RVing With Dogs

Where does your dog sit while you are traveling? It is the topic of hot debate on some of the RV pet forums. For the first year that we were traveling full-time, we let our dogs come right up front with us. One of them spent her time of the couch and one of them spent his time under my legs. Frankly, I got sick of it, because he always had me trapped in my seat. So, Jack built a little barrier that keeps them back behind the seat area. They weren't too happy about it, but they have gotten used to it. I guess that's the key--- get your dogs used to traveling in your RV, wherever you want them to be. If you don't, they will take over, trust me on this one.

Now, there are many people who feel very strongly, to the point of being evangelistic, that all dogs should travel in crates in ANY type of vehicle. And, while I can understand all of the advantages of crates, including safety. I have never put one of my dogs in a crate and I don't intend to start now. BUT, if you have a trailer or a fifth wheel and you must keep your dog back there, you should absolutely use a crate---no exceptions. This is for your dog's own safety. I don't feel comfortable with dogs traveling in the trailers where you can't see them, but if you have no other choice, just make sure they are in a crate and safely secure the crate. One last suggestion, maybe use a baby monitor or a webcam so you can see and hear them up front in your truck.