We are going with our Golden, our cat, and our chihuahua (all 3.5 lbs of him!). The cat part is covered with the litter box (though we still don't know were we will put it), but I am trying to picture how the dog's plan will go. I am picturing waking up, walking the dogs, do whatever we are doing that day (either with the dogs or without leaving them alone for more than, what, 4 hours?). Then supper, walk the dogs and bed.
We of course would be planning for potty breaks throughout the day. I only ask because they have always had a dog door and access to their own yard, and I don't want to stress them out too much.
Does this sound familiar? Do they need more than a couple of walks per day?
-- Edited by desertnurse on Friday 6th of August 2010 05:40:55 AM
Ckerr said
08:18 AM Aug 6, 2010
I think that what you need to plan on for walks probably depends on the dog. Our dog, Sage, spent her first 5 years on the road with my dad who was a long distance truck driver. From the time she was a puppy he had her on the twice a day plan. She went out for a walk once in the morning and once in the evening. She is the most house broken dog I have ever seen. She would rather die than go to the bathroom in the house!
Of course now that she is 13 I try to take her for walks more frequently, but if it's too hot, too cold, raining or any of a dozen other reasons that don't make conditions perfect she is just as content to stay inside!
You might want to to start weening them off the doggie door now. Sort of ease them into the transition of full-timing. The chihuahua probably won't notice he's on a leash all the time, but the golden is probably more used to stretching his legs. Start taking them for regular walks now so that becomes the norm for them rather than running loose -- even in a fenced yard.
Sage is very much a creature of habit. She goes out in the morning, eats after we do in the evening, takes her meds, goes for a walk and goes to bed. That's her routine. My guess is the dogs will be happy so long as they are with you. Just don't make too many changes at once!
Racerguy said
09:53 AM Aug 6, 2010
With Buddy we take him out first thing in the morning,after that he lets us know when he has to go.
DorisandDave said
06:35 PM Aug 6, 2010
We have two medium large dogs. We have both always worked so they were used to going out once in the morning and for a walk in the evening. The problem with ours is that we had 2 acres of yard and we would just let them out and they had room to roam. I was a little worried, but they have adjusted just fine. CKERR is right...as long as they are with us, they are happy.
rclvnv said
11:17 AM Aug 7, 2010
While we are not fulltiming yet, we travel with two Mini Schnauzers,and just came off a five-week cross country trip with them. We also get out with the trailer at least every other week-end when back home (for now),so we travel keeping them in mind. Once in the early AM, when we wake, once in the afternoon, and again last thing at night. When we are in motion, an afternoon rest stop for us,becomes an afternoon rest/walk stop for them. Flying J's and similar places are usually good places to give the "boys" an opportunity to go.They adapt quite well to this. I think the advice about getting them used to the leash, makes a lot of sense, too
Richard
Postalpair said
10:31 PM Aug 7, 2010
Our dog is 14 years old.....loves traveling. Has been traveling in an RV of some kind her entire life. We are now fulltimers....she gets up in the morning and has a walk. She is content on sleeping most of the day, but lets us know when she wants out. After dinner, it's a walk and then again before bedtime. When traveling, she knows when the truck stops, it's time to take care of business. Hope this helps.
desertnurse said
02:24 PM Aug 8, 2010
Great advice. We do walk them now, usually in the evenings after supper. Can't wait until our evening walkies bring new stuff around every corner!
Racerguy said
04:20 PM Aug 8, 2010
Walking the dog actually serves a dual purpose,exersize and relief for the dog and it's a great conversation starter with your fellow campers.
eagleshea said
05:09 PM Aug 8, 2010
We will be fulltiming at a friends property for the next 3 years till we are ready to hit the road. We will have both of our dogs living with us. We have one that is 13 years old (Cinnamon) and I may have to build a ramp for her to get into the trailer as she has arthritiis pretty bad. The young one ( Snickers) is just one years old and has some learning to due, but we also thought about closing our doggie door so that they get use to walking. I agree that as long as the dogs are with us they are happy. Not sure what we will do with Cinnamon once we are ready to travel. She has lived a very full life and went camping with us many many times. I guess we will cross that bridge when it gets here.
retread said
09:37 AM Aug 18, 2010
I agree with all the posts here. One other adjustment that was necessary for our dogs was the continual socialization with other dogs in the park. Our back yard dogs had not had much occasion to meet and greet anything other than the occasional squirrel or cat in the yard. Since they were used to chasing things out of their territory, we had to work with them to get them accustomed to seeing other dogs on walks and in the nice dog runs in some of the parks. After a couple of weeks and several understanding RV park neighbors that could see we were working on the training, the dogs were just fine and now behave well on walks.
Racerguy said
10:25 AM Aug 18, 2010
Buddy was the same way because before we went on the road we lived n an acreage and he was not socialized at all. We are now 4 months into fulltiming and he is much better on our walks.He is still protective of our space where the 5th wheel is but is adjusting.The only problem we have with him is his "little guy syndrom" versus bigger dogs.He continues to feel threatened and gets somewhat aggressive. He has always been more of a people dog.
Donna162 said
05:00 PM Aug 19, 2010
We have now been in our RV full time since July 2008. Our dogs were used to the doggie door also and were never walked before we moved into the RV. There was a little bit of adjustment but they are great now. They go for a walk when we first wake up and then again around 6:00 p.m. One dog is 12 and the other is 4....I think they have adjusted very well!!!
Country Dancer said
06:22 AM Aug 21, 2010
We have an 11 year old golden who will be traveling with us full time, and are imagining that she'll have a really hard time getting in (up) and out of the back seat of the pickup. We have looked at a few ramp models for her, and few different cab models. She's also a little spooked by the sound of metal clanking in the metal ramp models. The extended cab with doors that open in opposite directions (like closet doors) seems to have more open access to the back seat and room for a ramp than the crew cab. Does anyone have any experience with getting a big old dog in and out of the pickup?
Thanks,
Lenore
Ckerr said
02:18 PM Aug 21, 2010
Sage is 13 years old now and weights about 55 lbs. She has a bit of arthritis that makes her kind of stiff some days. Every now and then she has a hard time getting up in the truck. But she also loves to travel so much that she is always anxious to get in the truck and finds a way to make it happen.
A couple of things we do that seem to help.
1) We got her a Samsonite seatbelt harnass to wear when traveling. It does 2 things. It keeps her on the seat if we have to make any sudden stops in the truck. It also has a large "chest plate" and a center strap on the back. When it's time to get in the truck we grab the back strap and give her a little help getting in on those days when she's stiff. Let me see if I can figure out how to add a picture.
2) We've also been giving her Osteo Bi-flex and Fish Oil at the direction of our vet. It really seems to help her with the arthritis and it has a lot fewer side effects than the Rimadyl the vet did have her taking.
-- Edited by Ckerr on Saturday 21st of August 2010 04:08:29 PM
gypsymaus said
12:33 PM Aug 22, 2010
Our two Border Collies went from a doggie door to full-timing just fine. We decided to find our cat a home because he was a big out-doorsman and I could just see it being time to go and having to stay an extra day waiting for the cat to show up.
I can tell you our dogs didn't adapt well to water changes, and picked up a bacteria from the water that cost us about $1,200 to get rid of. It took two vets to figure out what was wrong with them.
We no longer fulltime but when we are on the road the fur babies get bottled water only.
desertnurse said
02:52 PM Dec 29, 2010
Update to my original post;
Our days kind of go like this-wake and feed Golden and kittycat. Golden and kitty go outside (Golden poops/pees right on cue-such a good boy!), then wait for the chihuahua to get out of bed. Feed him, then walkies with Golden and chihuahua about an hour later (only way the hua will poop-not as good a boy as Golden when it comes to elimination).
One thing we found out is the need to plan this routine into our day before adventuring if we are gone for the day. Their record is 8 hours inside without any accidents (good dogs!), but this was totally unplanned/unavoidable and I felt awful about it.
We recently went to Las Vegas, and boarded the animals so that we didn't have to worry about the poop schedule. Although we will never use that particular boarder again (Paws-n-Claws in Henderson,Nevada. Not impressed), this was definitely the way to go for all concerned.
Hope this helps!
Pinon said
02:08 PM Feb 19, 2011
We are still in our S&B with our 3 dogs. I have found ability to stay continent varies with the dog's size. Med-big dogs seem to have a lot more bladder control, and be housebroken faster. Thankfully - the results are a lot worse with a German shepherd than a chihuahua! We work 12 hr shifts + commute. We don't work the same days normally (not fair to our kid or pets) but on several occasions they have been left inside for a shift (I leave at 6 am and return at 8 pm) without any problems. Of course, my dogs are all med-big and 4-6 yo. I aim for 8 hrs, but they are okay if it is more than that. Heidi
-- Edited by Pinon on Saturday 19th of February 2011 02:12:09 PM
Melstar said
04:43 PM Feb 19, 2011
I have enjoyed reading this thread about taking our doggies and cats on trips and full timing. My boxer is 13 years old...has arthritis. She cannot jump into the truck and refuses to try to climb the steps of the 5th wheel. We have to physically put her into both. She's not extremely big...but heavy enough. She does like riding in the truck. However, when I put her into the trailer she seems freaked. I hope she will adjust since we have to take her with us next month for the month long trip to Florida. We will be in one place for most of the month and hopefully she will enjoy being with us enough to get into a new routine. She sleeps most of the day...so we are hoping when we go out she will not try to scratch out of the door! We are thinking of bringing her cage and putting her in there while we are away. She is so set in her ways I cannot even imagine what she will do.
I would love to know where to get the truck seat harness....I am worried about her traveling "loose" and also the idea of a ramp into the trailer is interesting. Any links or etc. would be appreciated.
Mel
Waggin Tails said
08:02 PM Feb 19, 2011
Here is a link I found from PetsMArt.
http://www.petsmart.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=3245635
If you Google" pet harness for car" you will find more choices. Good luck.
Country Dancer said
07:42 AM Feb 20, 2011
Here is a link to a variety of pet stairs. We got the plastic ones that fold up and weight about 5 lbs.
http://www.solvitproducts.com/
We did an experiment at the truck dealer with a dog treat and no stairs, and our 12 year old golden jumped right in the back like a puppy! No stairs even needed. She loves riding in the car almost as much as she loves food.
So we bought the truck!
Melstar said
08:28 AM Feb 20, 2011
Thanks for the suggestions...I'm liking the harness, the hammock for the back seat and maybe the pet ramp. Now a trip to PetSmart!
Mel
Update 2/20/11
took the Kennel cage down from the attic to clean up and get Coco used to being in it. the door is missing...can't find it....It's a Vari-Kennel in Large size.
Does anyone know where we can get a replacement door for it?
Mel
-- Edited by Melstar on Sunday 20th of February 2011 03:48:36 PM
Waggin Tails said
07:54 PM Feb 20, 2011
Since you're headed to Pets-Mart, ask the folks there. The sell that brand kennel. Good luck.
kimbrellsf said
10:44 AM Aug 27, 2011
I'm probably nuts (nothing new) but my full-time plans include a young Border Collie........ I'm planning on him keeping me fit with lots of long walks, and maybe a bit of running.
Lucky Mike said
03:47 PM Aug 13, 2012
Well today is my day!!!!.....I was Gifted with a 6 yr old Klee Kia (alaskan Miniture Husky) , She is a beauty and has definitely figured out that walking is a must for me!!
She has decided what parts of the coach she is going to let me use and submitted a list of demands and an update on the menu...( there goes my bachelorhood)
I know I need a road pal but all this playing and outside for walks is really messing with my exercise program and is cutting into my nap time......I think this dog has been talking to my doctor...
Well they have at least let me out of the hospital and I can rest up and get thru the rest of this nightmare,Should be back on the road by march of 2013...........simple quad bi pass and getting caught up in the Nightmare at Exeter hospital in NH , Im doing well....miss all my friends and am going crazy out here in the woods......(Purpose For Dog ,I think)
So when you see me on the road and I look better , please blame it on the dog..........
Who the heck invented pink poop bags, it's embarrassing gotta find me some camo ones!!!!!!
Terry and Jo said
04:31 PM Aug 13, 2012
Mike,
Good luck with regaining your health. A lot of us will be thinking and praying for you.
Oh, and on the pink "pooh" bags, they will just make you walk faster so you don't hear the snickers of others, and that will help you with your health as well.
It is a conspiracy, you know....
....your dog and whomever supplied the pink bags.
Terry
WestWardHo said
05:58 PM Aug 13, 2012
Wow, Mike, congratulations onthedog & your return to health! Love your humor.
Please, all who travel with pets use a harness or carrier. We also tie down the cat carrier in back seat of crew cab as we dont want flying missiles in case of sudden stops and we want them to be safe too. After all, we use our seat belts. We use a regular harness & a caribiner (?sp) the seat belt for the dog.
Loved the lightweight stairs, Lenore. Thanks!
Carol & Kevin, great suggestion for the harness that you can also lift.
Lucky Mike said
03:55 PM Aug 14, 2012
Did you know dogs are trained not to let you get back into your coach if you forgot to bring a treat for them.....(she has her paw on the lock button!!)
Im starting to think about a life insurance policy for my new little friend!!!!.....(just kidding)
I think my friends have sent me my ex reincarnated.......
to bad I couldnt toss her a cookie and tell her to go lay by her dish....
Carma is a terrible thing , I should quit while Im ahead!!!
We of course would be planning for potty breaks throughout the day. I only ask because they have always had a dog door and access to their own yard, and I don't want to stress them out too much.
Does this sound familiar? Do they need more than a couple of walks per day?
-- Edited by desertnurse on Friday 6th of August 2010 05:40:55 AM
CKERR is right...as long as they are with us, they are happy.
Richard
Hope this helps.
A couple of things we do that seem to help.
1) We got her a Samsonite seatbelt harnass to wear when traveling. It does 2 things. It keeps her on the seat if we have to make any sudden stops in the truck. It also has a large "chest plate" and a center strap on the back. When it's time to get in the truck we grab the back strap and give her a little help getting in on those days when she's stiff. Let me see if I can figure out how to add a picture.
2) We've also been giving her Osteo Bi-flex and Fish Oil at the direction of our vet. It really seems to help her with the arthritis and it has a lot fewer side effects than the Rimadyl the vet did have her taking.
-- Edited by Ckerr on Saturday 21st of August 2010 04:08:29 PM
Our two Border Collies went from a doggie door to full-timing just fine. We decided to find our cat a home because he was a big out-doorsman and I could just see it being time to go and having to stay an extra day waiting for the cat to show up.
I can tell you our dogs didn't adapt well to water changes, and picked up a bacteria from the water that cost us about $1,200 to get rid of. It took two vets to figure out what was wrong with them.
We no longer fulltime but when we are on the road the fur babies get bottled water only.
Heidi
-- Edited by Pinon on Saturday 19th of February 2011 02:12:09 PM
Mel
Update 2/20/11
took the Kennel cage down from the attic to clean up and get Coco used to being in it.
the door is missing...can't find it....It's a Vari-Kennel in Large size.
Does anyone know where we can get a replacement door for it?
Mel
-- Edited by Melstar on Sunday 20th of February 2011 03:48:36 PM
Well today is my day!!!!.....I was Gifted with a 6 yr old Klee Kia (alaskan Miniture Husky) , She is a beauty and has definitely figured out that walking is a must for me!!
She has decided what parts of the coach she is going to let me use and submitted a list of demands and an update on the menu...( there goes my bachelorhood)
I know I need a road pal but all this playing and outside for walks is really messing with my exercise program and is cutting into my nap time......I think this dog has been talking to my doctor...
Well they have at least let me out of the hospital and I can rest up and get thru the rest of this nightmare,Should be back on the road by march of 2013...........simple quad bi pass and getting caught up in the Nightmare at Exeter hospital in NH , Im doing well....miss all my friends and am going crazy out here in the woods......(Purpose For Dog ,I think)
So when you see me on the road and I look better , please blame it on the dog..........
Who the heck invented pink poop bags, it's embarrassing gotta find me some camo ones!!!!!!
Mike,
Good luck with regaining your health. A lot of us will be thinking and praying for you.
Oh, and on the pink "pooh" bags, they will just make you walk faster so you don't hear the snickers of others, and that will help you with your health as well.
It is a conspiracy, you know....
....your dog and whomever supplied the pink bags.
Terry
Please, all who travel with pets use a harness or carrier. We also tie down the cat carrier in back seat of crew cab as we dont want flying missiles in case of sudden stops and we want them to be safe too. After all, we use our seat belts. We use a regular harness & a caribiner (?sp) the seat belt for the dog.
Loved the lightweight stairs, Lenore. Thanks!
Carol & Kevin, great suggestion for the harness that you can also lift.
Im starting to think about a life insurance policy for my new little friend!!!!.....(just kidding)
I think my friends have sent me my ex reincarnated.......
to bad I couldnt toss her a cookie and tell her to go lay by her dish....
Carma is a terrible thing , I should quit while Im ahead!!!