camping with a big dog

Hello
My shihtzu has the same problem, went to the vet yesturday and got her a anxiety collar. We are going to try it. If that does not work I am going to take her to a holistic vet and get her natural medication. My vet also gave me preciption for xanax. I give the drug to patients it can be addictive. Just something to think about.

Sincerly
Jeanine

With my lab, I'm the one with the separation anxiety. . . . .?

I have a German Shepard as well, as she is great. Try getting some classes for your pet, These types of dogs are really smart and will learn fast. How is your dog if it is inside when you go visit? Leave the radio/tv on for some noise. Good luck, I am sure it will learn fast with some classes.

Have you seen the vet about tranquilizers for the dog?

We leave our dogs inside the TT with the A/C on (if it's hot). Sometimes you can just barely hear them barking if your 5-10 feet away from the TT...especially with the A/C on. Most of the time they just sleep. They just want to feel safe and if they're tied up to something outdoors, they won't feel safe.

If you feel your dog will get into things he/she shouldn't, you can try putting a crate inside the trailer and your dog inside the crate. We've done that too.

If your dog crate trained?

We take our Great Dane with us and she goes where we go...always! If we make a run into town or to get supplies, one of us stays in the car with her or one stays back with the RV and dog. If we want to explore some local sites and/or stores, we still bring her and one goes in while the other waits with the dog.

Of course it does limit some things we can do but we don't mind!

Kampinkate wrote:
Some dogs just aren't made for being alone at a campground. Over the last 24 years we have had three dogs and we couldn't leave them alone at our site, they didn't like it. Stay with them, bring them wherever you go or board them. We bring our current dog, a German Shepherd, and he is held on a leash at all times outside and we have his crate inside the RV. It means that sometimes one of us stays behind. Make choices that work next for you, your family, your pet and everyone else.

I disagree. Most dogs can be trained to do most anything. Some owners
have just as much if not more separation anxiety than the dogs.

I'm amazed by the threads from owners that won't leave their dogs alone for more than a couple of hours for one reason or another.

What if A/C goes out? What if electric goes out? Is there enough water?.

I cannot speak for others but my dog is fine when left in RV by himself. He can stay all day 8 hours or so without issue.
Call me cruel but I have no issues leaving him either!

Some dogs just aren't made for being alone at a campground. Over the last 24 years we have had three dogs and we couldn't leave them alone at our site, they didn't like it. Stay with them, bring them wherever you go or board them. We bring our current dog, a German Shepherd, and he is held on a leash at all times outside and we have his crate inside the RV. It means that sometimes one of us stays behind. Make choices that work next for you, your family, your pet and everyone else.

Hate to say it but unless yer boondocking away from others, leave her at home. I'm an animal lover and have two Golden Pyrenese but they stay home when we camp. If theres anything I can't stand is listening to dogs constantly barking while out camping.

This past weekend this couple tied up their two miniature hell hounds right beside the restrooms. Everyone that walked to the restrooms was greeted with 2 hell hounds barking and gasping from choking themselves at the end of their leash about 2 feet from the walking path as they struggled to get loose and eat your face as you walked by!

The owners just sat and enjoyed their day like nothing was happening! I'm trying to be a more patient person and it's working because the old me wouldn't have hesitated to have a nice conversation with the owners.

I'm sure your not like these folks, but it's a good illustration about bias. What you consider whimpering and wining may make for an absolutely horrible weekend for someone else.

One thing I've learned since camping in "parks" and "campgrounds" is that people seem to have lost the ability to be considerate for their fellow man/woman.

Do us all a favor and leave Fido home if she can't stay quiet.

GSDs are very attached to their families. It's in their makeup. They just want to be with you. It's one of the reasons they make great police dogs - they are dedicated to their handlers. This isn't necessarily "separation anxiety" as much as it is "why can't I be with you".

Questions to ask yourself:

How is the dog when you are home? Does she have problems when you leave her home alone? Is she OK if you are in the front yard talking to your neighbors?

If she doesn't have problems when you leave her alone at home, then it's not separation anxiety and medication is not the answer.

This may take you a bit of compromise in order to re-train her. Rather than tying her outside (in view of you) and spending 15+ minutes at another campsite, try putting her in the camper and spending just a few minutes with the neighbors. Then come back and praise her and spend time with her. As she becomes comfortable with your stepping away for a few minutes, you can build up the time - always giving her lots of attention when you return.

One thing to remember, is don't make a big deal when you put her in the camper and leave her. A simple "be good", close the door and walk away. You can also give her a cookie when you leave as a treat.

This is not an instant solution. Don't expect to spend one trip compromising your visits and then going back to your old routine. This will take time - likely an entire season. And you may have to "re-train" her at the beginning of future seasons.