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Traveling with a little dog
We are heading out in late April for about 3 months.
We now have an 11 pound Shih-Tzu puppy that is almost a year old.

So far I have a "Rover Roamer" cable run, a stake and long tether, and of course we will bring her bed and some toys.

I am interested in the portable folding wire pens also for off-leash outside.
Anyone have experience with these pens? Recommendations?

Any other recommendations for us dog "newbies"?

2021 Mid Bath

Re: Traveling with a little dog
Reply #1
Depending on your style of camping, you might have to deal with well intentioned people who don't understand that a pet in a parked RV can be quite different than a pet in a car.  For us, this happens mostly in parking lots at places like stores and museums.

Someone will see us walking the dog for a few minutes and then putting him in the RV before we walk into the buildings.  If we don't return in a few minutes, that person will then make a report of a dog locked inside a vehicle at the park or museum or store office. 

Often it's a parking lot security attendant.  I guess they're told to look for locked up animals.  I try to explain the situation preemptively if I notice them watching us. 

I've taken to leaving a note on the drivers seat explaining that the dog is sleeping on the couch, with access to food and water, and thermostat controlled fans to keep the coach cool (or a heater if cold).  I also include my cell phone number.

They mean well, I guess, but being called on the loudspeaker and summoned to explain why your dog was left alone gets old after 3-4 times. 

Rich
'03 MB in NC


2003 MB

Re: Traveling with a little dog
Reply #2
In addition to picking up after your dog (which you very likely do!) and not letting it go into others' space, I suggest that you never leave your dog outside unattended, attached to a tether or in a pen, even if you think it's a 'safe' environment. Coyotes and other critters aside, an unattended dog can be attacked by off-leash dogs, can be bothered by kids (or adults!), or stolen. If the dog is outside, its owner should be outside or in the rig or very close by.

Also, please don't let your dog run up to other dogs and/or people; some dogs are not dog-friendly, and some kids and people are afraid of dogs, even little cute ones like yours. I've observed people kick and hit dogs that were allowed to run up to him/her with the owner calling out, "Oh, he's friendly!" This scenario often happens when the dog is on a retractable leash; an owner has little or no control when the leash is extended, and is not able to reel the dog in fast enough to prevent trouble.

I also suggest that you take a lot of care when visiting a dog park; before taking the dog into an area where there are other dogs, take a few minutes to observe the 'action' among the dogs and their owners. Plenty of owners are not aware of 'dog body language', or are on their cell phones, or otherwise not paying attention to their and others' dogs. (And, little dogs can be just as aggressive as larger animals.)

My dog is not dog-friendly; she has her A-List, but it's for people, and dogs are not on it.  So, she's monitored to avoid potential conflict. Like a lot of RVers, I've always traveled with my dog(s), and wouldn't have it any other way. Yes, it can be 'confining' and limiting in a lot of ways, but dogs can be great companions; for me, the travel constraints are worth having her with me.

There are many websites and forums and whatnot dedicated to travel with pets; you might want to do a search for these. And, there are quite a few people on this forum who travel with dogs of all kinds, so you're pretty sure to get additional input.  ;)

As ever, YMMV.

2003 TK has a new home

Re: Traveling with a little dog
Reply #3

Re: X-pens. Many owners of RVing dogs use these pens; they seem to work well for many dogs, if you're OK with the weight and bulk of even a small wire or plastic panel pen. Depending on how much space you have in your rig, a small pen might fit in a compartment. I used wire pens to train pups and to confine injured, recovering, or sick animals at home, but have not needed to find space to carry a pen on the road.

I've also seen small fabric 'kennel pens' for dogs and cats, e.g., this one (I once saw one of these occupied by a couple of little dogs, a cat, and a very large, floppy-eared rabbit.  :) ):

Amazon.com : ESK Collection (ESK48-Blue) Pet Exercise Pen Kennel, 48 Inch,...







As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
2003 TK has a new home

Re: Traveling with a little dog
Reply #4
"I suggest that you never leave your dog outside unattended..."

This is very often seen as a primary rule in RV Parks and campgrounds. If your pet is outside you best be outside as well.  ;)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!

Re: Traveling with a little dog
Reply #5
I was bitten last year by a small, but aggressive, dog as it was being walked by its clueless owner on a leash.  It happened again two weeks ago.  Keeping a dog under control is imperative.
We have traveled for years with a German shepherd.  When we have the dog outside with us, it is always on a leash.  When we walk with the dog, it is under control. It isn't a perfect situation for the dog or for us, but it certainly makes the dog's presence more tolerable to the neighbors.  Not everyone loves dogs and some people are fearful of dogs and the dogs know.
If your dog tends to bark, please leave it at home.  As my grandpa said "children and dogs should be seen, but not heard."
Carrying bags for dog waste is a basic.  Carrying the bag full of waste to a trash can is important also; please don't leave the little bag full of poop on the side of the road or trail for someone else to dispose of.
Dogs are often not allowed on trails, especially in state and national parks.  This makes hiking as a couple difficult when traveling with a dog.
We have found that when we stay where there is partial hookups that running the AC, or even just the fan, it creates enough gray noise to mollify the dog inside the coach.  Another nice benefit of the dark windows on the Lazy Daze is that the dog can sit inside and look out, but snoopy people outside can't see them inside.
Naturally, portable cages aren't much help with large breeds.

Harold
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life

Re: Traveling with a little dog
Reply #6
One other thing to keep in mind about those wire dog exercise pens for outdoors - some clever dogs can learn to "climb" the walls.  So you would want to determine that your dog, even when highly motivated, can't climb out.  And be on the lookout for wandering dogs who might climb in.

Dottie and small dog who is not that clever.
2004 MB

Re: Traveling with a little dog
Reply #7
"Another nice benefit of the dark windows on the Lazy Daze is that the dog can sit inside and look out..."
---
My dog offers these tips to other canines: "The couch(es) under the largest windows offer the best viewing opportunities, much better than the front seats; be sure to use both for maximum field of vision if available. The couches are especially comfy if one or more are being used as people beds; the covers can be rucked up to make a nest! The couch may also offer better access for getting into the trash that may be temporarily set on the counter in a vain attempt to prevent the dog from getting into it if the human(s) is/are not present. It's recommended to listen and watch closely for the return of the human(s) and move quickly off the couch and into one's own bed; this action should be accompanied by assuming a facial expression of innocence or by feigning sleep."
2003 TK has a new home

Re: Traveling with a little dog
Reply #8

HI,
We travel with a 14lb cockapoo.  She loves it. We found a sturdy storage box that sits between the cab seats, she sits on top and can see out and get attention from both driver and passenger.  We use a tether for her. I don't want to give up the space for an outdoor pen.  She uses a cable run at home. She always has her nose down, and when her nose is on, her ears are off.  So to keep her safe at home on the "hook" she goes.  The best travel product I found is her water bowl.  This is the one we use.

Amazon.com: Heininger 3059 PortablePET WaterBoy: Automotive

She can't tip it over and it doesn't splash water out.  Easy to open for cleaning and holds a good amount of water. We don't worry about her running out if we leave her indoors while we are exploring areas that she is not allowed.

We also use the exterior windshield cover to keep indoor temperature under control when we need to leave her inside.

tlbh2o

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Sand Castle (Theresa & Everett) Surfside
01'  26.5 Mid Bath,   2018 31IB
Michigan born and starting to explore the US with my  spouse and our furry friend. Enjoying joining LD group rallies.

Re: Traveling with a little dog
Reply #9
One more thing:
We leave the wrap-around windshield and cab windows cover on the cab whenever we are traveling with the dog.  Toby, the wonder dog (we wondered what he was good for) would otherwise sit in the front seat and woof at passers by and rub his big, wet nose all over the windshield and driver and passenger windows.  With the cover up, he just sits or sleeps in the rear lounges and his view is rarely toward the street so he doesn't see many people or dogs.
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life

Re: Traveling with a little dog
Reply #10
"As my grandpa said "children and dogs should be seen, but not heard.""

It's my guess that your grandpa and my grandpa must have gone to the same school... although separated by several years!  ;)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!

Re: Traveling with a little dog
Reply #11
I was bitten last year by a small, but aggressive, dog as it was being walked by its clueless owner on a leash.  It happened again two weeks ago.  Keeping a dog under control is imperative.
We have traveled for years with a German shepherd.  When we have the dog outside with us, it is always on a leash.  When we walk with the dog, it is under control. It isn't a perfect situation for the dog or for us, but it certainly makes the dog's presence more tolerable to the neighbors.  Not everyone loves dogs and some people are fearful of dogs and the dogs know.
If your dog tends to bark, please leave it at home.  As my grandpa said "children and dogs should be seen, but not heard."
Carrying bags for dog waste is a basic.  Carrying the bag full of waste to a trash can is important also; please don't leave the little bag full of poop on the side of the road or trail for someone else to dispose of.
Dogs are often not allowed on trails, especially in state and national parks.  This makes hiking as a couple difficult when traveling with a dog.
We have found that when we stay where there is partial hookups that running the AC, or even just the fan, it creates enough gray noise to mollify the dog inside the coach.  Another nice benefit of the dark windows on the Lazy Daze is that the dog can sit inside and look out, but snoopy people outside can't see them inside.
Naturally, portable cages aren't much help with large breeds.

Harold
"...running the AC, or even just the fan, it creates enough gray noise to mollify the dog inside the coach."

We would leave the radio/or TV on and always shut the blinds. A secondary + here is that folks walking by might think the LD was occupied.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB

Re: Traveling with a little dog
Reply #12
Tedeboy,
another hazard you might want to be aware of with the pictured dog: in some locales you may find yourself assessed with an excessive cuteness tax.

The bench and chairs are low enough but the IB is to high for my 3-many dogs to safely jump.   I built a ramp with a hinged incline and use the interior to store dog toys and sweaters.
Joel
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE

Re: Traveling with a little dog
Reply #13
It's much easier now to find veterinary care while traveling than it was in past years. RV parks and some campgrounds may be able to offer information on local vet care, but most of us have web access; hopefully, there's a cell signal. This site may help locate vet services when needed, or, if one's plans include specific areas, vets can be located in advance of need and a list kept.

https://www.aaha.org/pet_owner/about_aaha/hospital_search/default.aspx
2003 TK has a new home

Re: Traveling with a little dog
Reply #14
We have a fairly large dog that weighs 50lbs and is part everything that was a pound rescue. She paid us back in full by rescuing our old german shorthair from a vicious coyote attack that nearly killed her anyway. Vet said she'd never survive and we should put her down but I decided to give her a chance and she astounded everyone by pulling through but unfortunately succumbed to cancer six months later which beats being eaten alive by coyotes.
The biggest problem with our pound mutt is every little kid wants to hug her which fortunately she just loves so everyone comes away smiling. We just keep her on a rope while camping and she seems perfectly fine with that but it doesn't work for all dogs. Our Short hair was miserable on a rope and we had to bring a somewhat elaborate system of plastic fence post and poultry netting to make as big an enclosure as possible for her.
This was them on a rainy day looking outside like a couple of bored kids.
Discuss anything with anyone and disagree agreeably. Always be polite and respectful.


Re: Traveling with a little dog
Reply #16

Speaking of water bowls for a traveling dog, this is my first and only choice. I've used these (2) since 2004 when the LD was brand spanking new and not once have I had a drop of water spilled where this bowl is concerned. Cedar wouldn't know what to do if it weren't for 'his' bowl.   ;D

They break down into three pieces so you can scrub every inch, inside and out!


Amazon.com : Ray Allen BB1-NEU Buddy Bowl, 44 oz, Neutral : Pet Supplies

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!

Re: Traveling with a little dog
Reply #17
How do you get inside of it to keep it clean?

The blue section unscrews like a jar lid and comes out completely.  Our girl likes to try to tip over bowls and she can't do that with this one.
Sand Castle (Theresa & Everett) Surfside
01'  26.5 Mid Bath,   2018 31IB
Michigan born and starting to explore the US with my  spouse and our furry friend. Enjoying joining LD group rallies.

 
Re: Traveling with a little dog
Reply #18

We bought one of these for hiking and biking but it works great in the LD while driving too. Something about it being soft doesn't allow the water to slosh out.

Amazon.com: Stansport Collapsible Dog Bowl, Multi (Colors May Vary): Sports...

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Discuss anything with anyone and disagree agreeably. Always be polite and respectful.