traveling with doggie

[bigdog2306]

We are soon to be T/T owners,we have little dog (yorkie),we want to camp in state parks,COE parks,and Natl parks. do we take the dog where ever we go,leave her in rig,,not a big barker we think.Anyone have ideas.No we cant leave her home, shes part of the family.

[DownTheAvenue]

colliehauler wrote:
National parks they cannot go on the trails but are allowed at the campgrounds.

This is not always true. There are many National Parks where dogs are allowed everywhere except in the buildings. Each park can set their own rules, so always ask!

[Hermes1]

No reason not to bring your dog, many people do. We like you could not bear to leave ours at home or with someone else, so they have travelled with us always. With regards to National Parks most do not allow dogs on dirt trails, but do allow them on any paved trails and at the various lookouts the park may have. I seem to recall a couple of parks that do allow dogs on dirt trails, but they if so are the exception rather than the rule. One ranger told me that dogs are allowed on all trails if carried by the owner in a dog carrier, bag etc. With two large Akita's that does not work for us, but may for you, but as always check with any park, National or otherwise to get their rules etc. As far as leaving in the trailer, you want to make sure your dog will not nuisance bark and you will want to make sure AC is available if hot.

[bigdog2306]

Thanks to everyone,, very good tips.Now when we camp we stay outside most of the time,I was thinking a small portable pin for the dog,when we are outside. Ive seen these when camping.

[colliehauler]

janstey58 wrote:
How about another angle on this dog topic, how do you feel if you are expecting out of town guests that are planning to stay with you in your RV, and they say they are bringing their dog that I know is not well trained (poor dog owner basically)? We are faced with this, and it is my DW's daughter, a no win!! I put my foot down and insisted they either board the dog or rent a cabin in the CG. What would you do?

I would rent a cabin or room so they would be more comfortable. In my situation it was a large family that came to visit, not a dog. I was the good guy, everyone was more comfortable. Win - Win.

[cooperrobt]

Take the dog. Kind of treat as you would a toddler. We keep our Chi inside the trailer and in a portable kennel when outside.

[bgum]

In Yellowstone I have heard that small dogs have been taken off the end of leashes while the owner wasn't looking. We take our dog with us. If she can't go then we decided if we really want to go. We do keep a very close eye on her. She stays in camper when we eat.

[janstey58]

How about another angle on this dog topic, how do you feel if you are expecting out of town guests that are planning to stay with you in your RV, and they say they are bringing their dog that I know is not well trained (poor dog owner basically)? We are faced with this, and it is my DW's daughter, a no win!! I put my foot down and insisted they either board the dog or rent a cabin in the CG. What would you do?

[Steve_B_]

Once your dog considers the camper "home", and is comfortable, he will probably act as he does at your home. If he barks there, he will bark in the camper. My dog started out camping as a puppy and is used to the camper. He doesn't bark at home, he doesn't bark in the camper. I took him up to a motel room one night and went down to get luggage and he started barking right away, which surprised me. I don't leave him alone in the camper much, unless I'm headed to the bathroom or showers. He just sleeps while I'm gone. If I leave the campground, I take him with me. If I think the car might get to warm when running into a store, I park beyond others and remote start the car so that the AC is running. When I stay at a motel, he stays in the car until I'm unloaded and then he goes in with me. He is first out and in the car in the morning and then I pack up. No barking as the car is "home" too. Get him used to the camper before you even leave on your first trip - a bed, a bowl, toys. He'll catch on.

[GizmosMom]

Smudge goes wherever we go. He doesn't usually bark while inside the RV but just in case, we leave the TV on or a radio when we leave for short periods of time.
Our previous dog, Gizmo, barked whenever we left so we didn't leave him by himself.

[darsben1]

Not a big barker when you are around. When you go camping ask a neighbor to keep track of when and why your dog barks and to be truthful about it because this is new for the dog. It is one thing if your dog barks because someone is going near your rig; it is entirely different than your dog is lonely and barks for attention.
The first is tolerable by me (I have no dog) then second would drive me up the wall.

[Old-Biscuit]

Take her camping..
Use a leash at ALL times
Pick up her poop right after she poops

Pay attention to restrictions as posted

Leave in TT if she will NOT be barking........neighbors/CG Staff HATE barkers

And do NOT take her into stores/restaurants etc she is NOT a service dog or life assistance dog. Folks doing that are as bad as using 'handicap parking spots'---actually WORST

We have taken our dogs camping since forever. Just be responsible dog owners.

[toedtoes]

Different places have different rules. Basically, most USFS, COE, and BLM areas have few restrictions on dogs except 6ft leash (some places will allow dogs off-leash if under voice control, but be sure your dog will be safe first).

National parks and state parks are more likely to limit dogs to the campground and paved roads only (no hiking on trails, no beach, etc.).

Many places do not allow dogs to be left unattended in the campsite. This may or may not include leaving them in the RV.

Barking is a big issue, so you want to find out if your dog will bark or not BEFORE you start leaving it in the trailer alone. You can do some trial trips at dog-friendly campgrounds. Ask your camping neighbors how your dog behaved while you walk around the campground, etc.

The other big issue is temperature inside the RV. If the weather is hot, you may need to run the A/C. Are there limits to generator use during the day? Will you have electric hookups? What if the generator died halfway through your outing and the dog goes without a/c for 2+ hours? And so on.

[colliehauler]

National parks they cannot go on the trails but are allowed at the campgrounds. You have to be vigilant because with a small dog they can become part of the food chain. One of the reasons I bought the RV is so my Collies could come with me. Like another poster said make sure you clean up after them and keep them leashed when outside.

[azwildcat]

We have a small dog who goes everywhere we go. No problems. Just be sure to keep on leash and pickup after.