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Water-Bug's avatar
Water-Bug
Explorer II
Aug 09, 2013

New Puppy

Talk about a change in lifestyle, and we haven't even had her in the RV yet. We picked up an 8 week old West Highland White Terrier yesterday. (Westie) For those not in the know, it is the breed that is in the Ceasar dog food commercials. Coincidentally, we picked her up from an Amish breeder in Goshen, Indiana, so she should have a little RV in her blood. Having a new puppy is like having a new baby and we haven't done that in nearly 40 years. So, how is she going to effect our RV lifestyle? Up until now, we have been short trip RVers but plan to snowbird come November.

EDIT. We have a new Montana High Country 5er, so enough room isn't an issue.
  • Start your training NOW, this second.

    The breed is a known barker (no offense intended). Treat/clicker training is a great method. A camping dog needs to be even more obedient than the average dog because it interacts more frequently with different surroundings.

    Get the book "Puppies for Dummies" and read it cover to cover. It's very helpful with new techniques and goes inside the dog's head. Plus, it's a fun read.

    How fun and enjoy your new baby and the every 2 hour potty trip. Glad you got her before winter set in. It's cold and lonely at 2 A.M.
  • FYI, the Amish are known for puppy mills. Get her checked by a vet ASAP. I'm assuming they gave you some kind of "puppy warranty".

    Biggest impacts will be having to go back to the cg to take care of her rather than stay out for 10-12 hours and finding campgrounds that will allow you to leave her alone for any length of time, if at all. Yup, just like a baby but at least if she misbehaves you can put her in her crate! :B
  • Last two puppies we had were very particular. They never chewed up anything that did not cost at least $100. Another reason why the present dog was 2 1/2 when we got her.
  • Make sure she has plenty of things to chew...like shoes, chair legs, table legs.....
  • Dogs are creatures of habit. Start taking her everywhere now and she will just come to accept it as a way of life. Of course if you ever have to leave her home you will be in trouble.
  • Happy puppy hood!

    Start now taking her for short rides. I suggest she ride in the back seat in a crate. Ours feel very uncomfortable if not in their crates.
  • She will affect your travel just as a baby would. (I have 3 Yorkies).
    You will have some times when you can't do certain things due to having her, but the trade off is having the joy of loving her and have her loving you back. It will keep you from longer activities away from camper. Is it worth it? You bet!
    Mine love traveling and "camping".

    Enjoy her!

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