Rving with large dog

[Stephanie21]

We are new to RVing and were shocked to find so many RV parks do not accept the larger dogs like Doberman. I spent an hour calling parks in one city without success, they say their insurance doesn't allow these dogs. What do others do with the larger breeds? Is there a website that lists the parks that accept them? Thank you for your help.

[rockhillmanor]

Goostoff wrote:
What he said.... They are federal parks

X2 on the fed and state parks.

Also when traveling in between destinations check out KOA CG's the majority of them have no pet restrictions.

Albeit you will find a couple KOA's that do have restrictions where they might have to abide by their county laws that will include breed restrictions. But all in all I have used KOA exclusively when I travel because I travel with more than one dog and am always welcomed there.

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

Stephanie - get a copy of the "Good Sam Travel Guide and RV Park Directory". It's a massive book that lists most campgrounds, and in each campground listing, it will itemize any pet restrictions (if they have them at all) according to (S)=size, (B)=breed, or (Q)= quantity. The first two, if listed, might make you want to call the campground for clarification.

My experience, traveling with 3 dogs, 2 of them largish, was that we never had a problem finding a place to stay. And my experience camping near folks with Dobies is that the ones who are traveling tend to be extremely well-trained!

[Lantley]

SuperiorBound wrote:

RavensFan24 wrote:
In the end, if anything were to happen it's my responsibility no matter what the breed.

Too bad all owners do not feel this way.

Unfortunately that not totally true. If something happens the CG can be held liable for anything occurring on their property

[Farmerjon]

We call ahead and ask if our 2 Dobies that are obedience trained and good citizenship certifed would be welcomed and we have always been invited to come on down.
There was one park that the Old Fella rally was going to be held at and they wouldn't budge on their restrictions so Richard moved the rally to another park.

[SuperiorBound]

RavensFan24 wrote:
In the end, if anything were to happen it's my responsibility no matter what the breed.

Too bad all owners do not feel this way.

[RavensFan24]

I have 3 dogs of varying mixes weighing from 40-70lbs. We run into limitations a lot, but always manage to find a spot. Most of the time my issue is a 2 dog limit, but I call and ask and they usually say it's not a problem. They just want to discourage the majority from having a ton of dogs.

As for breed restrictions, I'm not positive on the actual mixes of my dogs, but all seem to have some lab in them. When someone asks the breed, I just say they're all lab mixes. In the end, if anything were to happen it's my responsibility no matter what the breed.

[xteacher]

We camp in state, corp, and national parks with electricity and water almost exclusively; they're cheaper and usually prettier than commercial campgrounds/rv parks. I've never noticed any breed restrictions in them, but some corp parks do have a limit on how many dogs one may bring. Very few of these parks allow dogs on the trails or on the beaches. We crate our little dogs and the boxer thankfully is okay loose in the camper. Stuffed Kongs and split antlers to snack on help keep them occupied. We turn the radio on for them to help block out outside noise, and we close all window shades to avoid visual stimulation. We try not to stay gone more than 4 hours at any given time, and so far, so good.

[Goostoff]

What he said.... They are fedral parks

[toedtoes]

Corps of Engineers

[Stephanie21]

Goostoff wrote:
We use the COE park system. There is never any problems with my dog. I also use this as an opportunity to educate the public by showing how well behaved a Rottie can be. I cant take him for a single walk without at least one person wanting to pet him. I just love seeing the look on parents face when a group of kids run up to him and want to pet him. I just tell them one at a time so they dont scare him.

Now, on to the real problem with RVing with large dogs, THE SLOBBER!!!! My god the slobber!!!! We have to wipe down everything from waist level down and shampoo the carpets after every camping trip.

What is the COE park system? Thank you.

[SuperiorBound]

I have a Great Labradane, 110lbs. I mostly camp in Minnesota State Parks or the Superior National forest and have faced no size or breed restrictions.

[frmAloha]

In regard to National Parks, dogs on leash are usually allowed on paved paths, parking lots and campgrounds. They are not allowed in buildings. And I have found exceptions where my dog was welcome even on some non-paved paths.

[toedtoes]

Stephanie21 wrote:
Thank you all for your comments. It's just going to be a little more time consuming to find a park than I thought. Good thing we love the little knuckle head! I was also told now that the national parks do not allow any dog on the hiking trails, even on a leash. Which creates a problem not wanting to leave your dog in an RV all day. This is all so interesting as I see "companion animals" in grocery stores, restaurants, etc. wonder what the nat. parks do about that?

There are legal differences between "companion animals" or "comfort animals" or "emotional support animals" and service animals. Service animals have strict guidelines and are protected under the ADA. The others are not - although local legislation and/or the FAA may have broader regulations that provide certain rights to these classifications.

California State Parks do not allow dogs on trails. While it makes sense in some places (Ano Nuevo with the elephant seals, etc.), it is really silly in others (Folsom Lake which is surrounded by houses with dogs - yet a dog on the trail will "scare away the wildlife").

In the end, those of us with dogs have to make choices: leave the dog at home or with family/friends/kennel while you travel to non-dog friendly places; don't go to non-dog friendly places; or leave your dog in the RV unattended.

[Goostoff]

We use the COE park system. There is never any problems with my dog. I also use this as an opportunity to educate the public by showing how well behaved a Rottie can be. I cant take him for a single walk without at least one person wanting to pet him. I just love seeing the look on parents face when a group of kids run up to him and want to pet him. I just tell them one at a time so they dont scare him.

Now, on to the real problem with RVing with large dogs, THE SLOBBER!!!! My god the slobber!!!! We have to wipe down everything from waist level down and shampoo the carpets after every camping trip.