Plenty of people find it easy to simply hand their dog over to a friend or relative while they go on holiday. This is a fairly easy solution to the problem of leaving your dog alone, but it is hardly the best, especially not when dog-friendly holidays are so abundant these days.
But what are the benefits of bringing your dog with you when you could just leave them with a family member instead? There are more reasons to take them with you than you might expect, and some can be really personal.
Relaxation
Holidays are relaxing, but not just for people. Sometimes, your dog could do with a little rest and recuperation, especially since they often respond to the moods of their owners. If you are stressed and annoyed, when you go on holiday, your pet will not assume that you are going away to relax.
However, if you bring your dog, the holiday can benefit both of you. Dogs are similar to humans in many ways, and that includes the ways that they deal with stress. If you bring them with you, the shared experiences can really help you both calm down, especially if they notice your good mood.
While most people like the idea of complete isolation where they can sit and drink for a week straight, it can sometimes start to get a bit boring. Taking your dog away with you gives you more to do, especially if you are staying at some of the accommodation on this Dog Friendly Getaways website.
Bonding
It should be obvious, but spending time with your dog can make a world of difference to them. A newer arrival can definitely benefit from some shared time since it gives them more chance to engage with you outside of your normal routine – and in a place that they are not familiar with.
Bonding is also important for dogs that you have had for a while. They probably understand you quite well and are used to some of your quirks, so you can get along easier in unfamiliar places and create experiences that you will remember for years to come.
Exercise
Bringing your dog gives you a reason to walk at least once a day and might give you a justification for taking your dog on longer walks in general. Even dogs that do not like to walk very much can be interested in a new place with strange scents and sounds, making them more likely to explore.
If you are in a more rural space, then having a lot of woodland areas also means that you do not have to follow a strict path. Dogs coming from being cooped up in a big city apartment can suddenly have complete freedom to go wherever they want, getting some much-needed exercise as a result.
Mental Health
There is no way to sugar-coat it: animals can really help your mental health. A lot of people take holidays to get away from their troubles or to break through some overwhelming stress, and having your loyal companion with you can make that a much more personal experience.
While most people like the idea of complete isolation where they can sit and drink for a week straight, it will eventually get boring and lonely. Dogs can show you plenty of love, especially if you are staying at some of the accommodation on this Dog Friendly Getaways website.
