Another doggy thread, you don't have to read it.

[Lol1]

This is really a question for all you dog owners that choose to take your full family with you when you go off touring.

A little background first though. We used to have German Shepherds, up until late last year when the last of them sadly died. We both agreed that we wouldn't have another at that time; the very act of having to take the dog to the vets to have her put down was just a step too far for us. Benefits of not having a dog came flooding in though, the house smelled fresher, no pooperscoopering in the back garden and no replacing fences where the dogs had tried to get next door and eat their dogs! Yes life was good; we could leave the front door open and not worry about them escaping into the road, no more picking up an inch deep layer of hair every day with the vacuum cleaner and no more having to find kennels or friends or neighbours to look after them while we went away.

So what have we done this week? Yes, gone and bought another dog! A Rhodesian Ridgeback to be precise, and where the site we are booked on won't take German Sheps, they will take our Ridgeback.

Now comes the question, it will be the first time we have taken any dog with us for a long time, "Rocky" seems very we behaved (adult rescue dog), and we have bought a cage for him to use as his home in the awning, but what are the "Do's and Don'ts" while he is on site with us?

Obviously he wont be jumping in bed with us, unless he wants to (you should see him eat, T Rex is a pussy compared!), but any other thoughts and observations will be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Viking1]

good look !!!

Mark

 

[chelsea1]

I love the doggy threads!

Firstly, sorry about your dog, we are experienced GSD owners who know what you are going through! We had a rescue GSD who died suddenly 3 years ago and we have another GSD still with us which we had from a pup. I often say "we wont have another" when she sadly goes...the only reason is the heartache we go through when we lose one, because we dont have kids yet - our dogs are like our children to us.

I cant imagine our lives without our dogs though, we have "routine" with them, I think we are more active because of them (walks 4-5 times a day) (away to sites every weekend walking). Im always moaning about the hair, the mud and wet footprints in the winter....but I get over it...its part and parcel of having her!

You sound exactly like us...make your mind up your'e not having another dog and then go and get one, good on you for getting a rescue dog, a ridgeback is big isnt it??!

My tips for vanning with a dog is -

probably you already have an awning of some sort - if you dont - get one

dog eats in awning/is dried when wet in awning

take plenty of dog towels for wet weather/river swimming!

blankets/throws to cover all your lovely caravan interior

clear plastic matting/runners to cover floor

supply of swing bin liners (ideal doggy poo bags)

we always try to pick sites that are not "commercial",..try to find sites with a designated dog walk or dog exercise area where you can let him off for a run, or better still we find sites with direct forest access.

Im sure you are going to have lots of fun with your new family member, if you think about it the poor thing would be stuck in a rescue centre if it wasnt for you, now he is living a life of luxury touring the country in a caravan!

 

[BigRoy]

Well done Lol I knew you'd crack in the end, Sarah's list is pretty comprehensive especially about the throws.

I'm sure you know this but I'm going to mention it anyway, don't leave him in the car on a hot day even for a short length of time even with the windows open.

good luck.

PS

I've still got that photo of you with the carpet sweeper, wearing an apron and your fluffy slippers, I must remember to put that blackmail note in the post.

 

[Lol1]

Well done Lol I knew you'd crack in the end, Sarah's list is pretty comprehensive especially about the throws.

I'm sure you know this but I'm going to mention it anyway, don't leave him in the car on a hot day even for a short length of time even with the windows open.

good luck.

PS

I've still got that photo of you with the carpet sweeper, wearing an apron and your fluffy slippers, I must remember to put that blackmail note in the post.

Thanks for that valid point Roy, I would never leave a dog (especialy this one) unattended in a car, hot or cold. I value the car and the dog too much.

As for the photo, I'm sure it's of more value to you keeping your little one away from the fire, than it is in the public domain.

(Hope that bluff works)......

 

[Lol1]

I love the doggy threads!

Firstly, sorry about your dog, we are experienced GSD owners who know what you are going through! We had a rescue GSD who died suddenly 3 years ago and we have another GSD still with us which we had from a pup. I often say "we wont have another" when she sadly goes...the only reason is the heartache we go through when we lose one, because we dont have kids yet - our dogs are like our children to us.

I cant imagine our lives without our dogs though, we have "routine" with them, I think we are more active because of them (walks 4-5 times a day) (away to sites every weekend walking). Im always moaning about the hair, the mud and wet footprints in the winter....but I get over it...its part and parcel of having her!

You sound exactly like us...make your mind up your'e not having another dog and then go and get one, good on you for getting a rescue dog, a ridgeback is big isnt it??!

My tips for vanning with a dog is -

probably you already have an awning of some sort - if you dont - get one

dog eats in awning/is dried when wet in awning

take plenty of dog towels for wet weather/river swimming!

blankets/throws to cover all your lovely caravan interior

clear plastic matting/runners to cover floor

supply of swing bin liners (ideal doggy poo bags)

we always try to pick sites that are not "commercial",..try to find sites with a designated dog walk or dog exercise area where you can let him off for a run, or better still we find sites with direct forest access.

Im sure you are going to have lots of fun with your new family member, if you think about it the poor thing would be stuck in a rescue centre if it wasnt for you, now he is living a life of luxury touring the country in a caravan!

Thanks Sarah, but do you mind me asking what you do when for example, you and your partner need to go out in the evening?

 

[Rioja]

Hi Lol,

Interesting choice of breed.Ridgebacks were bred to hunt lions, they make GSD's fairly tame by comparison.

I am sure you won't have any problems but be aware ! Why was the dog in rescue ?

 

[Lol1]

My initial thoughts exactly, Rioja. You would suspect a bit of rough and tumble from a breed that was used to hunt Lions. We were assured by the Kennels that he was very well behaved, both with humans, other dogs, and animals, that's pretty much how it has turned out. Like you said they were originally breed to hunt Lions and other big game but they were taught not to tackle/fight anything and to use their bark to alert their masters. He is a strong dog, one look at his muscular frame and it leaves no doubt about his capabilities. In the short time we have had him he has been very well natured, if a little stubborn. His only fault being that he gives Hooch out of "Turner and Hooch" a run for his money for drooling!

He isn't so much a rescue dog, more of a re-homed dog. The previous owners apparently couldn't devote enough time to him as they both worked long hours.

As for him making GSDs look tame, believe me, it's the other way round. All three of our Alsatians were great dogs, loved em to bits, but they could be unpredictable. I call it character; the female police officer visiting our home called it a bite! Perhaps that's why Ridgebacks are accepted on the site we are going to, but not GSDs.

 

[BigRoy]

Lol why did you bite the female police officer?

 

[chelsea1]

Thanks Sarah, but do you mind me asking what you do when for example, you and your partner need to go out in the evening?

if its summer and we wanted to go to a pub - we would do pub with beer garden and sit outside with the dog!

other times we have driven to pub/restaurant in the evening...put dog in the back of the freelander and she lies down quite happily after an evening run in the car for an hour or so.

 

[Lol1]

Lol why did you bite the female police officer?

Obedience training Roy, and I was hungry too, damn this diet!

Anyway, were did you park the Harley tonight, biker boy?

;o)

 

[chelsea1]

if its summer and we wanted to go to a pub - we would do pub with beer garden and sit outside with the dog!

other times we have driven to pub/restaurant in the evening...put dog in the back of the freelander and she lies down quite happily after an evening run in the car for an hour or so.

ps - i know you dont like leaving your dog in the car. we have only done this once (whilst in scottish highlands)...so it was remote and we could see the dog from the pub!...i would never leave my dog in a busy pub/city/town location....we dont holiday in places like this.

I wouldnt trust her to leave her in the van...she probably would make a lot of noise and plus it would stress her out....saying that we would probably come back to find her lied on her back snoring with her legs in the air (like she does at home)

 

[LMH]

Hi Lol

Congratulations on getting your new dog. After SBT's RR's are my next favourite breed.

I've only got a couple of tips really.

As I have two dogs now, they both sleep in crates in the awning. I find those screw in spike things a god send. If you do buy one, when you first clip him to it, just make sure he doesn't chew through his lead, I would imagine he'd be ok at his age.

A nice thickly padded bed inside the crate should prevent him from getting any pressure type sores.

My two dogs arn't allowed in the caravan and are quite happy to stay in the awning in their own crates. Daisy cannot be left on the loose even if we are in the awning but Diesel is fine, he sticks by my side at all times. Your dog sounds really sociable so he should be ok.

Caravanning - the biggest challenge we've come across is on very very hot days. Even though the car has air con, when you go out it's sometimes hard to stay in the shade and even though you provide the dog with plenty of water, it's really uncomfortable for them. If I am near a tap with a hose, I'll spray the dog with cold water, if we are near the sea or shallow stream, I'll take the dog in to cool off. Another option to cool a dog down quickly is to carry a thick towel, either submerge it in cold water or run the cold water tap over it, don't wring it out and just drape the dog in it, particularly over its head. I've done that a few times, although Daisy loves having cold water showered over her. My dogs like ice cream and ice lollies etc, so they have them.

The only 'do' I adhere to which is set in stone which only relates to Diesel is if a dog approaches us and the owner is in sight, I always ask if the dog is friendly with other dogs and even then I make a quick judgement myself and act accordingly.

I love walking in woodland areas and obviously thats the place to be on hot days.

If it's not too hot and we're not going to be long, we have left Daisy in the past in the awning because she never makes a sound - ever. Diesel will sing though.

Not sure if the above has been of any help but he sounds lovely.

Lisa

 

[LMH]

Lol

I forgot to mention. Pedigree dogs are being targetted by low lifes. Some take them and hold them to ransom, others take them to sell on or in certain breeds, use them for fighting. There is a big underground following of dog fighting in this country and Ireland.

The latest advice is not to leave your dog unattended outside a shop etc, in a car (even if only paying for petrol), some people have even been approached and asked where the dog and it's owner lives.

Lisa

 

[chelsea1]

Hi Lol

Congratulations on getting your new dog. After SBT's RR's are my next favourite breed.

I've only got a couple of tips really.

As I have two dogs now, they both sleep in crates in the awning. I find those screw in spike things a god send. If you do buy one, when you first clip him to it, just make sure he doesn't chew through his lead, I would imagine he'd be ok at his age.

A nice thickly padded bed inside the crate should prevent him from getting any pressure type sores.

My two dogs arn't allowed in the caravan and are quite happy to stay in the awning in their own crates. Daisy cannot be left on the loose even if we are in the awning but Diesel is fine, he sticks by my side at all times. Your dog sounds really sociable so he should be ok.

Caravanning - the biggest challenge we've come across is on very very hot days. Even though the car has air con, when you go out it's sometimes hard to stay in the shade and even though you provide the dog with plenty of water, it's really uncomfortable for them. If I am near a tap with a hose, I'll spray the dog with cold water, if we are near the sea or shallow stream, I'll take the dog in to cool off. Another option to cool a dog down quickly is to carry a thick towel, either submerge it in cold water or run the cold water tap over it, don't wring it out and just drape the dog in it, particularly over its head. I've done that a few times, although Daisy loves having cold water showered over her. My dogs like ice cream and ice lollies etc, so they have them.

The only 'do' I adhere to which is set in stone which only relates to Diesel is if a dog approaches us and the owner is in sight, I always ask if the dog is friendly with other dogs and even then I make a quick judgement myself and act accordingly.

I love walking in woodland areas and obviously thats the place to be on hot days.

If it's not too hot and we're not going to be long, we have left Daisy in the past in the awning because she never makes a sound - ever. Diesel will sing though.

Not sure if the above has been of any help but he sounds lovely.

Lisa

my dog would escape from the awning!...she always used to from the tent...she puts her nose underneath and manages to push her way out..your dogs are very good!

 

[Lol1]

Lol

I forgot to mention. Pedigree dogs are being targetted by low lifes. Some take them and hold them to ransom, others take them to sell on or in certain breeds, use them for fighting. There is a big underground following of dog fighting in this country and Ireland.

The latest advice is not to leave your dog unattended outside a shop etc, in a car (even if only paying for petrol), some people have even been approached and asked where the dog and it's owner lives.

Lisa

Thanks Lisa, that has always been a worry for us. What sense is there using a dog to guard property, when the dog is the item of value. Thanks for the tip with the towel, that should prove useful.

 

[Lol1]

if its summer and we wanted to go to a pub - we would do pub with beer garden and sit outside with the dog!

other times we have driven to pub/restaurant in the evening...put dog in the back of the freelander and she lies down quite happily after an evening run in the car for an hour or so.

Thanks for the info Sarah, I can see us changing the way we holiday from now on, less nightlife, more BBQs perhaps. He really is a docile dog, but he may frighten others that don't know his nature (or the owners) so I think taking him to pubs will be an infrequent occurance, besides, I don't think he will pay for his round........

 

[HamishC]

Hi Lol

Glad to hear you decided to get another dog. I have been there, "we wont get another one" BUT when you have had one, you can't do without one, or in our case two! Ours are border collies

We have always taken them in the caravan and they love it. Even when its at home they want in to it! We sadly lost one of ours 2 years ago and got a pup, as the older one was missing his sister.

We had the pup away for the first time aged only 6 months and she was great - like a duck to water. Many people will be disgusted with this but both our 'bairns' sleep at the bottom of the bed with us (Although they do not do this at home)

I would not worry too much about the dog on the site. He will get used to having to stay in the awning area. If you are concerned at him wandering off, you could use a screw in type post to attach his lead. Our two only 'escaped' once, late at night, when they decided to go investigate the new surroundings.

You can imagine my horror at finding him happily peeing on a tent

Luckily this was a one off. and they are both very well behaved.

We do keep them on the lead on site, to get them to the woods or beach, but this is morn for show as they do not run riot, but you know how none doggy people can react!

I am sure you will enjoy having the dog with you. We would never go without them. We have some amazing walks with them and they love water, so have a load of towels for them, after they have had their daily swim in the river.

Hope you enjoy you holiday with you new dog. And if he is that big let his sleep where he wants!!!!

Hamish

 

[AnnM1]

Try to get your new pet used to the caravan before going away. Let him inside and have a good sniff around. Open the awning up a little and let him sniff that. He will then realise that caravanning is a pleasure and not something to be worried about.

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

I did the same Ann, not with the dogs though, with Her Ladyship. She was worried about caravanning so I let her in the caravan to have a sniff around. Infact, when I proposed to her she was apprehensive about marriage and again I told her to have a good sniff around :O) hehheh!