RoyBell,
This topic of dogs in the T/H has been debated many times on this site. I normally stay out of such unwinnable discussions but I just can’t help myself this time.
This topic has no right or wrong position. It’s sad that people take such hardline one sided approach to their replies, (usually their position is the only correct position.) I believe we are talking about dogs (or pets in general).
The basic premise is that if there is an accident or incident the pet will be at risk of injury or death if in the T/H. This assumption is not valid IMHO. The risk of injury or death to a pet is equally shared if the pet is unrestrained in the bed of the T/V or in a kennel that is not securely attached to the bed. Injuries may also include bouncing around within a kennel even if secured or for that matter if the pet is in the cab of the T/V and not secured.
Therefore, the fear of possible injury to a pet is only a “What If” scenario. The safest place for your pet is at home and not travelling with you.(Not an option for us.)
I have had every dog that we’ve owned in the last 15 years ride in the T/H without incident. All our dogs have lived long happy lives and passed from natural causes. However, I do have another opinion from my dog’s point of view. Based on the fact that we have a remote video camera we can monitor the interior of the T/H and the dogs activities.
Prior to leaving the house we allow the dogs to pee and poop before loading them into the T/H . We insure they have cool temperatures (A/C) and water for the road (We use a travel style water bowel).
We travel for about an hour with the normal shaking and bumping down the highway (the same amount as if they were in the bed of the truck). We pull over, away from and out of traffic. We let the dogs out and they run, pee, poop, sniff and smell the new surroundings. We play ball with them to burn off energy.
We then load them back-up and off we go. The Lab lays on the sofa with his head looking out the window (the window open with the screen closed). The mixed breed dog sleeps on the front bed (again with the window open and the screen closed. They love the passing smells and especially when cattle and sheep trucks pass by. When we stop down the road in another hour or so it’s the same routine for them.
MY DOGS believe the T/H is some kind of magic carpet. They get in and bounce and shake for a while. They then get out in a whole new world. Get back in and shake and bump for an hour and it’s a whole new world again. Our dogs love RV travel and every time we open the door they're ready to go. The challenge is to keep them out of the T/H while packing.
We’re talking about dogs here. Some people let their dogs sit in their laps while driving, some buy grommet pet food while others feed from the table. Some people leave their dogs at home during the day while others carry their dog in a purse.
Treat your dog as you see fit and let others treat their dogs as they wish. Let all these opinions fall on deaf ears. Enjoy your T/H and the road ahead.
Hap
