Retiring the end of this year and have one problem. We're going to do a lot of traveling and wondering if it's possible to do it with a large dog. Seems it would really limit our away time. At home, we pay our neighbor to take care of her when we're away. Just not reasonable to take a dog everywhere you go. Are their dog sitters available? How do you leave your pet? Hate to get rid of her since she seems like family. Another question is should she be staked when outside with you? Don't know whether to start looking for her another home or to try and take on this adventure.
Any input would be helpful and thanks in advance.
That's the beauty of the RV lifestyle, we love our pets and wouldn't be without them. We started out with three babies a Brittney, a Yorkie, and a Boxer. The first two, passed away after long lives leaving only the Boxer. There's no reason you can't take your "other" family members with you, just be sure and plan accordingly.
Most RV parks are pet friendly, but it's always a good idea to check first, rather than show up and find out they don't. Also be aware that some parks might have restrictions on breeds and/or size. Most of the time, our remaining baby is good and we can leave her in the RV with the TV on, and don't have any problems. However, if we know we are going to be away longer than a couple of hours we will crate her in the RV. She sometimes has separation anxiety now that she's the only child and will be mischievous. As to outside, nothing is more annoying to me then for someone to have their dog outside and it barks at everyone, or races to end of the leash to lunge at every passer by. Some people have well mannered pets that lay quietly at their site, but many do not. If your dog is barking at everything in sight, leave them inside.
Most parks have leash laws, that require that your pet be on a 6' leash, which many choose to ignore by using a 25' rewinding type leash. We walk our Boxer on a 6' leash and maintain control at all times. We can pass other dogs and never hear a peep out of her, but if someone allows their dog to run up on her on a 25' leash without warning, she will attack. She is trained to protect.
The distance and the time you plan on being gone, would determine the amount of health records you carry with you. At the least you would need up to date vaccination records, but if you're going to be gone for awhile a copy of your dogs health record from your vet will help an emergency vet take better care of your pet. If you haven't already, I would also suggest you have her micro-chipped.
Carry a pooper scooper or bags, and ALWAYS PICKUP. No one wants to step in dog crap.
Otherwise having a dog on board is no different then having one at home. Enjoy