Fortis Canine LLC

Camping with your dog is one of the best parts of RV life; after all, they’re family! Bringing them along makes any adventure even better. However, even pet-friendly campgrounds come with rules and expectations. Therefore, following these guidelines ensures a stress-free experience for you, your pup, and your fellow campers. Let’s dive into 15 key etiquette tips:

General Campground Etiquette

1. Leash Up, Always:

• To begin with, almost every campground mandates leashed dogs. The standard length is typically six feet, and retractable leashes may be discouraged. In short, you need to respect others’ space.

2. Clean Up, Every Time:

• Secondly, and equally important, bring your own bags and clean up immediately. This is a basic courtesy and keeps the campground clean.

3. No Unattended Dogs:

• Thirdly, and for safety reasons, leaving your dog tied up outside or alone in your RV is often against park rules. Consequently, it’s for their safety and prevents potential issues.

4. Control the Barking:

• Fourthly, excessive barking disrupts the peace. Thus, in order to keep the peace, use training tools or calming techniques to manage it.

5. Respect Personal Space:

• Fifthly, let’s be realistic – not everyone loves dogs. For this reason, avoid letting your dog approach strangers without permission.

6. Designated Pet Areas:

• Sixthly, make sure to use designated areas for walks and relief. Moreover, and in addition to that, stay within the boundaries.

7. Know the Pet Limit:

• Seventhly, be honest about how many pets you’re bringing.

8. Keep Vaccinations Current:

• Eighthly, and by all means, have vaccination records available, especially for rabies. In addition to that, make sure your dog is up to date with all their immunizations. As a result, always take proof of vaccinations with you when you travel with your pets. Additionally, and to further illustrate, tell your vet about the area of the country where you plan to visit. He may advise additional shots (like animal influenza vaccines) or advise you about potential health risks in the area. For example, some areas of the country are prone to tick or lice infestations. Therefore, it’s good to know about these potential risks so that you can take appropriate precautions.

9. Watch for Wildlife and Hot Pavement:

• Ninthly, you need to protect your dog from hazards. Furthermore, and as an added point, be mindful of the environment.

10. No Digging:

• Tenthly, digging is usually against the rules. Instead, and as an alternative, bring a mat or blanket for your dog.

11. Creature Comforts:

• Eleventhly, don’t forget to bring their bed, bowls, toys, and a shaded spot.

12. Never Leave Your Dog in a Hot RV:

• Twelfthly, this is dangerous. Hence, and for this reason, ensure AC and proper monitoring.

13. Check for Breed Restrictions:

• Thirteenthly, some parks have breed-specific bans. So, and before planning your trip, always check the campground’s policy beforehand.

14. Use Pet Gates/X-Pens Responsibly:

• Fourteenthly, supervise your dog and follow park rules for enclosed areas.

15. Be Honest About Behavior:

• Finally, if your dog has any behavioral issues, be upfront. Therefore, and to ensure a positive experience, use a yellow leash/bandana and have an exit plan.

Dog Park Etiquette (If Applicable)

• Hours: First of all, find out the dog park hours.
• Size Matters: Secondly, and in a similar vein, follow guidelines if the park has separate areas by size.
• Controlled Entry: Thirdly, when entering, keep your dog leashed at your side. Make sure the gate is secure.
• Supervise Closely: Fourthly, and to ensure safety, watch your pet and other dogs closely. If any dog becomes aggressive, remove them from the park.
• No Boarding: Fifthly, keep in mind that the dog park isn’t a daycare service. Never leave your pup unattended.
• Clean Up! Sixthly, and don’t forget, it’s still your responsibility to clean up messes.
• Avoid These: Seventhly, avoid bringing Puppies (under 12-16 weeks with all vaccinations), antisocial dogs, unaltered dogs, young children and babies, your pet’s playthings, overexcited dogs, and distractions (cell phones).
• Go with Your Gut: Eighthly, if your dog is uneasy, leave. Gradually increase the time spent. If a dog becomes aggressive, leave and return when the aggressive dog has left.

Bringing your dog camping is a joy, but responsibility is key. By following these rules, you’ll not only avoid conflict but also become a welcome guest. Happy camping!