It’s That Time… Go RVing With Your Dog!

If you go RVing with your dog, you know that this is a lifestyle with its own special conundrums and unique pleasures. The human in charge has to worry about things like which campgrounds allow dogs and of those, which ones are better designed to be pet-friendly? After all, since dogs are usually considered a full-fledged family member, it’s only natural to expect that Fido and Fifi receive as warm a reception as the two-legged variety of camper!

Aside from finding the perfect place to set-up, there are all sorts of other issues related to camping when you go RVing with your dog. Lucky for you, though, we have the perfect solution for each problem you face!

Problems and Solutions For When You Go RVing With Your Dog:

1) Finding A Pet-Friendly Campground

You could carry a long list. You might choose to circle locales on a map. If you’re so inclined, selecting online favorites to feature in that convenient drop-down menu is also an option. But, perhaps the easiest solution to finding a pet-friendly campground in the direction you’re traveling is to program the phone number of Bring Fido into your mobile phone.

This little gem of a site, devoted to the special needs of humans who travel with dogs, has a direct line to pet travel experts. The website features an extensive directory of campgrounds all around the world, from rustic sites to luxury resorts. Chat with a representative and get the scoop on a site’s policies. Go online and read reviews of the experiences of other campers. You can even get tips on nearby excursions, restaurants, or special animal attractions that are also open to four-legged guests.

2) Freedom & Safety

Safety is an ongoing issue when you go RVing with your dog. Accidents and surprises can happen at anytime, while driving or parked. It’s important for dogs to enjoy the freedom of movement because no dog can stay crated or leashed forever and remain healthy and happy! But at the same time, safety is always important, too.

Here are some products that make it possible to safely go off-leash from time to time:

Use doggie playpens to easily set-up a yard for freedom outside the camper.
Wireless pet barriers do not require in-ground installation like an invisible fence does. This makes a wireless barrier portable. If a pet parent is okay with the concept of a minor electrical shock deterrent, this is a solution for even more freedom at a campsite.
Although tie-out systems are commonly used, they rarely offer the kind of freedom a dog truly craves. If there are multiple doggie campers, they usually just end up in a tangled mess. Now there is new technology for tie-out systems that make it possible for not just one, but two dogs to have a super long tether and play to their hearts’ delight without worry of getting all tangled up. One word of advice when using tie-outs: to protect a dog’s trachea, use tie-outs with a harness. Running full-speed then reaching the end of a tie-out cable can cause major damage.

3) Water Safety

Chances are water features will play a major role when you go RVing with your dog. Rivers, lakes, and sandy ocean beaches are some of the most prime campsites for RVers. If a watersprite lives within the soul of your dog, there will be no keeping them away from such a strong draw. The basics, like outfitting your dog with a life vest and keeping them on-leash, are probably practiced by even rookie campers.

Here are some tips for both the seasoned veteran and the camping rookie when it comes to water safety:

When selecting a watercraft, like a kayak, always size up so that Fido or Fifi can have their own seat. Yeah, it’s cool to have pics of your dog sitting on the bow like a furry Poseidon, but that’s a dangerous spot. The bow becomes the highest point when it hits a swell, meaning Fido or Fifi could easily go flying. Should a pooch take the initiative and launch themselves into the water, they are directly in the path of travel of the craft. This raises the risk of the dog getting run over and injured. Becoming distracted with a doggie rescue operation then puts everyone else’s safety at risk. Sitting on the bow should only be for a photo shoot. Then a four-legged sailor needs to sit down like everyone else.
First-timers should be allowed to sniff and explore a watercraft before getting on-board. Let Fido and Fifi take their time determining that this strange, new creature is safe.
Bring along treats and toys. It could be that they serve as a soothing distraction for a nervous rider. Or, things could swing toward the other extreme. Fido or Fifi could find the whole thing quite boring and need their favorite bone to eat away the time until becoming a landlubber again.
Loading and unloading, in theory, would seem simple, right? Well, don’t expect every dog to know that they should just leap aboard. After all, whatever craft you’re riding in will not be parked like a car. It’s a boat. It’s in the water. It’s going to be bobbing up and down. That movement can cause confusion for Fido and Fifi. You may have to get in first, showing your dog what to do. You might even have to carry your beloved companion over the threshold. However it works out, just keep in mind that things might not go as planned. In the end, it’s possible you could both end up all wet.
The push-off can get tricky. It may be that Fido or Fifi instinctively want to help or join whoever is back on solid ground. They may be tempted to jump right back off the craft you so patiently loaded them in to. The sound of oars whacking the boat can be startling. Tossed ropes could strike them and trigger the instinct to bolt. While casting off stay on high-alert, watching your dog’s reaction until everyone is back in the boat.
As you get underway, keep an eye on Fido and Fifi as you gradually increase speed. If you find a speed that they are uncomfortable with, throttle back down and cruise until their nervousness passes. Gradually, they will become accustomed to the wind in their hair and a bit of spray in the face.
Keep Fido and Fifi tethered until you see how they are going to react to temptations like waterfowl, fish, or other wildlife that may be encountered. It’s easy to lose control of a companion who can leap beyond your reach within a split second, especially when it’s impossible to remain vigilant when boating because you also have other responsibilities that require attention. So, keep the leash in hand until you can trust your dog to stay in the boat no matter what temptation arises.

4) On The Road Dining

While traveling, it is easy for humans to experience all sorts of gastrointestinal disaster if they don’t take care with what they eat. The same is true for Fido and Fifi. What are you feeding your traveling companion? It’s probably a suitable dog food. It may even be a specialty brand. Perhaps a dog is on a prescription diet. On the road, dining can be problematic if a particular brand of food is not widely available.

Before you go RVing with your dog, check and see if the diet is available where you’re traveling. If not, make sure that you stock up. Pack more than you need, because you just never know what might happen!

RVing with dogs for companions is a wonderful experience and one that a camper won’t regret. So travel safe and travel smart. Bring Fido and Fifi along. Camp with confidence at the best locations while using the latest technology and safest practices. Stay connected with RVing experts whose expertise will help you have the time of your life.

And most importantly, have an amazing time when you go RVing with your dog!

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Tags: camping, camping with dogs, Go RVing with your dog, rv camping, RV tips and tricks

It’s Time to Go RVing With Your Dog!