New Puppy

Only problem we have had travelling with a scotty was he kept waking us up several times at night. I thought he needed out to go take care of business but Gladys thought it might be that he got down off of the bed and could not get back up. Gladys was right $15.00 one trip to Lowes and the dog has a bed ramp and sleeps through the night.

DH and I have three Westies that camp with us. The two older ones (13 year old girls) started camping with us later in their lives. Our boy (Toby, who is 2 years old) started camping with us as a young puppy. They were part of the reason that we started camping--mainly so we could bring them with us. All of them love to travel with us and we are lucky that none of them get motion sickness. They get the entire backseat of the truck to themselves while traveling. Once we are in the campground, we take them on a walk as soon as we arrive and give them a chance to stretch their legs and do their business. We have only had one thing chewed in the RV. As a young puppy, Toby chewed the strap that holds the fire extinguisher to the wall. No problem--bungee cords work just fine to hold it in place. When we are away from the RV, we shut the blinds and turn on the TV for the dogs. It keeps them from barking at squirrels outside and hearing outside noises. They spend the time sleeping--just as they do at home when we are away at work.

Westies aren't any more prone to barking than any other dog. It is all in the training and letting your dog know what you expect regarding their behavior. We don't allow our dogs to bark for long periods of time at home--so they know better than to do it when we are in the RV. The RV is just another "home" to them. Our neighbor's dog will bark non-stop for 3 or 4 hours--even in the middle of the night--because his owner allows it and even encourages it. If you are good dog parents, then you will have a good dog. You might want to read some of Cesar Milan's books regarding dog training and raising puppies. Your local library should have them on the shelf.

Be sure to bring some toys for the puppy and a Kong with treats to divert his/her attention when you leave the RV. Also, give him/her some of your clothing items or towels with your smell (smelly, not freshly laundered) on it so he/she doesn't get separation anxiety. The clothing will help him/her know that you will return and it will make the RV smell like "home". You can purchase travel crates that fold down and set up easily for the puppy. It will keep them safe while you are away from the RV and they will see it as their "den". Our dogs still love to sleep in their crates--including one of the 13 year olds.

We hope you enjoy your new puppy as much as we enjoy our Westies. Happy travels. :)

Puppy Ben (14 weeks in picture) went on his first weekend camping trip and LOVED it.



Of course he had Jimmy (blonde/white, and 5 yr old camping pro) and granddaughter Naomi to encourage him!

Congratulations on your puppy! Such a sweet and special time. You will not believe how much things have changed in the dog world these past 40 years. There are so many options for diet, toys, you name it.

The basics haven't changed. A good diet, (I like Organix brand), exercise, companionship and consistent expectations still matter. I would encourage crate training as it can be very helpful for you and your dog. Start a bathing and brushing routine early too. Habituate to a leash and attach it before leaving the camper. My little dogs like Dingo rawhide twists and they helped during the teething stage.

Have a wonderful time with your new little one, I have a feeling this is gonna be one lucky dog!

Its a well known fact that dogs are RVing experts. Just put a large map of the US on the floor. Wherever she licks is a great place to go. Wherever she pees, not so much.
Congrats on the new pup. Your hearts are already stolen.

Thanks for all the comments. Katie, our Westie, slept thru the night on the 3rd night. She is adapting and learning fast. Hasn't discovered squirrls yet, and we have plenty. Her first RV trip will be to the UP, on September 9th, eh. I'll let you know how it goes.

Stop by the "pet Stop" part of this forum and gets lots more advise than you even need!! We have fun though!!

bARB