The sun’s out, the car’s packed, and the promise of long walks, beach days, and pub lunches lies ahead.
Going away with our dogs feels like the dream and for many of us, it is.
But what happens when the reality feels more chaotic than calm?
The Pressure we put on ourselves and them!!
We often head into holidays with big hopes:
That our dogs will settle quietly in a new place.
Walk calmly on lead in busy towns.
Recall joyfully at the beach.
Greet every dog and person like a seasoned therapy pet.
But let’s be honest…
Holidays are full of change for everyone. New sights, smells, sounds, spaces and for our dogs, that’s a lot to process.
We put so much pressure on ourselves (and on them) to “get it right.”
To perform. To behave.
To be that perfect companion we imagine in our heads.
But calmness in new environments doesn’t come from strict obedience.
It comes from trust.
From noticing each other.
From being willing to adapt and support each other as the moment unfolds.
This isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence
So much of what we call training is actually relationship.
It’s how we see each other.
How we listen. How we respond to stress or uncertainty.
When your dog stops and sniffs, they may be saying,
“I need a second to decompress.”
When they hesitate before joining you at the shoreline,
they might be asking,
“Is this safe?”
When you pause too, breathe, soften, wait, they feel that.
They feel you.
We don’t need our dogs to be perfectly trained for holidays to go well.
We need to be in tune with them.
To build small rituals that help them settle in.
To offer space when things get loud, and encouragement when they feel unsure.
Let calmness lead the way
That’s why in my Calm Walk Journey, everything starts with calmness, not commands.
Because, whether you’re in your own garden or exploring a Cornish coastline, your dog’s ability to feel safe and grounded depends on how connected they feel to you.
Training tools that are kind can help, of course. Use a long lines, chews, mats, and recall routines. But they work best when paired with a mindset of kindness, curiosity and co-regulation. If you want ideas on what leads, make sure you’re on the mailing list to keep up with everything I share on topics like this. You can sign up HERE
This summer, maybe the goal isn’t the perfect holiday dog.
Maybe it’s the connected one.
The one who knows you’re watching out for them.
The one who can exhale, rest, and feel safe even when things feel new or wobbly.
Because when we meet our dogs in that space without pressure, without force, we both enjoy the journey more.