Solo RV'ers With Dogs

Have you ever had a pet? If not, then now is not the time to start unless you are ready and willing to put a lot of time and effort into it. Finding a good dog is the easy part. Animal shelters have lots of reacue dogs available every day of the week. But spending the time to properly traim your new companion takes time. Obedience classes are essential to create a good citizen. We normally take our dog with up in the car, truck or anywhere we go. Max just likes to be with us. He does not care if he has to sit i. The car for an hour or so. And as long as it is not too hot he gets to travel. When it gets hot, we leave him at camp, usually inside. But when wemaremdoing our hosting duties, he either goes around with us or is tied outside in the shade with lots of water. Of course we check on him often. Usually he is content to just lay around and watch the squirles. When we take a break, he gets to go off leash and chase a ball. Which keeps him happy. Remember, A happy dog is a tired dog.

I'm not solo but do travel with 2 boxers and you're right, there is a lot to consider.

We have left them in the jeep when we run to look at a feature. Fortunately, we've been able to find shade or it hasn't been too warm when we do. I carry plenty of water for them and use a spray bottle of water to mist them which they don't appreciate but I think it helps cool them.

We are very limited as far as hiking with them in national parks and some parks do not allow dogs in the back country...either hiking or in cars.

There are cooling mats and cooling jackets available that you can use. I have jackets and they are supposed to be soaked in cool water and put on the dogs. As the water evaporates, it cools them. The mat works pretty much the same way. I have not had to use mine so can't really comment on how well they work.

Then there is the poop pickup responsibility.... not pleasant but in most campgrounds and parks it's the rule and only right that owners pick up after their dogs. There are leash rules too which should be followed no matter how cute, smart, loving, SMALL or large your dog is. Having my 2 charged by cute, smart, loving, SMALL dogs that come at us because their owners don't think the rules apply to them is infuriating. Small dog poop stinks just as much as large dog poop too!

Different breeds suit different people and activities so match the breeds and their characteristics to your activities. There are plenty of purebred dogs in shelters and rescues as well as the heinz varieties that need loving furever homes.

Having a dog WILL for sure limit you but the companionship they give far outweighs the limitations in my opinion.

Depends on the dog. If you've got a well mannered dog who is quiet and well behaved, as well as trained, it can be a joy. If you've got one that barks incessantly, chews everything in sight, and uses your carpet for a toilet, not so much. All of the things you've mentioned need to be considered, except tying to a tree; that's a no no.