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Author :Ed & Teresa Herbert in Education

We have all heard the phrase "A boy and his dog." The same could be said for the typical RVer; "an RVer and their dogs." How we love our pets traveling with us, be it a dog or cat.

The vast majority of RVers are in this lifestyle so we can travel with our beloved pets. Our four-legged children go with us to many places as we travel. But as owners of these loving buddies, RV property owners are beginning to complain about bad behavior; by the owners! Let's review the basic pet issues facing many RV properties today.
Nearly every RV property, Resort, Campground, State Park, etc., has one simple rule about pet poop. When your pet poops, you need to scoop. It is unacceptable at any RV property to not pick up your pet's poop. There is no reason why an owner does not pick up the poop of the smallest to the largest pet. Many RV properties are going to $100 fines and the eviction of the RVer without any refund because fecal matter is basically hazardous waste whether it is a tiny or large dog. When our pets poop, we all must scoop. Clean it up. Period.

Speaking of the size of dogs, many RV properties limit the number and breed of the dogs. Some limit it to two or three animals while other RV properties have limits on the breed. Historically aggressive breeds are often prohibited from many RV properties. It is highly suggested that owners of larger dogs from those breeds (see http://www.dogtemperament.com/the-9-most-aggressive-dog-breeds/ for a list many might use for their restrictions) review the rules of the RV property before arriving with their beloved dog. The RV property must have rules to protect their guests. While one's Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Chow Chow, Doberman Pincher, German Shepard or Wolf Hybrid is playful and attentive with the owner, at a new location with the entire stimulus, the results can be unpredictable.

Related Read: Should Pets Camp? Can You Keep Everyone Happy?

Pet owners with a large amount of dogs in their RV should also check with the RV property prior to making a reservation as to the maximum number of dogs. Two or three are the normal limit. We have seen as many as six small dogs run out of an RV. If the RV property is good with that, so be it but most are starting to realize numerous guests and numerous pets tax their sites in various ways. Best to check before making a reservation at the RV property.

Another common issue for many RV properties concerns leashing our pets and leaving them unattended outside of the RV. Let's talk about the first, leashing or pets.
Most RV properties require pets to be leashed when being walked. That requirement includes a leash length of 6' to 12' maximum. Unfortunately, many pet owners use retractable leashes with 24’ of leash. Other owners think their beloved dog(s) behave so well, they do not need a leash as the pet will walk next to them. That works for many pets until another dog, a rabbit, or a duck or other stimulus redirects their attention and off the animal goes. We should all leash our pets per the RV property rules.

Related Read: RV Travel with Pets

Leaving our dogs outside is another problem. People set up pens and fences around their RVs. They then leave their pets outside without any supervision. When guests in the RV property or other dogs come by with their owners, properly leashed, the dogs in the pen without supervision act like dogs, protecting their turf, barking and trying to get out of the pen. That is not the proper way to have our pets in an RV property. We can leave them unattended in our RVs but we should not leave them outside unattended. That creates too much of an opportunity for disaster for our four-legged kids. Let's keep our dogs supervised at all times. It is that simple.

Finally, RV properties welcome our four-legged children. One recent report said 87% of RVers have at least one pet traveling with them. Another suggested over 70%. Whichever is closest to the actual figure, RV properties realize that catering to owners and their pets is paramount to success going forward. We, as owners of these pets, must respect the RV property's rules for our pets for the safety of all involved. Be sure to know the Pet Rules of the property to which you are staying. That way, we will all enjoy our stay and travels more with our beloved pets.