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sharibartling's avatar
sharibartling
Explorer
Jun 04, 2014

My dog is not a threat.

Here we are, I got this reservation 2 months ago. I spoke on the phone with a lady, I called precisely to ask what are the restrictions on the dogs. She hymmed and hawed around after I told her I have a German Shepherd with k9 special training. She said "well I think that is ok" I sent the $100.00 deposit and thought all was a go.2 months later we pull in. The lady at the counter asked what kind of dogs do you have? 1 German Shepherd and the other part black lab.
All of a sudden OH NO! WE have a breed restriction. Can you go somewhere else? WHAT?!!? No, I said, I spoke to a lady named Helen and she said we were good, we drove 1400 miles and you
tell me We have to go somewhere else? The guy argued with me and asked me "what do you call a aggressive dog? I said a chiauaha (sp) he said well your dog is an aggressive breed. I said "well, my husband is setting up" I better tell him we have no place to go.
Then he comes tearing down the trail in his golf cart and said He was sorry, He just learned my dog is a service dog and we can stay but it's ridiculous to put someone through all that. Now people here look at us like we are crazy. I will look for some place else next year. If you have any suggestions for Vancouver, WA please let me know.

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  • WyoTraveler's avatar
    WyoTraveler
    Explorer
    Jun 04, 2014
    I had a rot several years ago. My neighbor hated dogs. He said it doesn't matt what breed. All dogs are unpredictable. Since then I realize he may be right. Sometimes the most friendly dog can suspect danger that isn't there. A person stepping between a friendly dog and their owner might not be seen as danger but some dogs will react to protect their owner. My dog is very friendly but I keep him on a tight leash and watch for problem areas where any dog may react. I don't blame the dogs. They do what dogs do. I blame irresponsible owners that don't control their dogs. Insurance companies basically set the rules. RV parks just follow insurance company guide lines. The facts are a 100 lb dog can do more damage than a 10 lb dog although they may both bite.
  • ridingfamily4's avatar
    ridingfamily4
    Explorer
    Jun 04, 2014
    Did you tell them K9 special training at check-in OR service dog? There may have been some mis-communication on your part.

    Unfortunately, not all people are truthful when it comes to their pets. While some may have extensive K9 training, others may have had a class or 2 and think this qualifies them as "special training".

    The newest thing I have seen locally is people who are ordering "service dog" vests for their dog, whether or not it is a service dog, just so it can go wherever the owner goes.
  • Pawz4me's avatar
    Pawz4me
    Explorer
    Jun 04, 2014
    popeyemth wrote:
    It's NOT ridiculous to question you about your dog, it's ridiculous to have a service dog and not identify it as one.
    Your husband might be able to read your mind but no one else can.
    My Grandkids safety is certainly worth questioning you about your dog.
    Good Luck, Mike


    X2

    It sounds as if there was a major communication issue.

    "K9 special training" means zip. Zero. Nothing.

    I don't mean this to be rude, but I hope your dog is a legitimate service dog (trained by a legitimate service dog provider) and that you haven't just bought a vest from some internet site. Otherwise passing him off as one just makes life more difficult for those who truly need a service dog.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Jun 04, 2014
    sharibartling wrote:
    She said "well I think that is ok"
    There's a clue.
  • loulou57's avatar
    loulou57
    Explorer
    Jun 04, 2014
    ...I have to say that it was miscommunication on your part. You should have identified your dog as a special needs service dog and the whole incident would have been avoided. Instead of bashing the campground why not take this as a lesson learned and a way to educate others to identify their pets properly.
  • popeyemth's avatar
    popeyemth
    Explorer
    Jun 04, 2014
    It's NOT ridiculous to question you about your dog, it's ridiculous to have a service dog and not identify it as one.
    Your husband might be able to read your mind but no one else can.
    My Grandkids safety is certainly worth questioning you about your dog.
    Good Luck, Mike
  • gjwarneke's avatar
    gjwarneke
    Explorer
    Jun 04, 2014
    What park are you in right now?
    Are you in the Vancouver RV Park (by Toyota)
  • Helimech's avatar
    Helimech
    Explorer
    Jun 04, 2014
    I have been bitten by more chihuahuas than German shepards, rottweilers, and pit bulls put together.
  • the_bear_II's avatar
    the_bear_II
    Explorer
    Jun 04, 2014
    No susggestions for Vancouver but just had to chime in that I would have stated from the beginning that your german shepherd is a service dog. The aggressive breed restrictions don't apply to service dogs due to the specialized training the dogs and owners have to go through.

    Also keep in mind the aggressive breed restrictions are mandated by the RV Parks liability insurance carrier.... RV Parks want to have you stay there. But they do need to have liability insurance so they have to abide by the insurance carrier's rules.

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