Most “Dog-Friendly” Holidays Still Expect Your Dog to Behave Like Everyone Else’s - but what if your dog’s reactive?
- Bethan Robinson
- May 13
- 10 min read
When people search for dog friendly glamping in Wales, they’re often imagining long beach walks, cosy evenings by the fire pit and muddy paws curled up after a day outdoors.
But if you have a reactive dog, an anxious dog, or as we like to say a “spicy” dog, who needs more space than the average holiday setup allows for, booking a trip away can feel more stressful than staying home.
Because many “dog-friendly” holidays don’t offer complete privacy, where one site or space is totally separate (visually, everything) from another.
Most are set up with business in mind.
1 field = many sites
When you land up somewhere like this, you spend the whole holiday managing your dog, one hand on a leash or collar, loading them with treats to stay calm, instead of actually enjoying your holiday.
And let’s be honest you want your dog to enjoy themselves too.
And not put on the lbs.
That’s one of the reasons The Welsh Farm Glamping ended up becoming what it is today.
We didn’t create our sites for spicy dogs. We are anti-social humans, who love our space and getting away from it all on holiday.
Life is insanely busy. We know what it feels like to need space, see no one and take our dogs.
Then we had a spicy dog, and gave a stay to Lorren @this.is.the.spot and realised just how good being anti-social, and creating totally private sites were.
We added a fence and haven’t looked back.
Why Fenced Dog Friendly Glamping Holidays Matter
At The Welsh Farm, the biggest thing we hear from guests is:“We finally relaxed.”
Our spaces are private and fully fenced, which means your dog doesn’t need to navigate shared walkways, communal gardens or awkward surprise interactions every time you open the door.
You arrive.
You shut the gate.
And for a lot of people, that’s the moment their nervous system finally unclenches.
It may not be a sauna, but it’s the kind of luxury we care about here.
Oh. that and a hot tub.
The fence is 4 foot, because we wanted to keep the sites feeling wild. The fences were put up against existing vegetation, with crazy farm topography to navigate, which means it’s either impossible for a dog to jump because there’s more than 6 feet of natural hedge or brambles or the landing stage on the other side of the fence is un-judgeable by your dog because the ground is sloped or uneven.
We've had some big dogs to stay, some teeny dogs to stay, and not a houdini yet (years now).
Saying that, you know your dog best and if you’re not comfortable with the thought of a 4 foot fence, we’re probably not going to give you the escape you want or need.
Feel free to message us if you’d like more details.
We’re Not Just a Nice Place to Stay. We’re a SAFE Place to Stay.
That sentence probably sums us up better than anything else.
Because safety looks different when you have a spicy dog. That’s why we try to be transparent about each site too.
The Hideaway Yurt has cattle in neighbouring fields at times. They’re visible by the yurt, they tend to move off when bored, and they have multiple fields to roam, but we’d always rather guests know in advance. The cows are used to dogs, they have the farm collies to contend with, don’t worry if your dog barks at them.
The Country Yurt has chickens in their own fenced enclosure in a separate fenced area (we call it the secret garden). Most dogs don’t notice them, and won’t see them, but again, transparency matters when you’re travelling with a dog who reacts to things differently.
The Chestnut Cabin is a hot spot for birds and probably the only site where you could possibly hear the sounds of the children playing by the farm house drifting over to you on a clear still day.
Our goal isn’t to pretend The Welsh Farm is trigger-free. It’s to give you enough privacy, space and information, so that everybody can properly settle and there are no surprises.
We’re Also a Pretty Lush Place to Stay.
I was asked last week about whether there was a hot tub at each of our escapes.
Yes. Yes there is.
They all have private grounds
They’re all fenced
They all have outdoor seating and fire pits
They all have a hot tub
They all have a pizza oven
Here’s how they’re different.
The Country Yurt is the larger of our yurts, sleeping a family of 2 adults and 2 children (on a pull out double sofa). The area around the country yurt has an open spacious field vibe.
The Hideaway is tucked away in the woods, and sleeps two. If you don’t want farm noise, this is the space for you. You may see cattle or sheep in the field adjacent, they’re really not bothered by barking and have the freedom to move to a different field.
The Cabin has two bedrooms and has the largest indoor-space. It sleeps a family of max 5 or two couples on two double beds, and a single bunk. It overlooks the woods and has a lovely fenced garden for sniffs. It feels the least wild, but still very much peaceful country vibes.
FAQs About Glamping for Reactive Dogs
Is The Welsh Farm suitable for reactive dogs?
Many guests choose us specifically because of the private fenced spaces and lack of shared guest areas. While no environment is completely trigger-free, the layout gives dogs space and privacy not offered by typical campsites, glamping sites or holiday parks.
Are the glamping areas fully enclosed?
Yes, each space has its own enclosed outdoor area, fenced to 4 foot, hedged to more. Giving dogs and owners more freedom to relax safely.
Are there other animals nearby?
Yes, this is a real countryside setting. Depending on which yurt you stay in, there may occasionally be cattle in nearby fields or chickens in fenced areas nearby. We’re always happy to discuss this honestly before booking.
What makes The Welsh Farm different from other dog friendly glamping in Wales?
Privacy, space and the overall feeling of the place. There are no shared guest facilities, no crowded layouts and no pressure for your dog to cope with constant interactions. Dogs relax.
Where can I find guest reviews for other people who’ve stayed with reactive dogs?
There are google reviews, on our instagram and we also thought we’d pop a few here:
Lucy, Martin & Rosie
“Wow, what a weekend! Thank you so much for creating the perfect escape in the countryside for reactive dogs (and us!). Our Romanian rescue Rosie is currently going through a phase of barking at every car she sees, so it was amazing to bring her somewhere where she didn’t need to worry about any of that/get scared/nervous, and where she could roam + sniff to her heart’s content!
We also had the most incredible time switching off and enjoying reconnecting after a difficult 2024 — thank you for letting us make the most magical memories. Watching the sun set in the hot tub and rise with a morning coffee won’t be something we forget in a hurry!
Everything was perfectly prepared for our stay and all of the little touches — like treats for Rosie and Welsh cakes for us — made us feel so special, so thank you.”
Martyn, Toni, Laif & Hugo
“When Toni told me last year she had booked ‘camping’ in Wales, I was over the moon (think country boy meets semi city girl)… and well, what you have created goes far beyond one’s expectations of even a glamping experience.
When we say everything has been thought through we really mean it. From directions to children’s cutlery you have truly covered all bases!
Our son Laif has not wanted to leave since day one, and Hugo our misunderstood Staffy has basked in the freedom provided. The hot tub was super relaxing (even with a 5 year old) and the outdoor living vibes for a few short days have been relished.
Well done + thank you for creating a wonderfully beautiful setting for anybody in this busy world, to be able to disconnect and daydream.”
George, Charlotte & Chessie
“What an amazing first time at the Country Yurt with our reactive border collie Chessie! From the moment we opened the gate, we all felt at ease and relaxed!
A huge thank you to Luke, who came to the rescue when we discovered a flat tyre on our first morning!!
All of the amenities have been fantastic — especially the pizza oven, log burner and jacuzzi! We enjoyed walks at Freshwater and Monkstone beach.
Our nervous collie has found a home away from home and has loved running all over the garden. Thank you for a fantastic stay and we will be back again next year!”
Dottie, Jennie & Frankie
“Three nights in the Country Yurt is just what 2 busy people and one reactive dog needed to fully switch off and relax.
With everything we barely left the site. Our highlights were drinking fizz in the hot tub, an afternoon playing croquet in the sun, mastering the pizza oven (or close enough!), laying in front of the fire and playing games during a rainy evening, and most of all seeing our lovely bulli-greyhound run around the site happier than ever before.
We’ve made a lot of special memories during our stay and none of us want to leave! I’m sure we’ll be planning to come back soon.”
Abbie, Adam & Mr Beau
“We came to the Yurt on our mini-moon to carry on our wedding celebrations and now we can’t believe it’s over.
You’ve truly thought of everything to make the stay so perfect. My Beau (our dog) isn’t reactive but can get frustrated when he can’t wander around freely, so the enclosed space was perfect for him.
We enjoyed visiting Tenby, Narberth and Castell Carreg Cennen but would have happily stayed in the yurt all day playing Pucket.
Thank you so much, everything here is so magical. I don’t know how I’m going to cope with not eating my breakfast under a beautiful tree!!
We’ll be back soon.”
Kiki, Kara, Niko & Remy
“We were here for our second visit to celebrate our second wedding anniversary!!
As soon as we let the boys through the gate they recognised exactly where they were, and made themselves right at home running around and having the time of their lives.
Us humans have made sure we have had the time of our lives too!!
What amazing weather we’ve had until next time (can’t wait already).”
Jo, Kev, Nala & Dex
“Thank-you for a wonderful stay! This is by far one of the best dog friendly stays we have had!
Our two dogs; Nala (our fox red lab) and Dex (our Doberman) have had so much fun with all the sniffs and new places to explore!
We have managed to unwind and relax.
Thanks so much for creating such a place and we can’t wait to book again.”
Jack, Tiff, Honey & Harlow
“Thank you for a beautiful week with the fur babies.
Harlow and Honey have thoroughly enjoyed being able to be free and explore. Especially Harlow who is our reactive sausage dog, she has been so content and happy the whole stay due to it being so peaceful and safe for her. She is going to be wiped out for a while now.
It is also now where we got engaged by the beautiful nighttime scene by the fire and those amazing hanging lights.
We have had the most magical time here and it is now a very important place to us. We will definitely be back.”
Mike, Flora, Maxie & Pedro
“Thank you for such a wonderful weekend retreat.
Despite the weather, we’ve loved the experience and everything provided. The Country Yurt is a really special place, ideal for my reactive rescue rommie.
The special attention to detail, such as the sign in the woods, really makes the 4 hour journey worth it!
Very special holiday for the dogs and we can’t wait to come back!”
Emma, Andy, Maisie & Meadow
“Thank you for a lovely & relaxing weekend.
This was our first stay here but it won’t be the last. We can finally relax somewhere with our nervous dog! That brings us so much peace.
It’s such a special location and we can’t wait to visit again!”
Jayne, Millie & Freya
“This is, I think, our sixth stay and it’s been as lovely as all the others. Blessed with the weather again, we’ve been exploring the area as well as chilling in the hot tub and building fires.
Already planning another stay!”
Milo, Heidi & Andrew
“We’ve had a wonderful stay, helped of course by the rare appearance of sunny weather.
Every facility was thoroughly enjoyed, the hot tub, pizza oven, egg chair, hammock and shower block. (Though after this week we may need a short break from pizza, but let’s be honest, who can tire of pizza?)
The fruit trees were a delightful bonus and the freedom for Milo to roam happily without straying was the cherry on top.
Thank you for creating such a perfect spot for a truly memorable stay.”
Ben, Emily & Piper
“For the first time I was able to switch off knowing my dog could fully explore and I didn’t have to keep watch 100% of the time.
We spent my birthday wandering in Tenby, relaxing in the hot tub, reading in the swing and cosying up by the fire.
Just a perfect day.
Thank you for coordinating with my partner to decorate the yurt for our arrival. It made it so special.
One of the best weekends we’ve had.”
Kelly & Billy
“Thank you so much for such a lovely week — we enjoyed every minute (even the many wet ones haha)!
We explored lots of wonderful beaches all the dogs LOVED! I’m sure they’re ready to get home for a rest!!
See you soon I’m sure!”
Vicki & Betty the Greyhound
“Wow, what a truly amazing place! I have been meaning to book for ages after seeing an Instagram post of the place + sold on the enclosed garden.
Me and my rescue greyhound both needed a break from the city + having somewhere she can just safely roam free is pure bliss.
Thank you for thinking of the dogs that need a little extra space. She can get nervous but also loves a greet but doesn’t always have somewhere she can just roam + explore.
We had 2 extremes of weather — so much rain + wind but it was just so nice to light the log burner + make the most of the space. And beautiful sunshine! We made pizza in the pizza oven, I sat in the hot tub while Betty snoozed.
The heated mattress made for a very well needed night sleep. I loved seeing the hens each morning too.
I have had such a relaxing stay, fully switched off + Betty has loved every minute + she deserves the best.
We will be back for sure.”
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