Pets left alone in RV at campground?
We are now a dog owner and would consider bringing her on next camping trip. Question for all: is it considered acceptable to leave dog in trailer while we are away? Windows and vents will be open,...
Forum Discussion
As so many have already said, this is one of those rules that campgrounds put in place so they can enforce such when they need to for a dog/owner that becomes a problem. However, in most cases, for responsible owners and well behaved dogs, they look the other way and really do not care. Same thing with the rules about alcohol, and firearms in campgrounds.
Its a little like the fireworks laws in North Carolina, too. Not illegal to buy or own, but technically, illegal to let off. However, police look the other way and do not care at all how big a fireworks you buy elsewhere and let off here in NC. They will almost never cite someone for such unless they cause a bigger problem (neighbors complaining, property damage, etc.)
You'll find also that people's opinion about how strictly one should adhere to rules like this, is very dependent on their situation and their preferences. It is easy for someone to 'preach' that nobody should ever leave a dog unattended inside an RV, ever, when that person doesn't own any pets and/or doesn't like hearing them or seeing them. Or, if they are the type that always prefers to leave their pets at home, regardless, for whatever reason. People's personal preferences for their own life always seems to impact their opinions on just what rules should be 100% enforced and which can be bent a little. Funny how that works.
For me personally.... We bring our dog (Aussie Shepherd mix) with us almost every time we go camping. And, yes, she stays in our camper by herself when we go out to places we can't bring her easily. She is not a barker, almost never barks, ever, unless she has a very good reason to (like when she really needs to go out to do her business and we take too long to get her out). She is very quiet and is perfectly fine staying by herself in our camper. You would never know there even is a dog in our camper when we are out unless you climbed up and peaked in a window (and even then, since we normally have shades pulled and she is so quiet when we are gone, you still probably couldn't tell). Soo, yes, she stays in our camper by herself quite frequently, and we've never had an issue.
I agree, that its not a good idea to tell total newcomers that it is OK to ignore this rule. You definitely should know what the rules are regarding this at the campgrounds you stay at, and should seriously consider making other arrangements if your dog is not one that can be calm, quiet when alone in your camper. Like so many other things, its about respecting those around you, that may or may not be OK with hearing your dog bark all the time.s
Its a little like the fireworks laws in North Carolina, too. Not illegal to buy or own, but technically, illegal to let off. However, police look the other way and do not care at all how big a fireworks you buy elsewhere and let off here in NC. They will almost never cite someone for such unless they cause a bigger problem (neighbors complaining, property damage, etc.)
You'll find also that people's opinion about how strictly one should adhere to rules like this, is very dependent on their situation and their preferences. It is easy for someone to 'preach' that nobody should ever leave a dog unattended inside an RV, ever, when that person doesn't own any pets and/or doesn't like hearing them or seeing them. Or, if they are the type that always prefers to leave their pets at home, regardless, for whatever reason. People's personal preferences for their own life always seems to impact their opinions on just what rules should be 100% enforced and which can be bent a little. Funny how that works.
For me personally.... We bring our dog (Aussie Shepherd mix) with us almost every time we go camping. And, yes, she stays in our camper by herself when we go out to places we can't bring her easily. She is not a barker, almost never barks, ever, unless she has a very good reason to (like when she really needs to go out to do her business and we take too long to get her out). She is very quiet and is perfectly fine staying by herself in our camper. You would never know there even is a dog in our camper when we are out unless you climbed up and peaked in a window (and even then, since we normally have shades pulled and she is so quiet when we are gone, you still probably couldn't tell). Soo, yes, she stays in our camper by herself quite frequently, and we've never had an issue.
I agree, that its not a good idea to tell total newcomers that it is OK to ignore this rule. You definitely should know what the rules are regarding this at the campgrounds you stay at, and should seriously consider making other arrangements if your dog is not one that can be calm, quiet when alone in your camper. Like so many other things, its about respecting those around you, that may or may not be OK with hearing your dog bark all the time.s
