' and a good number including ours which are near or on Exmoor and other beautiful places to walk and wonderful sights to see. The coastal paths take you around some of the most stunning views you could wish for and there are also many dog friendly beaches, all the Tourist Information Centres can help with finding them. So for a lovely, Roxy friendly, holiday Devon is the place to visit.