Winter holiday with dog = winter holiday with the best company

The first snow has already fallen! It didn’t stay everywhere, but the anticipation of winter and a well-deserved break has increased. As soon as the snowflakes fall, we get excited like little children, post numerous pictures on social media (if you don’t look out of the window yourself, you’ll see the snow in the next Instagram Story), and even make it outdoors on a sleepy day. And if we are already so happy about the two centimetres of snow, the white winter wonderland, then I can write down here with full conviction: our dogs are at least as happy as we are (I think even more so). Our family dog Mimi is the best proof of this.

In English it’s called “zoomies” and I can’t think of a better German word to describe the state of the dog that turns circles on the slightly sugared meadow as if stung by a wild bee, possibly barking joyfully and biting into a snowball. But it is also reassuring at the same time: it is not only us who have our foolish minutes when the flakes fall. At the same time, the first centimetres of snow ignite the hope for more, and the anticipation of winter holidays increases. All the nicer when you can share the joy with your four-legged friends (yes, they understand us, I’m quite sure of it!!!).

Just like us, our dogs have their needs and preferences when it comes to the winter holidays. That’s why I asked our four-legged team members (or their parents) about their preferences, must-haves, and favourite activities. Here are the best tips from our dogs:

WINTER HOLIDAYS WITH DOGS – BY DOGS FOR DOGS:

Mimi | Roughhaired Dachshund

1) These are my 3 must-haves for the winter holiday dog bag packing list.

My own space, my food, and one of my favourite toys. I also need a blanket for the car and the harness to go with it, so I’m properly secured on the journey. As a rough-coated dachshund, I am relatively small and my belly gets wet very quickly, so my dog coat is also a must for particularly snowy days.

2) My top tip for a relaxing winter holiday.

A quiet retreat, a room away from the hustle and bustle, where not many strangers pass by so I don’t have to bark so much when someone walks by outside the room and I hear it.

3) This is our favourite activity together on holiday

Going hiking and throwing “Holzi” in the snow!

4) This is what I would like or expect from the accommodation/hotel in view of my visit.

I would like to be allowed to go to the restaurant because I am usually alone the rest of the day while my parents are on the slopes or in the sauna.

Frieda | Cocker Spaniel

1) These are my 3 must-haves for the winter holiday dog bag packing list.

Jumper, cuddly blanket, and my new scarf.

2) My top tip for a relaxing winter holiday.

Always lug a towel everywhere & purchase a warm blanket.

3) This is our favourite activity to do together on holiday.

Extended snowball fights and sneaking in some cross-country skiing.

4) This is what I would like or expect from the accommodation/hotel considering my visit.

Opportunities to dry off because snow quickly turns into water and I have long fur. Drinking facilities, cosy places for me to warm up, and if I have my way, treats from everyone, all the time!

Frodo | Border Collie

1) These are my 3 must-haves for the winter holiday dog bag packing list.

Treats, toys, food, and a water bowl.

2) My top tip for a relaxing winter holiday.

Dog hotel (I’m definitely welcome) and good walking routes that I like.

3) This is our favourite activity to do together on holiday.

Walking in the snow or a long hike followed by a snowball fight.

4) This is what I would like or expect from the accommodation/hotel considering my visit.

I would like to be always welcome and enjoy extensive walking paths and a playground near our hotel.

Wita | German Quail

1) These are my 3 must-haves for the winter holiday dog bag packing list.

Food and bowls, the dog box from the car that can also be taken out, and my place and blanket, the leash and doggy bags.

2) My top tip for a relaxing winter holiday

A fireplace in the holiday apartment/hotel and nature right outside the front door – my mum likes to drive a short distance for the big round, but for the morning and evening rounds it’s very practical not to have to search for the next green area and I can get out quickly.

3) This is our favourite activity together on holiday

Long walks and hikes through snowy mountain landscapes.

4) What I would like or expect from the accommodation/hotel in view of my visit.

An absolute plus is a closed-off terrace or a garden area so that I can go out in the evening without my mum having to go out with me (but that is pure luxury). Pet-friendly hosts who are just as happy about my visit as they are about my parents’.

Boo | Mix of Bavarian Mountain Sweat Dog & German Shorthair

1) These are my 3 must-haves for the winter holiday dog bag packing list.

The packing list for every dog definitely includes a blanket or a dog bed, so that we have something that belongs to us and is marked with our scent when we travel. My bag should also include the doggy bags, the bowl, and my toys. I also love my sniffing carpet, where my mum can “hide” treats that I then have to look for. I also get this carpet as a task when I have to stay alone for a while.

2) My top tip for a relaxing winter holiday

In the winter holidays, we can only relax if there is someone else with us to look after me while my mum goes skiing. In summer, we don’t like to go to a hotel but prefer to stay in a house so that I have even more freedom. A garden is very important to us, and I also love to go swimming.

3) This is our favourite activity together on holiday

We love playing in the snow, and I love catching snowballs, even though I know I’m not actually allowed to. Nevertheless, I get thrown lots of snowballs, and then I love romping through several metres of fresh snow. I also enjoy snowshoeing, because I love exploring new areas in a company. Trails that are not so crowded and where I can always run freely are perfect for this. I’m a real bundle of energy and therefore up for any active winter holiday!

4) What do I want or expect from the accommodation/hotel considering my visit

I expect from the hotel that I am really welcome and not just tolerated. I would be happy to join them for breakfast and dinner. I also want the people in the accommodation to know my name and recognise me – then everyone can pet me. I am especially happy about treats!

Greta | Labrador

1) These are my 3 must-haves for the winter holiday dog bag packing list.

Lots of treats, my cosy thermal bathrobe, and toys, I especially love balls and ointment for my paws.

2) My top tip for a relaxing winter holiday.

My mum finds out in advance where the nearest vet practices in case of emergencies and prefers to ask again if the hotel provides extra towels and a bed for me.

3) This is our favourite activity together on holiday

I love searching games, especially in the snow, going hiking, and running. In the evening I like to cuddle with my parents.

4) This is what I would like or expect from the accommodation/hotel in view of my visit.

Lots of water points, no overheated rooms and it would be best if there were no carpets in the room so that I don’t scare my mum if something goes wrong…

Semino | Minihavanese-Chiahuahua-Mix

1) These are my 3 must-haves for the winter holiday dog bag packing list.

The dog bandage stuff, my winter coat, food, a cosy blanket to lie on and usually my own basket comes too.

2) My top tip for a relaxed winter holiday

Don’t let the dog’s hair grow too long so that I don’t get so many ice lumps stuck in my fur and my paw ointment, which is particularly greasy, against the salt in the snow.

3) This is our favourite activity together on holiday.

Walking in the snow, or hiking.

4) This is what I would like or expect from the accommodation/hotel in view of my visit.

A large, available blanket to cover the couch/bed so that I don’t get anything dirty. A bowl, a dog towel, certain rooms where I am allowed and most of all a welcome treat!