Lots of our customers are dog lovers and enjoy bringing their pet to the many dog-friendly holiday cottages we have throughout Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset.
We’re dog lovers too and enjoyed listening to this Guardian Science Weekly podcast investigating the relationship between humans and dogs. The podcast interviews John Bradshaw, a fellow at the University of Bristol specialising in anthrozoology: the science of human-animal interactions. He’s also one of the world's leading experts on dog psychology and the author of In Defence of Dogs: Why Dogs Need Our Understanding. Perhaps you could download it and listen to it on your iPod whilst giving pooch a walk? The website Paws for a Walk has some useful guidelines to follow when taking your dog out trekking. For instance, check if dogs are allowed where you plan to walk, and carry water for both you and your pet.
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| Photos courtesy of dog-friendly-beaches-in-cornwall.com |
Our stunning West Country beaches are great places for your dog to cavort on the sand and play in the surf and this website has a useful map of beaches that welcome dogs in Cornwall. You can also find dog-friendly beaches in Devon, Dorset and Somerset.
Further inland, you’ll find perfect dog walking country - spectacular moors (Dartmoor, Exmoor and Bodmin), wooded river valleys and beautiful rolling farmland.
At the end of any good walk you’ll both need some sustenance. As an example, The Loft at St Ives has a dog friendly owner, always happy to supply a bowl of water and a stroke of the ears! For more ideas, you’ll find a guide on the Doggie Pubs website which lists 132 dog-friendly pubs in Cornwall, 181 in Devon, 115 in Dorset and 102 in Somerset. Spoiled for choice!
Of course you’re not limited to the great outdoors – many family attractions, gardens and stately homes welcome well behaved dogs and their owners too. English Heritage has a guide to which of its properties are suitable. Dogs on leads are usually welcome but restrictions may apply to certain areas. The website Dog People has a list of some other attractions suitable for dogs.
So – give your dog a break! Why not browse our selection of dog-friendly holiday cottages? Pooch will love you for it!