Some of you might remember that a few months ago I sent a post saying that I was a solo RV'er and was wondering what peoples' advice would be about getting a dog. The responses were in a slight majority advising against it, and so I decided to put it off. Well, I've just come back from a big trip from Ontario to British Columbia and back, including a three-day visit in Vancouver, and I can see now that while a dog can be a great companion, it could also cramp one's style to a big extent. I now think that getting a dog could to a big extent be unfair to the animal. Anyway not to start a controversy, but for anyone thinking of getting a dog for RV'ing, I'd have to say think it over carefully.

Completely agree with you. I have watched people forced to walk in pouring rain, wipe animals feet before they could re-enter their RV. I have seen dogs attack other dogs, lunge at people, bark, pee on everything that is not running faster than the dog is. etc on and on. I put on my flame proof suit. ;>)

You make a good comment there. Many people consider what enjoyment a dog may bring to them. But few consider what enjoyment they may bring to the dog.Dogs are not for everyone. Or for every situation.

With a TT or 5`er I could see it being an issue. but with a class A or C and a smaller dog I don`t see an issue. we travel a lot with our dog and he loves it. I`ve traveled as long as 8 hours with our Shepherd and he has no issues. when we stop for food or gas he goes for a walk. he loves being in and out of the trailer. now if we had a motorhome I don`t think I would choose a 100lb dog, but a smaller dog I would have no problem with. Like you said you have to think long and hard and also do some homework.

My wife was recently driving me crazy wanting to get a dog. We ended up dog sitting our kids extremely well behaved dog for a week. After about four days she announced, "I've changed my mind, I don't want a dog".Problem solved.

we travel NOW with our little dog. he is our daughters pet and part of the family. He is only 3 and Daughter is 8 (almost 9) so I figure in about 11 years or so she is off to college, doggie should be about gone at that time.pure freedom :)we plan on full timing and when that happens NO MORE dogs for us. while caught in controlled travel due to her school, summer vacations etc.....we don't mind the little dog with us. But when it comes to retirement, no way I am slaving to a critter at this point. but of course everyone has their own version of how they want to travel. with or without a pet. go for what you want and enjoy!!

Glad I Didn't Get a Dog | Good Sam Community

moose888
Explorer
Sep 22, 2013
We love dogs but after we lost our Jack Russell Roxie we didn't want another dog. We watch the kids dogs when they go away and we can't wait for them to come home. My daughter's pit bull thinks it's a lap dog and wants to sit in my lap all the time I can't see her ever traveling in the Rv.
orlandimal
Explorer
Sep 21, 2013
We travel with all our rescued animals. Cody, a 100 pound elderly Pointer, Josey Wales, an 80 pound 1 year old idiot Black Lab (we still love him) and a 12 pound Calico, Jobutu. We love them almost as much as our own grown children and they travel well. I do understand, however, why some folks think that traveling with pets is a hassle and at times it can be but it is OK with us.
Dog_Folks
Explorer
Sep 21, 2013
Crowe wrote:
"Dogs are not our complete life but they do make our life complete." --Unknown

This doesn't apply to everyone and to try to force this upon a non-dog owner is disrespectful at best. I know plenty of people who don't own dogs but consider themselves "complete".

Some people just can't make the cut, as a good owner.

Some people CHOOSE not to be a dog owner because they UNDERSTAND their limitations. This shows as much respect and love for the animal as a self-proclaimed "dog person". To insinuate a non-dog lover is less of a person is insulting and offensive. This is coming from someone who considers herself a dogaholic. We should be commending and not condemning the OP for being selfless in his thinking. If more people would think like that, then maybe fewer dogs would wind up in rescue.

Whoa!! Stop that train and back up!! The phrase does not force any views upon anyone. The phase applies, as it says, applies to our lives. Not anyone else.

If someone chooses not have dogs, that is fine with us, it fact I envy the extra freedom that comes with non-ownership. But for our family, the phrase still applies.
Go_Dogs
Explorer
Sep 21, 2013
Crowe wrote:
"Dogs are not our complete life but they do make our life complete." --Unknown

This doesn't apply to everyone and to try to force this upon a non-dog owner is disrespectful at best. I know plenty of people who don't own dogs but consider themselves "complete".

Some people just can't make the cut, as a good owner.

Some people CHOOSE not to be a dog owner because they UNDERSTAND their limitations. This shows as much respect and love for the animal as a self-proclaimed "dog person". To insinuate a non-dog lover is less of a person is insulting and offensive. This is coming from someone who considers herself a dogaholic. We should be commending and not condemning the OP for being selfless in his thinking. If more people would think like that, then maybe fewer dogs would wind up in rescue.

I never said that a non-dog person is less of a person. I agree that it takes a special type of person to be a good dog owner, or parent, or teacher, or nurse, etc. I merely meant that some relationships are precious, and only meant for those that understand, the give and take necessary for such relationships.
2dogtravellin
Explorer II
Sep 21, 2013
colliehauler wrote:
StephanieLynn wrote:

Having a dog is not for everyone, but that's ok.
I bought my RV for the same reason, to take the Collies. It is a trade off on having to take care of them and having to deal with one less thing.

Funny, we bought our motorhome so we could travel with our collies, too. We love every minute of it. They're great travelers, and great company.
tomkaren13
Explorer
Sep 21, 2013
beemerphile1 wrote:
My wife was recently driving me crazy wanting to get a dog. We ended up dog sitting our kids extremely well behaved dog for a week. After about four days she announced, "I've changed my mind, I don't want a dog".

Problem solved.

Same here, we dog sit for neighbors. Love the dog, love the neighbors, glad to reunite them.
Crowe
Explorer
Sep 21, 2013
"Dogs are not our complete life but they do make our life complete." --Unknown

This doesn't apply to everyone and to try to force this upon a non-dog owner is disrespectful at best. I know plenty of people who don't own dogs but consider themselves "complete".

Some people just can't make the cut, as a good owner.

Some people CHOOSE not to be a dog owner because they UNDERSTAND their limitations. This shows as much respect and love for the animal as a self-proclaimed "dog person". To insinuate a non-dog lover is less of a person is insulting and offensive. This is coming from someone who considers herself a dogaholic. We should be commending and not condemning the OP for being selfless in his thinking. If more people would think like that, then maybe fewer dogs would wind up in rescue.
Deb_and_Ed_M
Explorer II
Sep 21, 2013
Crowe wrote:
It's definitely a personal decision and both ways are right-for each individual. I can't imagine life at home without a dog, but when we travel we have a tendency to go out for longer periods of time. We had to cancel a weekend away because Jesse got a skin infection and couldn't be boarded, so from that respect dogs can be a pain in the gizzard. On the other hand we're headed to Bar Harbor in October (renting a cabin) and I can't imagine going there without them (cabin owner allows pets). It's no one's business to criticize another for making the decision either way.

Nicely said!

Yes, I make concessions for my dogs when RVing - but I make concessions for them at home, too. I enjoy my dogs enough to be happy to do this.

I also believe that RVs can be targets for thieves... when a bunch of us are parked at a Cracker Barrel for dinner, I'd bet if anyone messes with my door and hears "GRRRRRRRRR" from the other side - they'll go try a different door ;-)
Go_Dogs
Explorer
Sep 21, 2013
Lots of Stuff wrote:
Go Dogs wrote:
I'm sure there are a lot of dogs that would agree. Some people just can't make the cut, as a good owner.
We would not travel without our friends. Our RVs are pristine when we sell them. It is a privilege to be able to share your life with a pet. Not everyone is able to understand that.

One can only hope the campgrounds your dogs have stayed in are as pristine as your RV.
My shoes aren't. We don't even own a ____ dog.

Common sense is a prime requisite for being a good dog owner. I pick up anything that my dogs leave, that might get on your shoes. BTW: Many campgrounds have opened up more dog loops to keep the geese away. Geese make a lot more mess than dogs, and no one cleans up after them!
Less_Stuff
Explorer
Sep 21, 2013
Go Dogs wrote:
I'm sure there are a lot of dogs that would agree. Some people just can't make the cut, as a good owner.
We would not travel without our friends. Our RVs are pristine when we sell them. It is a privilege to be able to share your life with a pet. Not everyone is able to understand that.

One can only hope the campgrounds your dogs have stayed in are as pristine as your RV.
My shoes aren't. We don't even own a ____ dog.