5 rookie mistakes to avoid when RVing with your dog

A dog is an integral family member for most Aussie families so when the humans head off on a road trip, it’s only fitting that the fur baby comes along RVing too. However, when man’s best friend is in tow, there are a few extra steps needed. To make sure all goes smoothly, we’ve listed five rookie mistakes to avoid when RVing with your dog.

1) Not checking if your dog is allowed at the campsite

Although a campground is in the great outdoors, some sites don’t allow dogs. This can be for various reasons, detailed by each individual campground. For example, dogs and other pets aren’t allowed in most national parks and reserves. This is to protect native Australian plants and animals that reside there. Other campgrounds have weight restrictions and even breed restrictions.

When planning your RV adventure, make sure to look up all the campgrounds you plan on resting for the night and see if they have a no-pet policy. If it’s not listed, give them a ring just to be sure. There’s nothing worse than arriving at a spot and quickly realising you’re going to have to pack up and leave. A rookie mistake when RVing is assuming that your dog will be permitted everywhere just because it’s outdoors.

2) Assume everyone likes animals

You may have grown up surrounded by dogs, cats and various other pets, but others may not have the same experience. Many people hold fears around animals, even the domestic ones we see as family members. Therefore, having a strange dog bound up to you for a pat may be frightening for some. Be mindful of this when RVing by keeping your dog close where you can see it and/or on a leash.

There also may be a lot of young children at a campsite, so if your dog isn’t great with little ones make sure it stays where you can see it. Everyone’s on their adventure to spend their time as they wish, so don’t assume that all want your pet in their space.

3) Skimping on the water

Okay, we get that you want to save on weight when RVing with your dog. Especially when you’ve had to pack for a long stint away. But if your dog is anything like mine where his water bowl is empty by mid-morning, you’ll need to pack extra water. This is especially important if you’re on a trip that sways on the more adventurous side. The more walking, playing, running and panting your furry friend does, the more H2O they’re going to need. We know you love your dog to bits, but sometimes these things are forgotten about in the packing process.

4) Not having enough stop-overs

If you’ve got a long way to go, you may want to minimise the number of times you stop to stretch your legs and use the bathroom. However, when you’ve got your dog RVing with you, stops need to be prioritised. This avoids accidents happening (dogs obviously don’t know the command “hold it” like we tell our kids.) Allowing them time to stretch their legs and do a wee will go a long way for the happiness of your pet on your trip.

5) Not keeping a schedule

Spontaneity and going with the flow is something many of us city-dwellers love on a trip. Our everyday life is filled with lists, plans and schedules. Throwing that all out the window is such a breath of fresh air while away. A dog, on the other hand, thrives on a schedule…even when RVing.

Every day my dog is at the back door at 6 pm, whimpering for his dinner. He has become so used to eating each day at 6 pm, that he knows when food is meant to be arriving in his bowl. It’s important to keep this regular schedule for your dogs while you’re away on your holiday as well.

There’s a lot that’s going to be unfamiliar for your dog when RVing on the open road, so keeping their meal schedule at the same time each day will do a lot for their wellbeing.

Unforgettable and priceless memories can be made on road trips. It’s even better when your dog features in all of those and shares in your RVing holiday. With a little bit of pre-planning and consideration of your animal, you can avoid these rookie mistakes and provide an enjoyable trip for all.