Rving with large dog

I have a Great Labradane, 110lbs. I mostly camp in Minnesota State Parks or the Superior National forest and have faced no size or breed restrictions.

In regard to National Parks, dogs on leash are usually allowed on paved paths, parking lots and campgrounds. They are not allowed in buildings. And I have found exceptions where my dog was welcome even on some non-paved paths.

Stephanie21 wrote:
Thank you all for your comments. It's just going to be a little more time consuming to find a park than I thought. Good thing we love the little knuckle head! I was also told now that the national parks do not allow any dog on the hiking trails, even on a leash. Which creates a problem not wanting to leave your dog in an RV all day. This is all so interesting as I see "companion animals" in grocery stores, restaurants, etc. wonder what the nat. parks do about that?

There are legal differences between "companion animals" or "comfort animals" or "emotional support animals" and service animals. Service animals have strict guidelines and are protected under the ADA. The others are not - although local legislation and/or the FAA may have broader regulations that provide certain rights to these classifications.

California State Parks do not allow dogs on trails. While it makes sense in some places (Ano Nuevo with the elephant seals, etc.), it is really silly in others (Folsom Lake which is surrounded by houses with dogs - yet a dog on the trail will "scare away the wildlife").

In the end, those of us with dogs have to make choices: leave the dog at home or with family/friends/kennel while you travel to non-dog friendly places; don't go to non-dog friendly places; or leave your dog in the RV unattended.

We use the COE park system. There is never any problems with my dog. I also use this as an opportunity to educate the public by showing how well behaved a Rottie can be. I cant take him for a single walk without at least one person wanting to pet him. I just love seeing the look on parents face when a group of kids run up to him and want to pet him. I just tell them one at a time so they dont scare him.

Now, on to the real problem with RVing with large dogs, THE SLOBBER!!!! My god the slobber!!!! We have to wipe down everything from waist level down and shampoo the carpets after every camping trip.

Old-Biscuit wrote:
With a 'breed that is banned' (Dobie, Rottie, G. Shepard, Pit Bull, Mastif, Chow, Etc.) you will find lots of CG that do not accept them.

Ins. Liability, CG Owners policy, just don't want them .......

Also will run into 'weight' restrictions......over 25#, over 40#

We Full Timed with a 68# Border Collie/Lab mix for 7 yrs. We ALWAYS checked 'pet restrictions' either on websites, phone calls, emails. IF NO....we looked elsewhere. Never DIDN'T find a spot for the evening.

HERE is a starting place.

Also check out RV Park Reviews

The Dogfriendly.com site is just what I was looking for. Thank you so much, I feel better already!!

Thank you all for your comments. It's just going to be a little more time consuming to find a park than I thought. Good thing we love the little knuckle head! I was also told now that the national parks do not allow any dog on the hiking trails, even on a leash. Which creates a problem not wanting to leave your dog in an RV all day. This is all so interesting as I see "companion animals" in grocery stores, restaurants, etc. wonder what the nat. parks do about that?

State parks, federal parks, private parks without pet restrictions.

West Beachhouse

I heard a Pit owner say that when asked "what breed" he would tell them it was a Staffordshire Terrier".

Maybe you could tell them its a German Black Hair mix, which is true.

We were refused a few times on size. Well trained obedient Standard Poodles.

campn4walleye wrote:
I guess we never even thought about those instances. We had a weimaraner and we just always asked about "dogs". We were never turned away. We do mainly stay in NF, state or county CGs. Maybe that is a better option for you. More often they're more fun than privately owned CGs.

It also never hurts to talk to the owner to give you a chance to show how nice these dogs can be. I'm not too proud to "beg". :)

Sorry that it's making your RVing experiences difficult for you. Dobies, rotties and pitbulls all have bad raps, so many times it's the owner who should be banned.

donn0128- your post was not helpful.

Have seen Weimaraners on that dreaded 'breed banned' list.

Never have seen Dalmatians. As a previous owner of 2 they could easily be on the list as they are 'not other dog' friendly :E

OP.........
Private CGs have the restrictions

NF, State, County & COE ---- never had an issue with having a dog

I have traveled with several large dogs on 'the list'. I would suggest checking the campground's pet policy, or calling ahead. Many state and private parks in my area accommodate us. I would suggest that you make sure your dog is well-trained and socialized. If you can not control your animal at home, do not think you will do better at a campground. No one else wants to hear endless barking, an owner screaming, or wants to worry about a dog being dangerous. This goes for any size pet.