Yellowstone and a dog?

This thread has run its course. The OP's original question has been answered.

ppine wrote:
But no dog especially a breed like a Border Collie, can live like that on a long trip.

Then leave it home.

Acampingwewillgo wrote:
I had a whole response typed out too then deleted it BUT in my 45 year's of camping/RV'ing, I have never been disturbed by someone leaving their dogs in the RV while away...never and that includes when I was tent camping. Those that bring this up every time a post is about dogs make it seem like no matter where they go, they hear dogs barking!

I also say, take your dog/dogs, follow the rules as best you can and enjoy. :-)

The only time I hear them is when I'm passing their RV. They make a ruckus as I pass, then settle down.

When a dog barks non-stop for hours on end for no reason, it is usually because the dog is neglected. Most folks travelling with their dogs in an RV aren't neglecting their dogs - by default their dogs are always right there in the middle of their lives.

ppine wrote:
I never said anything about breaking rules on purpose or doing whatever you want. What I said is you can take them on the pavement with a leash. But no dog especially a breed like a Border Collie, can live like that on a long trip. Yellowstone has plenty of open country with no people and little wildlife around where it is safe to run a dog for 20-30 minutes with supervision.

Of course a dog can "live like that on a long trip". Whether you want your dog to do that for a couple weeks is different. But many dogs, even herding dogs, can be quite happy on leash.

ppine wrote:
Take your dog on a leash and hike around. The NPS has a lot of rules, but usually you can bring a dog anythere there is pavement. There are also plenty of dirt roads you can use to get off the pavement and run your dog for awhile without a leash.

Per the rules:

Pets may accompany you in developed areas of the park. This includes any areas within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of roads, parking areas, and campgrounds (excluding thermal areas). Pets must be kept under physical control at all times - caged, crated, or on a leash not to exceed six feet in length.

For the safety of your pet, other people, and park wildlife, please observe the following regulations:

Pets are not allowed on trails or boardwalks, in the backcountry, or in thermal areas.


Stating that you can run your dogs offleash in "open country" in the park is not what the rules state.

You cannot let your dog run offleash in the park period. You can take them onleash in certain areas of the park.

To tell folks that they can let their dogs offleash in the park is telling them to ignore the rules.

Outside of the national park boundaries the rules may be different, but within the boundaries, your dog MUST be leashed, crated or caged. No free running allowed.

I had a whole response typed out too then deleted it BUT in my 45 year's of camping/RV'ing, I have never been disturbed by someone leaving their dogs in the RV while away...never and that includes when I was tent camping. Those that bring this up every time a post is about dogs make it seem like no matter where they go, they hear dogs barking!

I also say, take your dog/dogs, follow the rules as best you can and enjoy. :-)

I never said anything about breaking rules on purpose or doing whatever you want. What I said is you can take them on the pavement with a leash. But no dog especially a breed like a Border Collie, can live like that on a long trip. Yellowstone has plenty of open country with no people and little wildlife around where it is safe to run a dog for 20-30 minutes with supervision.

I don't think anyone has spewed hatred for dogs. Most of the posters have dogs.

I think most folks have taken exception to ppine's comments to take your dog and do what you want because the rules are stupid.

Most are recommending that the OP look at the rules and: 1) find a way to bring the dog while following the rules; or 2) don't bring the dog.

Disregarding the rules so you can bring the dog on your terms is what gives dog owners a bad name and gets dogs banned from places.

Yes, people have and do bring their dogs to Yellowstone. But knowing the rules in advance and figuring out how to keep your dog safe and happy, to see the sights you want to see, and to stay within the rules, will make your visit a much more successful one. And sometimes, to make all 3 of those happen, it may be "leave your dog home for this trip".

I can't believe all the dog haters on this thread.And ,all the horror stories about the one where the dog jumped into one the thermal pools. Yes it is a true story,but more humans have died falling into those things than dogs. Maybe they should ban humans! Yes, there are some ( very few ) people who are irresponsible pet owners. Most are responsible and obey the rules.There are also irresponsible parents whose kids raise all kinds of hell. The rules say you are allowed to bring your dog. We did and had a great time. Enjoy your time their with Fido.

If you have a 4 hour rule and stay in West Yellowstone, you will see virtually none of the park. Sounds like a good business opportunity for a dog walking service in the private RV parks. 4 hours wouldn't work even if you stayed in the park.