As humans, we certainly appreciate the importance of holidays.
But, according to a top animal psychologist, our canine companions also require regular respite – and will act-up if they don’t get it.
Graeme Hall, presenter of Channel 4’s Dogs Behaving Badly, says travel not only benefits a pooch’s physical and mental well-being, but can also lead to better behaviour, long-term.
Unleashed: Graeme Hall, star of Channel 4’s Dogs Behaving Badly, says hounds should holiday
This, he says, is because dogs trace their ancestry from wolves, so being active and working in family groups is the norm for them – and they need it regularly.
And, although 15,000 years of evolution have turned them into ‘man’s best friend’, they retain some of their primal instincts, which can be indulged on a break.
‘Contrary to what most dog trainers and behaviourists will tell you – dogs are more like humans than you might think,’ he says.
‘Dogs feel overwhelmed, too – it’s not exclusive to us – and a holiday is a great way to alleviate stress for both dogs and their owners. Just like us, they need a break every now and again.’
Specifically, he says that it can psychologically benefit dogs who suffer from lack of exercise. Currently, one in three dogs are either overweight or obese.
Quality family time: Hall claims respite can improve a pooch’s physical and mental well-being
‘If kept cooped up for too long, dogs can go stir crazy, leading to bad behaviour,’ he says.
‘Some of the most common problems I encounter in my work can be a result of boredom – and even loneliness. Most dogs are at their happiest being active, preferably outdoors, with their families.
‘It’s hard for us to tell how our pets are feeling – we can’t sit down and have a chat with them over a coffee – but the tell-tale signs are there, in anxious behaviour, pining and crying when left alone.
‘All our four-legged friends really want to do is spend time with us and a holiday is the ideal scenario for quality time.’
Life’s a beach! Hall, one of the UK’s top dog behaviour experts – also known as the Dogfather – has teamed-up with holiday company Parkdean Resorts to share the message
Hall, one of the UK’s top dog behaviour experts – also known as the Dogfather – has teamed-up with holiday company Parkdean Resorts to share this message.
It offers a host of dog-friendly options and, last year, had over 50,000 pets at its various parks. These present opportunities to change maladaptive behaviour, or instill new, healthier habits.
‘A change of scenery can be a great time to get back to basics and create new, good habits for your dog,’ Hall says. ‘Dog training takes time and a lot of repetition to bed in new behaviour. Holidays often provide more time in a relaxed environment, away from the demands of day-to-day life.
‘Practising the wrong thing will see your dog’s behaviour going in the wrong direction. If you have the time and patience to do the right things repeatedly, you’ll create great new habits for your dog that will last long after you holiday is over.
‘It takes time and a little know-how, but a holiday is a great time to kick-start any new regime.’
John Waterworth, chief executive of Parkdean Resorts, explains: ‘We’re a nation of dog lovers and our pets are widely acknowledged as being part of the family.
‘We’ve definitely noticed a rise in the demand for dog-friendly holidays, which is why we’ve made sure we offer pet-friendly accommodation at 67 of our holiday parks.’