Wanted to share some of our experiences and things we do to travel with a dog that can at times be a issue at RV parks. My wife and I own a 58 pound American Staffordshire Terrier that at 3 1/2 years old is our kid(kids are moved out). We go on trips whether locally or at state away. Even walking our dog we get the occasional look of fear or how can you own that dog. People don't know that our girl is a certified therapy dog and lives with a cat and 2 rabbits so RVing with her can be a adventure. To date we haven't been asked to leave a park because of her. We have made a point of several things when travelling with her. We don't hide her, we have found that when staff meet her and see how she behaves they welcome her. Most policies are in place because insurance companies mandate them, not because of staff. I have made reservations at a place that had a breed policy in place and faxed over a copy of her therapy dog temperament test and now she is welcome. I also make it a point to respect other small dog owners and respect personal space, nothing worse than creating panic in a owner of another dog. You might know that your larger dog is harmless they don't. Our dog doesn't bark but don't let your dog hang out on a long leash and bark at everything that walks by it makes people uncomfortable. If anyone wants to add to this thread please keep in mind this isn't a thread for debate on breeds more about adding tips on making travelling with larger dogs a better experience whether a rottie, dobie, sheppard, pittie or any dog that is just a big dog.

some parks will hit you for an additional fee for the rabbits and the cat.you've done well so far not being refused a campground but they are out there.

We have an 85 pound lab and never any concern by any RV park staff anywhere.

Devils advocate.....Wonder what the insurance company would do if CG violated the breed restriction in place in order for CG to have insurance coverage and if you are placing business in jeopardy I personally do not have issues with 'dogs'......stupid owners should be restricted but even the stupidest human has rights (at least that is what the law suit would argue).We traveled FT for 7 yrs. with a 68# Border Collie/Lab Mix. We ran into many CGs that had weight restrictions----25# and 40#. The 40# limit seem to be the most frequent weight restriction.And that was OK.We just went elsewhere. Their CGs/their rules which I fully respect.I wish stores/restaurants could restrict 'pets' easier......without the threat of lawsuits due to 'ambiguous' comfort animals.

If everyone had common sense there would be no problem with ANY breed....but because people are uneducated and generally lack common sense these great breeds have been put in a bad spot...1-pick up after your dog2- leashed at all times3-not left alone tied up on site4-respect others, keep a wide berth if passing other dogs or owners that look nervouse5-be an ambassador for your large breed, educate people...Good thread, thanks..

Old-Biscuit wrote:I wish stores/restaurants could restrict 'pets' easier......without the threat of lawsuits due to 'ambiguous' comfort animals.X2

Traveling with dogs that RV parks get concerned about

31 Replies

westernrvparkow
Explorer
Oct 29, 2015
Deb and Ed M wrote:
Farmerjon wrote:
We always call the park and tell them what dogs we have, 2 Dobermans, a 62 lb and an 86lb. We tell them about their obedience training and their AKC Canine Good Citizen Certificates and ask them if our dogs would be welcomed in their park.

THAT is the approach I was applauding - it proves you are a conscientious dog owner with well trained and socialized dogs! Granted, some places still might say "no" - but other places that are simply trying to weed out the problem dogs/owners will often welcome the well-mannered ones. The AKC Canine Good Citizenship certificate is great proof! Unlike the dubious "service dog" - this is a standardized and tough!) test.
Yes, I am sure the test is legit, but I can buy a "Canine Good Citizen" tag on the internet for $2.99, no testing required. Another certification that is only as honest as the person presenting it.
toedtoes
Explorer III
Oct 29, 2015
While I think the Good Citizenship certificate is great, not all dogs can meet the requirements. I have found in those instances, that an owner who follows the rules without question will get those dogs welcomed.

My Bat-dog has some issues that prevent her from ever getting certified. But, because I faithfully follow the leash rules, pick up after them, don't leave them unattended, etc. I also give a heads up to folks approaching about her issues. I have never been given any trouble even though she's a large dog who looks like a "dangerous breed".
Deb_and_Ed_M
Explorer II
Oct 29, 2015
Farmerjon wrote:
We always call the park and tell them what dogs we have, 2 Dobermans, a 62 lb and an 86lb. We tell them about their obedience training and their AKC Canine Good Citizen Certificates and ask them if our dogs would be welcomed in their park.

THAT is the approach I was applauding - it proves you are a conscientious dog owner with well trained and socialized dogs! Granted, some places still might say "no" - but other places that are simply trying to weed out the problem dogs/owners will often welcome the well-mannered ones. The AKC Canine Good Citizenship certificate is great proof! Unlike the dubious "service dog" - this is a standardized and tough!) test.
Bonefish
Explorer
Oct 29, 2015
We travel with 4 terriers that are good, trained, socialized and listen to us, but the type of dogs does not concern me as much as does the owner have control of the dog or dogs.

Sharon
Farmerjon
Explorer
Oct 29, 2015
We always call the park and tell them what dogs we have, 2 Dobermans, a 62 lb and an 86lb. We tell them about their obedience training and their AKC Canine Good Citizen Certificates and ask them if our dogs would be welcomed in their park.
We are planning a trip next week and we called the park we plan on staying in and the owner said "Bring them on". That is a typical answer we get.
We always keep them on 6ft leashes and we will step out of the way to allow others with or without dogs a clear path.
Not everybody wants to share a path with dogs of any breed much less the "dangerous breeds" or just large dogs. So we have to be sure the dogs always give a positive experience for people they meet.
People, especially kids love telling them to sit and then telling them to "shake".
toedtoes
Explorer III
Oct 25, 2015
I agree. As a customer, I take issue with a business who lets some customers ignore the rules while others have to follow them. Why bother posting rules if you're just going to arbitrarily enforce them.

As for the man with 2 dobies, that behavior to me is more of an ego trip by the owner, than good dog ownership. Sure his dogs were well-trained, but that shouldn't have any bearing on whether or not he follows the rules. And as a very qualified trainer once told me "my dogs are never off-leash in a public area. It doesn't matter how well trained my dogs are - it's the other dog's training that matters." Without his dogs on a leash, that man was putting his dogs at unnecessary risk with every other dog in the area.
westernrvparkow
Explorer
Oct 25, 2015
Deb and Ed M wrote:
I think the OP has the right idea - be able to prove with a REAL certificate, that the dog is well-trained and well-socialized. My experience has been that RV parks will fudge the rules for "good dog owners"

I was surprised, as we pulled into our RV site, to see 2 Dobies in the site next door, in a "restricted-breed" campground. And then I saw why - they were loose! There was a thin string laying on the ground defining their space. Those dogs were trained beyond perfection. I wandered over to their owner, to apologize for the rude behavior that was going to erupt from my rescued Cattle Dog, (who had a real hatred of large black dogs). He laughed and said "not a problem" - every time we passed, he somehow was able to make his dogs "freeze" - Jack never knew they were next door.
First, it is a against the law to request any kind of documentation for a "service" dog under the ADA. A "therapy" dog, on the other hand, can be banned at will. That has no standing with the ADA.
As for bending the rules for good dog owners, my position is no way. I really don't care that the guy who left his dogs unleashed had them under total control. There will be someone three sites away that will either believe they are in imminent danger of being mauled or that if it is OK for those people it is OK for them.
The OP hinted at one of the problems with certain breeds, often people are afraid of dogs with dangerous reputations. To many people walking by a site with a pit bull in it is akin to walking by a site where the occupant tracks them with deer rifle. It is the park's job to balance the needs of all the guests. Leash rules go a long way towards that goal. It allows a way for guests with pets to have them, while providing a level of comfort for guests who have concerns about what animals can and will do.
Deb_and_Ed_M
Explorer II
Oct 25, 2015
I think the OP has the right idea - be able to prove with a REAL certificate, that the dog is well-trained and well-socialized. My experience has been that RV parks will fudge the rules for "good dog owners"

I was surprised, as we pulled into our RV site, to see 2 Dobies in the site next door, in a "restricted-breed" campground. And then I saw why - they were loose! There was a thin string laying on the ground defining their space. Those dogs were trained beyond perfection. I wandered over to their owner, to apologize for the rude behavior that was going to erupt from my rescued Cattle Dog, (who had a real hatred of large black dogs). He laughed and said "not a problem" - every time we passed, he somehow was able to make his dogs "freeze" - Jack never knew they were next door.
rockhillmanor
Explorer II
Oct 25, 2015
Rollnhome wrote:
I think a big part of RV park dogs is their owners think everyone else in the campground likes their dog.
While walking in the park or on my own site I may greet a dog walker with "Hello, nice dog". Next thing I know they are charging towards me so I can pet and play with Fido. Why do owners think everyone wants to pet Fido? I don't.....I like most dogs. It's usually the owners I wish were banned.

X2
AMEN to that.
I full time and with my dogs. I see everything and experience everything known to man while traveling and staying at CG's. Some good some not. I don't have a problem with any of it. I silently deal with all of it or move on down the road to the next CG.

That said.
In a perfect world the ONE thing I wish I could change IS:
'other' dog owners who feel the need to run up onto my site with their dog so 'their dog can meet mine'. :R:R

We are NOT there to be a play date for your dog. STOP doing that.:B
theoldman
Explorer
Oct 24, 2015
"ADA Service Dogs. It cost around 50K and often years to train these special needs dogs" really ? your point is well taken But your numbers don't help any. I just talked with are K-9 officer and he said their dogs run and ave of about 8 K./ any way yall have a nice day.