Holidays in Switzerland with a dog
Is Switzerland a dog friendly country? What are the activities to do with your dog in Switzerland? Discover the adventures of Olivia and her Australian Shepherd Aiko in Switzerland!
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Switzerland, its chocolate, its mountains, its watches and its Swiss cuckoo clocks…. It's a country that reminds me of a lot of things but I haven't had the chance to go there on vacation yet. I have crossed the border several times but never to venture there for long. So when Olivia, fan of the Facebook page of EmmèneTonChien.com, shared with me her trip there and the nice video she made of her adventures there, I thought it was an opportunity to tell you about this 100% nature and hiking holiday destination!
Olivia is 20 years old and lives in a small village in Belgium with Aïko, her Australian shepherd 4 year old red merle. She is a big fan of Australian Shepherds and other Shepherds. It was their endurance and their intelligence that won her over because she wanted a dog with which she could play for hours, go on long hikes and play sports without him getting tired too quickly. The Australian Shepherd was therefore a dog that suited him perfectly.
I give him the floor to tell us a little more about his traveling to Switzerland with his dog and what she did there. Before leaving for Switzerland, I had to ask him a little question about his story with Aïko 😉
Olivia and her Australian Shepherd
I had always dreamed of having a dog, an animal with which we can build a bond, share things, travel, play sports and meet people. Aiko's arrival changed my whole life because I was very closed in on myself and he allowed me to gain self-confidence and flourish. It may seem incomprehensible to some but Aiko really changed something in me.
I share wonderful moments with him and he gives me a lot. He allowed me to gain self-confidence, he made my dreams come true, he made me meet incredible people who became extraordinary friends. I evolve with him in our learning, it is not so much the dog who finally learns but the master who draws all his experience from it. I practice agility with Aiko in the dog club, frisbee, hoopers, dogdancing and he knows about forty tricks.
Passionate about video since I was little, I decided to create my youtube channel "Olixdog" where I share all the moments of everyday life with Aiko. Our activities, sports, walks, trips, education…
The trip to Switzerland
This is the 2nd year that I go to Switzerland with Aiko in the summer. I had always dreamed of visiting this country because I really like mountain landscapes, which we don't have in Belgium. Meadows and forests as far as the eye can see, full of possibilities for walks, I think it's the ideal place to do great hiking with your dog.
I traveled in the car with my dog, we were not checked at customs but you have to have your dog's passport and health book with you because checks are frequent in Switzerland. The dog must be in a cage or must to be attached. Having a friend who lives there, I was lucky enough to be able to stay at her place for 1 week with my dog.
I was made very welcome there and so I didn't have to worry about having to find a place to sleep.
We did 2 big hikes with our dogs ; one at the top of the Moléson and another at Rathvel. On the Moléson, we climbed a part by gondola. Being very afraid of heights, I was impressed by the height when we were at the top but the landscape was breathtaking. During long hikes, especially in the mountains, prefer a harness for your dog for more security. Apart from the summit, there was nothing dangerous for our dogs and we were able to let them go during the whole ride.
On our hike in Rathvel we walked to the Nirmont, my friend Sarah showed me some great places. We went to the restaurant "La Cabane du Petit Oiseau" where dogs are allowed. We were even able to take the little train with our dogs.
We also went for a walk along the Lake Geneva, in beautiful parks where there were fountains and flowers.
QUALIDOG certified accommodation in Switzerland
Does this article make you want to discover Switzerland with your dog? You would like to find QUALIDOG certified accommodation in Switzerland for a Trop W'ouf holiday with your dog!
Switzerland: dog-friendly country?
Absolutely ! I was very well received there, the Swiss are very nice people and gladly come to us to talk to us when they meet us with a dog on a walk. I discovered that they were very focused on animal welfare. I was able to visit a few pet shops and the difference with the products sold here is striking! No colored treats but only natural treats, dog food with healthy food, adapted harnesses, no choke collar… I adhere to this vision of things.
My best memory In Switzerland with my dog, after eating the Swiss fondue of course (hihi), is when we arrived at the top of the summit of Moléson, it was just magical.
My worst memory is when we had to pass in the middle of a herd during one of our hikes. The cows very attracted to our dogs started running towards us and all came around us. It can be dangerous and therefore great care must be taken when crossing a meadow. What was fun was seeing the cattle roaming the roads and hearing the bells.
One last piece of information that I would like to share with you: going from France to Switzerland, you may pass through the small town of Nantua. I strongly advise travelers going to Switzerland to make a short stopover in Nantua to walk along Lake Nantua and Lake Sylland with your dog. You can even swim there with your dog!
To finish this article, I would like to thank all the people who follow our adventures, through our videos and our photos. It is really a pleasure for me to share with you our daily life.
For those who want to know more about us: go to our facebook page et our Youtube channel.
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I hope this vacation story will make you want to travel with your dog to Switzerland. I'm sure there are plenty of cool things to do there! Happy holidays to you and a BIG thank you to Olivia and Aïko for sharing their wonderful Swiss adventures with us.
READ ALSO : Hiking with your dog can't be improvised!, What should your dog's first aid kit contain?, Taking your dog to the beach: some precautions to take
You can also check out the guide I designed on dog training !