Any advice for a new motorhomer with canine passengers Forums

littlenell

Our first motorhome is parked up. If we only knew how to use it all would be good!

We also have two dogs at present. One ours and one fostered for a rescue.

Our aim is to travel with them both in UK, and our dobie girl overseas.

Any hints for a safe and realistic approach to motorhoming with a dog?

Thanks
Nell

Briarose

In the UK it is easy but for travel abroad check out the following link
http://www.motorhomefacts.com/ftopic-17312.html I would like a sticky on heartworm etc but check out this forum.

Grizzly

I'm not a current dog owner but, from past experience, get your dogs used to the MH slowly. Get them used to simply going in while the van is stationary and being in there while you potter around or read. If they are going to wear a harness then introduce this in the house first, with familiar surroundings.

Once they are used to the inside and the new smells and sounds then try short trips with treats and favourite walks at the end of each.

G

littlenell

How do most of your dogs travel in the MH? We normally have them in our estate car with barjo dog guard and tailgate guard. Am trying to work out how best to protect them while on the move...not enough room for a full size crate inside unless we remove the table and move the seats.

vidura

weaver

Hello Nell Very Happy

Most important part is where are the dogs going to sleep. Both Bonnie (our sheltie) and our previous dog, Guiness (a large-sized collie cross) slept very happily in the cab. Once this position was established, they quite happily withdrew to this, leaving the gangway clear for movement. When travelling, Guiness was attached to the safety belt of the rear seat and settled down for the duration of the drive. Because she suffered such a lot from travel sickness, Bonnie lies in the space between the cab seats, with John holding the lead. She normally sleeps for the full length of the journey. Some people have purpose built kennels in the garage or under the seats. Use whichever method suits you.

When on site, we use the towing rings at the front or back of the van to attach one of those thick metal non tangle leads. Sometimes we use the screw type ground stake if we want the dogs in a different place. I have seen people with pens made from fairly firm panels.

In addition you should make sure you either have, or can buy, the dog's usual food on your travels. They should also have had the appropriate injections. I am sure you won't forget to make sure they have regular access to drinks.

Always have a poop bag in your pocket!

Other than that, they will very soon treat your motorhome as a second home, and enjoy all the excitement and interest of visiting different places. Just enjoy yourselves! Taking the dog adds another dimension to a very enjoyable lifestyle!

Happy travelling

Louise

littlenell

She normally likes to lounge or look out the window!

sallytrafic · Southern Rally Co-ordinator

We will show you how we manage ours at the weekend perhaps.

Firstly they need to be safe and relaxed, secondly in the event of an accident you need to be safe from a dog hitting you.

There are a lot of people on MHF with dogs varying from the tiny to the huge and there as many solutions as there are different types of motorhome.

We can't fit a cage in ours without removing the bed! So that option is denied us even though Lottie loves her cage at home. Ours travel together in the biggest dog bed that will fit in. Because it is right behind and below our seats they wouldn't have far to go in the event of an accident/heavy braking. They go straight in and lie down before we move off and the only time they sit up is when we arrive somewhere. I don't know but its uncanny the way they know the difference from stopping in traffic and arriving.

littlenell

Ah yes, that would be great. Presume dogs are ok at the gathering?

Was debating getting a dog guard made to protect the cab area from dobes with a penchant for a better/warmer seat!