Large dog

we travel with a 45# Boxer that loves people. she's very comfortable to leave in the trailer for around 6 hours. I don't like to leave her longer but I don't think she would mind. she will stretch out on the bed and sleep all day. the one important thing is they must mind and do what you tell them. I will sometimes have her out off the leash when i'm hooking up and tell her to set. I will walk around the camper raising the stabilizers and picking up things. if i'm at the rear putting away the hose and electrical cord I will call her back and have her set ( she likes to watch me)she will never move if I tell her to set and stay. we have never been to a camp ground that we couldn't have her. we have a lot of fun with her and she likes to go.
Jay D.

I agree that some campgrounds may not want them because they are considered dangerous. I'll argue that, because my small 20lb dog is not a good people/kid dog. Our male shepherd we had was a people kid dog. I would never hesitate to leave him alone with kids. We now have another shepherd and she is good with kids and people also.
With that said they are easy to travel with. The only time you have to worry about them damaging anything is when they are puppies. After that they are great dogs that are very easy to travel with. You will have to stop for bathroom breaks before the dog.
I would highly recommend them, and skip the campgrounds that don't want your money! The amount of campgrounds with breed restrictions is low compared to the new that are pet friendly.

If you can live with skipping beautiful camping sites and attractions that don't allow dogs. Or, if you can forego to places because you have to go back and attend to the dog's needs, then go for it.

And if these are good trade off for the wonderful companionship and loyalty of a dog.

Ed_Gee wrote:
German Shepards are usually on the list of dog breeds banned from many RV parks. Food for thought.

I have seen them in RV parks from time to time but many parks won't let them in. I wouldn't travel with one. They're big dogs that need a lot of room and exercise.
B.O.

You really need to consider how you are going to use your RV.

Are you going to spend entire days sightseeing and such? Or will you spend the majority of time in the outdoors?

Next consider where you want to stay. As mentioned, RV Parks often have bans on breeds and/or large dogs. National parks don't allow dogs anywhere but paved roads and the campground, and they don't allow you to leave your dog unattended. USFS, COE, BLM, and BOR campgrounds are usually the most lenient - allowing dogs on trails, but rarely have hookups.

I camp with two large shepherd mixes. I rarely stay at RV Parks. I don't use day care or sitters - I won't leave my dogs with people I haven't been able to fully vet. I will be going to Death Valley soon. I contacted the park to ask about specifics. As I will be going during the cool season, it is OK for me to leave the dogs in the suv while I walk a short trail, etc. If I couldn't do that, I would not go at this point as I would be very limited on what I could do and see.

If I didn't already have dogs, I would wait. I would go to the places that are not dog-friendly first. Once,I'd done that, I would get the dog and then limit my trips to dog-friendly places.

We traveled many miles in a 30' class A with a large Standard Poodle(50+ pounds) and a large show sized Greyhound( 85+ pounds of greased snake) and had many adventures of all kinds. Things to think about include big strong jaws with lots of big teeth, need to carry and use lots of big poop bags, Idiots with other dogs that run up too close with little yippy pets, Kids with stupid parents that let their kids run to to big doggies, need and ability to get out and exercise bigger dogs, the amount of food required for bigger dogs, and just the sheer space requirements for a bigger dog. Also consider the general public opinion of the breed you are considering. And never forget the actual character of the breed. A greyhound was bred to be a fast efficient killer of small fast game, be it a wild rabbit or a loved small cat or dog. A poodle was and are, very efficient water retrievers of dead things. A full sized, standard poodle with a bad attitude and attack training is something you don't want to be on the bad side of. Our greyhounds attitude was "love Everybody" and the poodle was "everybody loves ME"

Frank55 wrote:
Please list any positive or negative issues traveling with large dogs. My wife wants a German Sheperd and I do not see anything but problems. From scratching the floor to tbe issue of what to do with one while we are away for the day. I do not think it is right to leave a large dog locked inside a trailer all day.

Your correct it's not good to leave any dog locked inside all day. I travel with Collies and it's a commitment. Lots of things I don't do because of the Collies, I'm fine with that others may not be. The Collies basically go with me everywhere except on the motorcycle. To me they are like family not possessions. They enjoy walking in the woods pontoon boat rides and travel. Dogs aren't for everybody and require a commitment, hauling around dog food, cleaning up after them, walks, vet visits, training. Make sure it's something that you both want before committing yourself.

My first thought was the breed and the ban on certain breeds in the campgrounds, due to "their insurance policy." In State Parks and COE parks I have seen many
"banned breeds." I travel with a cocker spaniel, we have crossed the country this year and back now in home state. Yes, he does limit me to what I chose to do, but his companion ship and joy he brings me more than makes up for it.

In one private campground this trip, were 8 long-haired Chihuahua's and a German Shepherd... in about a 26' travel trailer with 3 adults. Hmmmm.

Until both of you can agree on getting a furkid, best to rethink it. JMHO.

I wouldn't go anywhere without my dog.

I have a 85# dog, that is on the so called banned list. (More lunacy)
Anyway he is no harder to deal with than a small dog. As long as you train the dog it is not an issue. Large or small they both require care, exercise and training.