Travel with a pet - Yes/No?

[Stinger 96]

I soon plan to push off and spend most of my time in RV travel. I will go where pleasant weather and pleasant people are in abundant supply.

Before hitting the road I am considering a pet. Probably a dog but I have not yet decided so here I am asking for advice already. I would like to hear from those who have traveled with a dog. Overall, is it a good idea or not?  If yes, what breeds do you recommend?

I just think a dog could be good company for me as I hike and sit by the evening fire.

Thanks for your suggestions.
Stinger 96

[LindaH]

We have traveled fulltime with a dog since 1998 and part-time previous to that.

As far as which breed, that's owner's choice...just be aware that many, many RV parks have breed restrictions (no Pit Bulls, Rotweillers, Dobermans, etc.) and many have size limits (typically 25# or less).  No matter which breed you decide on, just make sure you teach it not to bark while you are gone from the RV and that you always keep in on a lead with you at the other end and pick up after them when they do their business.

In short, make sure both you and the dog are good citizens.

[evenjohn]

We have traveled in our RV on several months trips with a dog and cat for many years and now we are full-timers and still have a dog and cat. Our tips:
...The good citizen reply is a must.
... Dogs are like children and should be well behaved and "mind" you = so make sure it's trained the way you want (and no bad habits) before you get or buy a young dog that you train yourself.
... They are excellent company, fill in the "voids" and great to share good times with! 
... As far as the breed... get a book or go on-line and read about the different breeds and find the dog that is good for you and meets the requirements you are seeking.
Good luck and have fun! 

[Bighill]

We have travelled for years with our yorkie and can't imagine ever going without her.
Bill & Kathy

[Black Hawk]

  YES, in the fifteen years we have been full timming , have never been with out a dog.
warm on a cold night,understands all your ups and downs..Our dog has always had ears for sounds outside in a remote area I can't hear. That is dogs duty. SAFETY.  Go to the Pound and get yourself a mutt.

[junglejim0745]

I will be the NO vote on should one travel with a pet. They tie you down, keep you from going many places and are not welcome in many places. If you like the responsibility of having a dog or pet then go for it, but there are way to many people out here who have dogs and cats that are nothing but a nuisance to others.

Many firmly believe that EVERYONE has a right to pet their dog, and won't keep them on a leash or pick up after them. My wife has a dog, I don't. Unfortunately we can not go anywhere for more than a few hours without having to return to the RV to let the dog out. She does take care of hers, cleans up after it, etc. but it still is so very, very limiting in what we can and can not do. When this one is gone, no more, or we get two RV's.

We have heard from so many owners that their dog doesn't bark when they are gone, because they have them trained so. Unfortunately they never know and most that say their dog don't bark are WRONG. As far as a dog being for safety, old wives tale. Dog's can be disabled with very little effort. I will take a Smith & Wesson any day over a dog for safety reasons.

I know everyone is sitting thinking I am a pet hater, not true at all, I just don't want the responsibility of one and will not be like so many others and get one and not take care of it. I raised my three kids mostly by myself and they all grew up and moved out into their own lives, unfortunately a pet never does that. I do not take care of others pets, nor would I ever ask anyone else to care for mine.

Happy RVing.  

[Dynadobe]

We are not fulltimers yet, but do quite a bit of camping with our travel trailer during spring, summer, and fall.  We travel with two Dobermans.  They were the big reason we bought a trailer again, as we hated leaving them behind.  Ours are quiet in the trailer when we leave them.  We have never had a complaint, and we wait when we pull out to make sure they are quiet, and check when we get back to make sure they are quiet.  We leave them 'Kong' toys stuffed with treats and peanut butter to work on while we are gone.  We make sure to always pick up after them, and make sure they are not nuisances to anyone.  With our breed, we needed to commit to long walks so they could get their exercise.  A smaller breed will not require as much exercise, and can usually be exercised in the trailer if there is enough length to roll a ball and play fetch.  Different breeds have different energy levels, and that does not depend on size.  Some very large dogs are much more laid back than some small dogs.  Consider grooming.  If it is raining outside, can you deal with your poodle coming back into the RV with mud on its coat?  Our breed is 'wash and wear', a quick wipe down and they are clean again.  Consider how much fur/hair you can put up with in the RV.  Our breed does not shed much, and the fur that is dropped goes to the floor and does not 'float' in the air.  The hardest part for us is when the weather is too hot to take them in the truck with us for outings from the campground.  We try to schedule early morning and evening outings if we can, so they can comfortably stay in the truck.  But it does eliminate some of the stuff I would like to do, like browsing in shops.  Hubby of course hates shopping, so sometimes he just stays 'home' with the dogs.  : )  Also, some breeds are just barkier than others.  Dobermans generally bark only when there is reason to bark.  We feel quite safe with them!  There is a lot to consider.  Take your time to make your decision and research a lot.  Talk to breeders.  It would be awful to get a dog and then have to give it up.

[jdelaneyh]

I know most RVers who travel with pets have dogs and stinger 96 a dog would be a better choice for you. They are wonderful companions on the road as well as great ice breakers for meeting new people. I had a Labrador Retriever who was fabulous with people and kids and loved to camp and hike. She didn't force herself on others but enjoyed the attention if someone approached her and asked. It's all in how YOU train them. Lately we've traveled with our cats for  as well and plan to begin fulltiming later this year! Even when we tent camped and upgraded to a pop-up the cats were part of our family and went along. I have to say they loved it! Lounging on the sleeping bag covered cots or slide out beds in the sunshine and fresh air by big screened windows seemed to really suit them.

WE love our animals and they prefer being along with us. Our lives have been greatly enriched not hampered by them. Yes, there are those who neglect their pet ownership responsibilities, but for all who take care and love their pets, traveling with a furry companion or two can be a very wonderful experience.