Can I Bring My Dog To LEGOLAND Billund? Yes, But Should You?

Are you planning a visit to LEGOLAND in Billund, Denmark, and wondering if you can bring your dog along for the adventure?

The answer is yes, you can.

But I’m not totally sure that you should.

Recently, I spent a super fun day at LEGOLAND with my friend and her little boy.

Needless to say, I was blown away by the genius of the LEGO creations and the fun rides.

However, I couldn’t help but notice all the stressed, scared, and completely overwhelmed dogs tootling reluctantly along behind their well-meaning owners.

It got me thinking about whether bringing our beloved canines to such a bustling environment like LEGOLAND is truly in their best interest?

Based on the majority of what I saw, I’d have to say negative.

Read on to find out why.

Pet-Friendly Policies At LEGOLAND Denmark

Let me start out by saying that dogs are welcome at LEGOLAND Billund.

Having said that, there are certain restrictions in place.

Dogs are not permitted on rides or in restaurants, and LEGOLAND discourages leaving them unattended.

Guide dogs are an exception and are allowed in certain areas.

Dogs are also permitted in outdoor restaurant areas and picnic areas, but indoor dining is restricted.

It goes without saying that it’s essential to clean up after your dog.

LEGOLAND even provides poop bags at the main entrance for your convenience, in case you forget.

LEGOLAND also kindly provides fresh water bowls for dogs located near the onsite bathroom facilities.

However, I’d recommend taking your own water and portable dog bowl to make sure you keep your pup properly hydrated throughout the day.

You can get collapsible dog bowls for this exact purpose.

Finally, to make sure your dog stays comfortable and safe, and that other visitors (and dogs) stay safe, your dog’s gear is also important.

For this reason, LEGOLAND requests that you use a fixed leash instead of a retractable leash.

Note:

• Dogs are permitted to stay at the LEGOLAND Holiday Village for a fee of a fee of DKK 100 (US$15) per day.
• Dogs are permitted at the Legoland Pirates’ Inn Motel but there may be an extra charge to the room rate.
• Hotel guests are permitted to have their dogs stay with them in selected rooms at Hotel LEGOLAND and LEGOLAND Castle Hotel for a fee of DKK 250 (US$37) per night. Dogs cannot be left alone in the rooms.
• Dogs (other than guide dogs) are not permitted at The LEGO House in Billund city center.

What’s The Problem With Retractable Leashes?

Retractable dog leashes pose two significant risks, according to The Whole Dog Journal.

The first involves the abrupt stop when your dog reaches the leash’s full extension, leading to potential harm like larynx compression, neck or chest muscle strain, and even injuries to you due to sudden deceleration.

Dropping the heavy handle could also result in the handle whipping back toward the dog, possibly causing injury or startling the dog.

The second type of injury can occur if the long thin cord wraps around something like a person’s legs (or fingers, ouch!), potentially causing rope burn injuries, falls, and even legal issues.

This is why some places, including veterinarian offices, stores, and dog events, often ban retractable leashes.

I’m not sure if this is the reason LEGOLAND asks you not to use them, but it’s worth noting in any case.

I’ll also add that if you use a retractable leash, it means your entire hand is occupied all the time.

Which means you only have one hand free whenever you are holding the leash.

You’d have much better control by using a regular leash and simply slipping it over your wrist whenever you need to use both hands.

Why A Harness Is A Better Option Than A Flat Collar

I’ll go one step further too.

If you do decide to take your dog to LEGOLAND, I recommend investing in a good harness.

A harness will be much more comfortable for your pup, and eliminate the risk of potential neck or throat injuries if he pulls.

My favorite is the Freedom Harness.

It’s fully adjustable for dogs of all shapes and sizes, and designed with the dog’s anatomy firmly in mind.

• Read my detailed review of the Freedom “No-Pull” Harness for dogs, starring Esme the rescue pup!

Pet Health And Safety Considerations

Let me start by saying that I love the fact that LEGOLAND welcomes dogs as part of the family experience, and that this article is not intended to be a dig at LEGOLAND in any way.

LEGOLAND is a great place that provides visitors with a truly unique experience.

I also love that dog owners care so much about their dogs that they bring their pets on vacation with them and include them in the family activities.

My goal is purely to raise awareness and help dog owners recognize that the LEGOLAND park environment may not suit all furry companions.

Sensory Overload

To start with, the busy atmosphere, filled with the hustle and bustle of visitors rushing around and chatting animatedly, can create a sensory overload for dogs.

A dog’s hearing and sense of smell are far more powerful than ours.

Because of this, they have a unique sensory perception and experience the world a bit differently to us.

So what might be tolerable to us in terms of noise could be overwhelmingly loud or intense for our pups.

Crowded Places

It can be frightening for dogs to walk through crowds of people, especially when they’re moving unpredictably in all different directions.

Depending on the size of your dog, his eye line may be at the level of a human shin, knee, or thigh.

In other words, he can’t see his way out.

This can feel claustrophobic for dogs, as well as frightening.

For these reasons, any amusement park environment can be a source of overwhelming stimulation and anxiety for many dogs.

The Canine Experience vs. The Human Experience

It’s important to recognize the contrast between our human appreciation of an incredible place like LEGOLAND and the sensory experience for dogs.

While we marvel at the creativity and ingenuity of the LEGO models, our four-legged travelers are subjected to a symphony of unfamiliar scents, busy crowds, and overwhelming stimuli that can be bewildering and intimidating for them.

During my visit, I saw at least 30 dogs throughout the day, if not more.

Many of them were exhibiting signs of distress, pulling on their leashes in a panic, seeking refuge from the fray by hiding behind their owners, or barking at every new stimulus in sight.

Others showed hyperactivity, again, a result of being overwhelmed by their surroundings.

I also witnessed dogs in almost complete shutdown, where they had pretty much “given up” and succumbed to the scary experience because they had figured out there was nothing they could do to avoid it.

Many dogs were completely exhausted, their energy drained from trying to cope with the multitude of sights, sounds, and scents.

Even then, they were unable to relax or let their guard down because of the constant buzz surrounding them.

The only dogs I met who were relaxed and having fun were two gorgeous black Labradors who, according to their owner, had been well socialized as puppies and were used to walking through busy downtown Copenhagen.

They were a rare exception.

The rest of the dogs I saw, regardless of how well they’d been socialized or what their life experiences were, were stressed, anxious, scared, and/or miserable.

How Do I Know If My Dog Is Stressed?

If you do bring your dog to LEGOLAND, it’s important to be able to read his body language so you can understand how he is feeling.

Dogs communicate their emotions through their body language, and as pet owners, it’s up to us to recognize their signals.

Here are some things to look out for:

• Tail Position: A happy dog’s tail will be in an upright or neutral position, while a stressed dog’s tail will be held low or even tucked between their legs.
• Ear Position: A relaxed dog’s ears will be in a neutral position, while a fearful dog’s ears will be pinned back.
• Eyes: An anxious or fearful dog will often show the whites of their eyes and/or have dilated pupils.
• Mouth: A stressed dog may pant (when not hot), yawn (when not tired), lick his lips, or flick his tongue.
• Posture: A confident and curious dog will have an upright posture, while a stressed dog may be hunched low or have a stiffened posture.
• Vocalization: Whining, whimpering, and excessive barking can all indicate elevated stress levels.

Some dogs may be so fearful that they shut down, put the brakes on, and refuse to move.

Other dogs may go the other way and become extremely hyperactive, unable to focus or calm down.

If your dog is showing signs of stress, it may be best to remove him from the situation for a while, giving him time to regroup and de-stress in a quieter part of the park away from the bustling crowds.

If you’re not sure about how to best read your dog’s body language, here’s a great little video from Fear Free Happy Homes that gives a quick and easy overview:

This video from The Family Dog has some helpful, easy-to-understand visuals to help you recognize the different signals dogs use to communicate how they are feeling:

Preparation And Considerations

If you decide to embark on your adventure to LEGOLAND with your canine companion in tow, careful preparation is the key to ensuring you both have an enjoyable day out.

Things To Consider

• Try to avoid walking or sitting in crowded areas where your dog might feel overwhelmed.
• Try to make sure your dog always has some space and can see where he’s going.
• Try not to drag him along if he’s stalling, or to jerk him back with the leash if he’s pulling.
• Don’t force your dog into situations he’s not comfortable with. If he puts the brakes on for any reason, or tries to hide behind you, take a breath and wait until he’s ready to move again.
• Try not to get frustrated or irritated with your dog if you feel he’s “misbehaving.” He’s just having a hard time, and his behavior is his way of expressing that.
• As LEGOLAND advises, it’s best to avoid leaving your dog alone outside the LEGO Store, or anywhere else for that matter. I saw one dog who was having a complete meltdown because he’d been left alone and didn’t feel safe. I also saw several dog owners waiting with their dogs while other family members were inside the store, and those dogs, while still showing signs of stress, were calmer thanks to their owner’s presence.

How To Prepare

• Pack essentials like water, your dog’s own food, treats, and a durable leash for safe walks.
• Opt for a comfortable harness instead of a flat collar or painful choke chain to prevent stress on – and potential damage to – your dog’s neck and throat.
• It’s a good idea to take turns going for a short walk with your dog to a quieter area so he can have a regular break from the hustle and bustle of the main attractions. I was happy to see some dog owners rewarding their dogs with treats to try to create positive associations for them, as well as some families sitting in quiet areas just relaxing with their pups and reassuring them that everything was okay.
• Make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date.
• Make sure you dog is wearing easily readable identification tags or a collar with his information printed or embroidered directly onto it, just in case he accidentally gets separated from you.

Know Your Dog: Consider The Alternatives

You know better than anyone whether your dog is curious and confident in unfamiliar environments around strange people, or whether he’s nervous and keeps to himself.

Considering your dog’s temperament is essential before embarking on a long, busy day out in a noisy, crowded environment.

To be honest, even the most well-socialized, well-adjusted, happy, and confident dog might have difficulty negotiating an environment like that of a busy theme park.

I wouldn’t recommend it for the vast majority of dogs.

Many years ago, my husband and I decided to take our four nervous rescue dogs to the local dog show just to walk around a bit.

They’ll have fun, we thought.

Sniff around in the huge grassy area, maybe meet a few other dogs.

Wrong!

They absolutely hated it.

They were freaking out at all the people.

It wasn’t even that crowded.

Regardless, they clung to us like glue.

They couldn’t wait to get out of there.

One sweet little girl wanted to approach them and say hello, but they were absolutely terrified.

At one point, our particularly nervous boy Louis refused to move any further and we had to take him back to the car.

If you sense that your dog might be uncomfortable or stressed in the bustling environment of LEGOLAND with its crowds and excitement, it might be best to leave him in the quiet comfort of your hotel, motel, RV, at home, or perhaps with a friend or family member who doesn’t mind missing out on LEGOLAND this time around.

Alternatively, you could explore different options, such as a local doggy daycare, a pet sitter, or a nearby boarding facility.

This way, your pup can enjoy a less stressful day while you explore and have a great time – without having to worry about how well he’s coping (or not).

Or here’s an idea: Maybe LEGOLAND would consider opening a doggy daycare for their visitors!

For an additional cost, of course.

That way, you could still take your dog along on your family outing, but give him a break when he needs it in a place where you know he’ll be well cared for.

And if he’s not coping very well at all, you could leave him there for the entire day, relaxed in the knowledge that he will feel safe and more relaxed.

That could be a win-win for everyone!

READ NEXT

Resources

• Are Dogs Allowed? (Hotel LEGOLAND^® and LEGOLAND Castle Hotel) – LEGOLAND Billund Resort
• Are Pets Allowed? (LEGOLAND Holiday Village) – LEGOLAND Billund Resort
• Are Retractable Dog Leashes Bad? – John Strassburger
• Can I Bring My Dog To LEGOLAND? – LEGOLAND Billund Resort
• Dog Body Language – What your dog is desperately trying to tell you! [Video]- The Family Dog
• Dog Body Language 101 [Video] – Fear Free Happy Homes
• Frequently Asked Questions: Can I Bring My Dog? – The LEGO House