It's true what they say that a dog really is `a man's best friend`!
It's found that our beloved pooches now tend to come everywhere with us, and we feel a pang of guilt when we book holidays that aren't pet-friendly.
However, with an increase in pet-friendly accommodation in Lincolnshire, we need fret no more.
Lincolnshire offers a diverse landscape, providing an array of walking activities, treks, cycle routes, and dog-friendly places to explore, eat, and drink!
Let your four-legged friend take in the new fresh smells of the Wolds, or indeed burn off some energy at the nearby beaches before you head back to your cottage to relax for the evening.
There's also a growing number of pubs, restaurants, and attractions that welcome well-behaved dogs too, and with holiday cottages providing that home from home feeling, there's now no excuse to pack your things for the most memorable break.
Below, we take a look at things to remember when heading to a dog-friendly cottage and how to prepare your dog for staying in pet-friendly Lincolnshire!
When taking your dog on holiday….
…. it's important to remember:
To include your dog(s) as part of your overall booking enquiry. This helps make sure that the cottage is suitable for dogs, and the owners can prepare for both their arrival and yours.
Make sure to check out the pet rules. Most holiday cottages will have them, and it's good to know what they are and if they're suitable for both you and your dog.
Take a look at the surrounding area. Make a note of all the great walks and dog-friendly places you can visit during your stay.
When it comes to packing, don't forget the dog! Make sure to remember:
Water and food bowls
Their bed and blankets
Potentially a travel bowl and water bottle (for those long walks or days at the beach)
Dog towels
Lead
Poop bags
Food
Any medication
And, most importantly, their treats.
Your dog should also have a collar that should be worn at all times. This should include an ID tag with your contact details on if they find themselves lost at any point.
Arriving at your Lincolnshire pet-friendly cottage
Everyone needs to become familiar with their surroundings upon arrival. This is also a great opportunity for you to check there are no gaps in fences around the accommodation that your dog could squeeze through or rubbish bags left lying that they might rummage through etc.
Please, also remember that if your cottage has a beautiful open fire, use a fireguard when pets are around, and never leave them unattended when the fire is lit.
Dogs should also not be left unattended in a holiday cottage as new surroundings and anxiety can be a recipe for bad behaviour.
When you're out and about enjoying the Lincolnshire countryside, remember to watch for any hazards, especially if your dog isn't familiar with the surroundings or local area.
Take heed of all notices and signs on gates and fences, etc., helping to make you aware of potential dangers and often provide you with vital and useful information.
How to prepare your dog for staying in new places
1. Spend time in crowded places. Places like pubs, cafes, etc. This helps get your dog used to new environments, new smells, noise, etc., as well as help them with their socialising skills.
2. Reward good behaviour. Always keep a pocket full of treats handy and reward your four-legged friend when they have listened to, or paid attention, or just been good at settling down while you finish your drink!
3. Regular exercise is key. This is not only to tire them out, so they settle a little better, but it also forms part of their routine, and as most dog owners will know, dogs love their routine and will want to stick to it as much as possible.
4. Take a good dog toy. The more interactive, the better, as an interactive toy can keep dogs busy for hours.
5. Create a homely feel with their own bed and toys. Dogs have their own smell and feel safer and more reassured if they have things like their own bedding and their favourite cuddly toy to snuggle with.
6. Set up an area that is theirs within the cottage. This helps to reduce anxiety and makes them feel more at home.
Ultimately, it's important to check that pets are allowed within the type of accommodation you're planning to book. Most accommodation types will have some rules and guidelines around different dogs' breeds and the number of dogs allowed at any one time.
It's up to you to respect these rules and help make your stay the most enjoyable one to date.
Now that you can make sure that your dog can be part of everything you do, you need to search: Holiday cottages, Lincolnshire, pet-friendly, today, and check out Wolds Side cottages.
Offering a range of holiday cottages in Lincolnshire that are pet–friendly, take in the captivating landscapes and history of Lincoln while relaxing in your cosy cottage at the end of a busy day.