Taking dog with us on a cross country tour

Crowe wrote:

Have to agree. If you aren't there, how do you really know that the dog doesn't bark?

There are numerous very easy ways to know.

Ask your neighbors. Frequently (not just the first time or two you take the dog).
Use a voice activated recorder or a video recorder.
There's software you can buy that will tell you.

And there are more high tech ways like setting up a camera you can view from your phone.

It's really so very easy to know with just a modicum of effort that I'm always a bit surprised and puzzled when someone even mentions it.

As far as crating--I firmly believe knowing how to tolerate a crate is a skill every dog needs. You never know when the dog may get injured so that crate rest is absolutely necessary. To my way of thinking knowing how to be crated is a required skill for a well trained dog just as much as knowing sit and stay and how to walk nicely on a leash. I also believe there are dogs out there who most definitely don't like crates. They still need to know how to tolerate one. Our dog is never crated except in the RV. There's just too much inadvertent trouble he could get into there, and it's another means of ensuring that he doesn't bark at everything he sees out the window.

Dog "crates" are not made of chain link and are typically used inside a house or inside a vehicle.
Dog runs or pens may be made of chain link and are typically outside.

Crates are indispensable equipment for safely transporting dogs in vehicles like a car seat for children.

I stopped crate training at about 9 months when my dog discovered he could easily rip apart a steel cage. he's not destructive in the home, or the rv, but doesn't like cages.

one kennel prided itself on "heavy gauge" escape proof chain link, my malaute showed them different. I implored them, you must WALK the dog 3x a day or he'll walk himself, even offered to pay extra, they didn't believe me... few days later I get a call from 1500 miles away, dog ripped huge holes in two chain link fences and was just laying in the lawn in front of the kennel. they were not happy, neither was I. They wanted me to fix the fence, I said I offered to pay extra before I left, that offer is now rescinded.

Crowe wrote:
Don't get me wrong, I am a dog person, but believe that not all dogs are fit to travel. Everyone who owns a dog thinks their pet doesn't bark, and if it's a "dangerous breed" they never bite nor been aggressive towards anyone.

Have to agree. If you aren't there, how do you really know that the dog doesn't bark? Just because no one complained? If the rule states no unattended pets, then all should follow the rules so that the rule doesn't become "no dogs".

Amen, no crates

Why? Many vets recommend this, provided they get adequate exercise and attention. Some dogs don't need it-mine prefer it. After watching the aftermath of my BIL's dog eat a battery we decided crate training is a much better alternative. I'm sure I'll get blasted by the "I never make a mistake" crowd but none of us can foresee every little possibility.

Agree about the crates. When started as a puppy crate training is really a good thing for the dog in many ways. They are easier to potty train with a crate. It becomes their personal "cave" where they feel safe and comfortable. If they ever need to travel by plane or bus you may have to crate them depending on the size/breed. I know people who have crate trained thier dogs and they never have to close the crate. The dog just goes inside when it is time for bed.

Crowe wrote:
If you aren't there, how do you really know that the dog doesn't bark?

Not speaking for others, but in my case, I've ran a video recorder for hours when I've been gone for like a dozen different trips. Our dog just hangs out in the bedroom until we get home. So, Im supremely confident she does just fine while we're gone.

I do agree every dog is different, but for those that are well behaved and acclimated (like mine), I have no problem leaving her for a period of time. I generally will try to limit it to not more than a couple of hours at a time.

The places I've been don't say anything about not leaving your pet inside unattended. I've seen it say no unattended outside, but nothing about inside.

Mike

Don't get me wrong, I am a dog person, but believe that not all dogs are fit to travel. Everyone who owns a dog thinks their pet doesn't bark, and if it's a "dangerous breed" they never bite nor been aggressive towards anyone.

Have to agree. If you aren't there, how do you really know that the dog doesn't bark? Just because no one complained? If the rule states no unattended pets, then all should follow the rules so that the rule doesn't become "no dogs".

Amen, no crates

Why? Many vets recommend this, provided they get adequate exercise and attention. Some dogs don't need it-mine prefer it. After watching the aftermath of my BIL's dog eat a battery we decided crate training is a much better alternative. I'm sure I'll get blasted by the "I never make a mistake" crowd but none of us can foresee every little possibility.

Don't get me wrong, I am a dog person, but believe that not all dogs are fit to travel. Everyone who owns a dog thinks their pet doesn't bark, and if it's a "dangerous breed" they never bite nor been aggressive towards anyone.

Sure, some dogs truly don't bark, butI've been to many campgrounds where they bark at every passerby and the owner does nothing. Some owners are so used to their dog barking they simply don't hear them anymore.

Our dog has 20,000+ miles 8 states 450+ nights not one problem. Our rig is his second home he has no problem being left for the day when needed, same as leaving him at home to go to work????? No barking no fuss no mess. Some days he will let us know he doesn't want to go hiking or sightseeing by jumping up on the bed as we get ready to go and he just looks at us like "you have a great day dad Im taking a day long nap". If your dog is part of your family he or she will love to explore the country with you.

jerseyjim wrote:
First off....our dog (and the ones before) have NEVER been in a crate. We simply don't believe in it. Our dog is a member of the family and is treated as such. Full run of the house and RV at all times. That's OUR way. Maybe lucky: no chewing or anything destructive and housebroken...only 3 accidents in 4 years...due to ....whatever. A perfect traveling companion.

When she (dog) new to camping, and our first time leaving her alone we thought she might be calm(er) if we shut the plastic blinds and kept the lights low (it was evening). Upon our return, we found that one plastic blind destroyed. We then realized she likes to look out the window(s) all the time. Replaced the blind for $30. A really cheap "learning experience") Of course during that trip...and others, we've asked our next door neighbors to tell us if our dog barks/cries during our absence. No complaints.

Amen, no crates

We always have our dogs with us. We've found some great apps that we've installed on an extra phone to monitor while out. We can track temperature, noise and even open a video feed if needed. We'll get texts if barking or if temperature hits certain marks. Never had a temperature message but plenty of barks. The noise starts a recording I can check. In all but one case, the 'bark' was a lone 'woof' for whatever reason. Only once did they really bark for a few minutes - a ranger had knocked on our door to warn us about storms coming in that evening.