Traveling and Full-Timing with a 90-lb German Shepherd Dog (GSD)?

[scottkeen]

You know what I'm going to say... My 90-lb GSD named "Ruger" is the nicest friendliest most well-behaved GSD ever.


That aside, I understand that RV parks have an insurance liability policy that either has a dog weight restriction or breed restriction.


I'm going to be selling my condo and moving with my RV from Virginia to Texas this spring/summer, and then full-timing in Texas until I find a place I like and buy a property.


I want to go from Virginia to Florida (to visit family), and then onto Texas, and only want to travel 200-250 miles per day with a 2-3 day stay at a RV park for each leg of the 2,200 mile journey. This trip could take me 20-30 days.


How do you recommend I do this with my GSD?


Thanks,
Scott

[rnelan]

Love that you have a 2011 model GSD.. LOL

We just put our 13 year old to sleep but I will tell you that we never had a problem in any park as long as we told them up front. GSDs are not really looked at as aggressive anymore.. They are more concerned about bully's and American Stafforshires... Are there any out there that are anal about it, sure.. but common courtesy is all we have needed with our old boy.

[scottkeen]

Love that you have a 2011 model GSD.. LOL

We just put our 13 year old to sleep but I will tell you that we never had a problem in any park as long as we told them up front. GSDs are not really looked at as aggressive anymore.. They are more concerned about bully's and American Stafforshires... Are there any out there that are anal about it, sure.. but common courtesy is all we have needed with our old boy.


I'm sorry for your loss. Ruger is 8 years old and is dealing with hip issues, but doing well.


I'm glad to hear you didn't have much of any problem. In your experience, even if the RV park has a policy and and insurance liability that doesn't allow GSDs, did you find that they had some leeway? Does it help to include a photo of the dog?


I wrote to several parks in Texas, one responded so far:


I wrote:
Hi,
Do you have any dog breed restrictions at your RV park?
I have a very well-behaved and friendly German Shepherd Dog, and a cat.
I'm looking for a monthly site sometime around June.
Thanks very much,
Scott
Shady Creek RV Park replied:
Hi Scott,
We do have restrictions for aggressive dog breeds, but your dog should be fine. Please give us a call for more information and let us know if we can help you with your reservation needs.


Look forward to hearing from you,
Shady Creek RV Park

[jeffba]

There is not a dog My wife doesn't like. I have her on a 3 dog limit when we hike.

[mhs4771]

The 90 Lbs might be more of a problem than the Breed. Many Parks now have weight limits that only small ankle bitter can pass.
I would plot out your route and look for possible places to stop within your daily mileage and start calling or looking closely at their web site if they have on, as many post their "Rules and Regs"
The Cat should be a problem. We've been all over the US and most of Canada and no issues with ours, but we do carry up to date Rabies Cert and have been required to show it at some places.

[AZ Traveler]

Scott,

As long as you check on their "best friend" policy when booking you should have no issue. It may be different back east but a large percentage of the campgrounds out west have no issue with large dogs.

[RoadRunnerTR21]

I'm sorry for your loss. Ruger is 8 years old and is dealing with hip issues, but doing well.


I'm glad to hear you didn't have much of any problem. In your experience, even if the RV park has a policy and and insurance liability that doesn't allow GSDs, did you find that they had some leeway? Does it help to include a photo of the dog?


I wrote to several parks in Texas, one responded so far:


I wrote:

Shady Creek RV Park replied:


Scott,


Two things come to mind when I read your post.



First, you said Ruger has some hip issues. While I don't have hip issues, my wife has had hers replaced. Going up and down the stairs in a 5th wheel for extended periods of time is hard on hips for both people and dogs. Hopefully it will not be a issue for Ruger. I'm also assuming Ruger is a 9MM GSD? ;)



Second, assuming this is in Aubrey, TX, the Shady Creek RV Park you communicated with is about half way between both of our kids. We haven't been there yet but plan to stay there when we stay for and extended visit. We live about 100 miles SE of that area so we usually just do day trips. If you do chose to stay there please let me know how the park is.

[Ram Montana High Country]

If you're going across I40 - Yuma TN - Parkers Crossroads - nice park, great folks, do repairs, have a guy that washed my rig for $3 per foot, mostly pull thru sites, on-site pizza available, nice pond, cable and pet friendly.

www.pcrv.com

Good travels!

PM me with any questions about living in Texas - we're in East Texas on Lake Livingston

[mazboy]

what do you want to know? each rv park has its own rules. if you are planning on staying a specific park make sure you understand their rules. google them or call them....that's it.


here you can start with this google search: https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=rv+parks+don%27t+allow+big+dogs

[scottkeen]

First, you said Ruger has some hip issues. While I don't have hip issues, my wife has had hers replaced. Going up and down the stairs in a 5th wheel for extended periods of time is hard on hips for both people and dogs. Hopefully it will not be a issue for Ruger. I'm also assuming Ruger is a 9MM GSD? ;)


Ruger goes up and down 2 flights of stairs at the condo now, but as he gets older I will set up his ramp (the one I use to get him into the truck) on the 2nd entrance of the 5th wheel. Also planning to get the 4-step MorRyde steps for myself. Ruger as a 9mm? I think he's big enough to be a Ruger 45.




Second, assuming this is in Aubrey, TX, the Shady Creek RV Park you communicated with is about half way between both of our kids. We haven't been there yet but plan to stay there when we stay for and extended visit. We live about 100 miles SE of that area so we usually just do day trips. If you do chose to stay there please let me know how the park is.


Certainly. Will do. I had an message exchange with a couple that full-time in Texas who did a review of Good Shepherd RV Park (30 mins north of Frisco) and Shady Creek RV Park in Aubry. They like both, but warned me that when it rains, Shady Creek RV Park gets really soggy. In my book, soggy today means mosquitoes tomorrow!


They recommended Good Shepherd RV Park, even though it's farther away. And hey, since I've got wheels, I can also move and try somewhere else!

[scottkeen]

If you're going across I40 - Yuma TN - Parkers Crossroads - nice park, great folks, do repairs, have a guy that washed my rig for $3 per foot, mostly pull thru sites, on-site pizza available, nice pond, cable and pet friendly.

www.pcrv.com (http://www.pcrv.com)

Good travels!

PM me with any questions about living in Texas - we're in East Texas on Lake Livingston


Y'know, I was planning to take the long way down I-95 to visit family in Florida first, then cut-across on I-10. But then you said something about "on-site pizza" and I might have to make a course adjustment!


Washing the rig for $3 per foot? If my rig is 37-feet, is that $111 total for all sides, or is that $3/foot per side, left, right, front, and back (about 90 linear feet)?

[scottkeen]

The 90 Lbs might be more of a problem than the Breed. Many Parks now have weight limits that only small ankle bitter can pass.
I would plot out your route and look for possible places to stop within your daily mileage and start calling or looking closely at their web site if they have on, as many post their "Rules and Regs"


German Shepherd Dogs weigh between 60-90 lbs. From what I've seen so far, the parks that have restrictions based on weight have the cutoff around 40 lbs so probably any adult GSD will be prohibited if there's a weight restriction.

I probably won't volunteer Ruger's weight unless asked, but figure if they allow German Shepherd Dogs then hopefully that's good enough!

[Gunny B]

Sounds like some bad owners have ruined it for others. Untrained dogs don't help either. We have a GS in our area that gets loose real frequently so we do panic with our smaller dogs. Even if was another large breed we would worry. We ended up with a $2k vet bill from a loose dog that tried to kill our little guy on a lead and he had busted ribs and a punctured lung. They burnt me with the bill when I went to knock on their door a week later. Suddenly moved out. Buying a piece of property might be a good thing as long as it is zoned for the use you want.

[durason2500hd]

I've only ran across one park that sent us packing during registration, but that is what KOA said is their policy. Our sweetie is a 85lb Rottweiler that wouldn't hurt anyone or anything. They did recommend a place that was 10 miles away and has turned out to be our favorite park to stay at when we travel from Michigan to Florida for the winter.

[Stix]

We too have a 90 lb. GSD who travels with us. One thing you can mention is obedience training, if applicable, when making reservations. We have also had some parks have no flexibility in their insurance requirements, like in Idaho for the annual get together.

[Duckhaulers]

There is always a work around with any dog.
I have a blue/red heeler I have him registered as an emotional support dog though ADA Registry only costs a few bucks but it's all worth it.
I live full time in my 3790RD and the park I stay at year round had a small dog only rule with a 15 pound weight limit.
As soon as I got the pup home I registered him, about a week later I received all my paperwork and cards and a vest and showed them to the owner and they were fine with it, as no one can deny him entry.
Anywhere I go so does he but I do suffer from anxiety and he helps me immensely.
I do get some looks at the grocery store the odd time LOL
But you can register any breed and any size of dog.

[jeffba]

There is always a work around with any dog.
I have a blue/red heeler I have him registered as an emotional support dog though ADA Registry only costs a few bucks but it's all worth it.
I live full time in my 3790RD and the park I stay at year round had a small dog only rule with a 15 pound weight limit.
As soon as I got the pup home I registered him, about a week later I received all my paperwork and cards and a vest and showed them to the owner and they were fine with it, as no one can deny him entry.
Anywhere I go so does he but I do suffer from anxiety and he helps me immensely.
I do get some looks at the grocery store the odd time LOL
But you can register any breed and any size of dog.

I would like to see that loop hole closed, so that those that really do need the support animals are not classified with those abusing it.

[RoadRunnerTR21]

I would like to see that loop hole closed, so that those that really do need the support animals are not classified with those abusing it.


Got to admit I agree with jeffba. I know a lady that registered her Yorkie as a therapy dog so she could take it anywhere she traveled for free. That includes planes, trains, hotels, etc.

[mazboy]

Just to put my two cents into the above comment, 'The ADA provides no protection for emotional support animals in public accommodations'


I wish businesses would crack down on these people who push their dog on people.


and yes, people could, if they want, refuse these animals.

[BB_TX]

There is always a work around with any dog.
...........
I have no problem with support animals when they are a medical necessity. However, I do have a problem with your statement. It implies that if you want to take your pet every where you go for no justifiable reason other than you just want to, then just get an permit and all is good. And that is the problem with abuse of the system. I feel the permit should be given only based on needs as prescribed in a written statement by a qualified physician or psychologist.

None of the previous posters have implied they NEED their animal at all times, They simply want to take them when traveling. Getting the permit simply by filling out paperwork to "work around" the restrictions begs to be abused.

[rockingh]

Once the park owners meet your GSD, he will probably end up driving the car like Maxx here. One hundred and thirty two lbs. of GSD love.

[margerush]

I reserved a site in a FL campground online. The online site didn't say anything about dog breed or weight restrictions. Then I had to call them to change the date(s) and that's when the questions started flying about my dog. She's 55#, a well mannered, gentle, pound puppy with a little of this and a little of that. Her tongue is mottled pink & black, so could have Chow in her. I guess Chow is aggressive?!. With that, the campground said NO, I got all my money back but $60. I'll never bring up her mottled tongue ever again.

[Charlie 3931fb]

You know what I'm going to say... My 90-lb GSD named "Ruger" is the nicest friendliest most well-behaved GSD ever.


That aside, I understand that RV parks have an insurance liability policy that either has a dog weight restriction or breed restriction.


I'm going to be selling my condo and moving with my RV from Virginia to Texas this spring/summer, and then full-timing in Texas until I find a place I like and buy a property.


I want to go from Virginia to Florida (to visit family), and then onto Texas, and only want to travel 200-250 miles per day with a 2-3 day stay at a RV park for each leg of the 2,200 mile journey. This trip could take me 20-30 days.


How do you recommend I do this with my GSD?


Thanks,
Scott

Make him or her a companion dog. Very easy to do. There will be no troubles. My Father-inlaw did that with his GSD..

[jeffba]

Make him or her a companion dog. Very easy to do. There will be no troubles. My Father-inlaw did that with his GSD..

isn't that just abusing the companion dog program

[BB_TX]

isn't that just abusing the companion dog program
Definitely abusing an already over abused system. Should require a written statement from a doctor or psychologist showing need to obtain one.

[mtlakejim]

Before I say anything else, let me state I have a Chihuahua that we love and have made a lot of accommodations for (no carpet for instance). He is NOT perfect, he barks when he shouldn't and growls at much larger dogs sometimes. Despite the fact that he is only 5 lbs we treat him like a potentially aggressive animal. We love OUR dog but understand others don't (it isn't THEIR dog)!


He is OUR dog. We do our very best not to allow him to be a PEST to other humans! I don't care what kind of dog you own it is YOUR dog. You should do everything you can to make sure it is not a PEST to other humans!! Not everyone likes dogs. Most folks don't want someone else's dog approaching them! Especially one they don't know. Dogs can be unpredictable, even the best behaved can become aggressive for an unknown reason.


The real reason we have to deal with campground rules is some folks obviously don't get it! If you want more restrictive rules just keep trying to flaunt the current ones!!


Keep YOUR dog to YOURSELF and keep them quite!! PERIOD! Keep it on a leash anytime it is out of a pen! DO NOT ALLOW IT TO APPROACH OTHERS!!! If your walking your dog for goodness sakes don't approach other people unless they are ok with it!! And even then keep the dog on a very tight leash! Especially if the dog is large enough to do serious injury. The ONLY exception to this is if you have long term neighbors that also have dogs and you have talked to them about the dogs playing together.


As an analogy: the reason we have such restrictive smoking rules these days is because some idiots thought it was ok to smoke in enclosed areas like elevators and small rooms with no respect for others. When we asked them not too they didn't take the hint....


You want all parks to start saying no dogs period? Just keep trying to get around the rules and disrespecting other people!

[DutchmenSport]

I read about folks having issues with various dog breeds in RV parks and such. Every "private" campground or RV "resort" will have their own rules. All you can do is call ahead and find out what they are.

Or, you can select to camp at State Parks. Unless specifically posted on their State DNR web site, there aren't any breed restrictions. We were in only 1 State Park in all our years of travel that had signs posted that ALL dogs MUST be on a leash or the owner will be evicted from the park. And they meant it. It was a horseman's park, and almost all the trails were designed for horse traffic. I think that was the only single exception of a threat of expulsion we ever saw at any State Park, anywhere.

Check State Parks, you'll have less hassle. The only thing is, most have a limit stay of 2 weeks, and then you have to move.

[sourdough]

From the date of the original post I'm afraid the OP may have already left and is now stuck somewhere due to the unforeseen circumstances we are enduring at this time.

As far as dogs; we travel with ours everywhere. She does not fit any of the restricted breeds but even then when I say she is a "terrier mix" I'm hit with "we don't allow Pit Bulls/Staffordshires" etc. I tell them she's not and when we get there if they find that she is I'll gladly leave - never had to leave yet.

IMO the trick to getting along in an RV park, or any park, is to have a well behaved dog. Agreed that all dogs have an internal trigger we may have no idea about so you have to always be on the safe side. Our dog doesn't bark when we are there or gone unless someone bangs on the door. Incessant barking drives people nuts and has led to more than one eviction in my experience. Aggressive dogs, no matter the breed, will get you kicked out if they exhibit that toward people, or even other dogs, without sufficient restraint. If the dog is not well behaved an owner must take the appropriate precautions to assure they behave in an acceptable manner.

As far as leash requirements; I've never been anywhere that I recall that either the park (private, state, federal), county or local authorities did not have a leash restriction of some kind (I've been to lots of places but not all over the country in its entirety). Remembering all the kinds of dogs, and temperaments I've/you've seen, just think about them all being turned loose because no one wanted to put a leash on them. Complete chaos. Also a good way to lose an aggressive animal. Another off shoot of not leashing the dog is the "deposits" left who knows where for everyone but the owner to deal with. Not acceptable.

Anyway, hope the OP made it where he was going without issue and had good luck taking puppy where he needed to go.

[Charlie 3931fb]

Definitely abusing an already over abused system. Should require a written statement from a doctor or psychologist showing need to obtain one.

What you said would be true if you were talking about SERVICE DOG. That would be dogs that help people with medical and disability issue's. Companion dogs do not have all the rights that service dog have and need. They can not go into restaurants, banks, and most stores. They do not even get a vest only a tag on its collar. You do need a letter from a doctor and that goes to a vet, then it get sent off to companion dogs. Then they send you to a center where they check out your dog and you. But it is a lot easier then being Service dog rated.

Charlie

[wed]

We have the same large GSD and a Beagle. We use RV Trip finder

[DutchmenSport]

I did not read all the posts, but GSD's are magnificent dogs. As far as traveling with them and their acceptance where ever you go? If you stay at State / Federal parks you won't have any issues. Every private campground has their own rules. It's just that simple.

[twindman]

As for agressive breeds, I was at Home Depot just walking down an isle. It was at least 6-8 feet wide. A lady was looking at something on a shelf and had a full grown poodle, which I don't think are listed as aggessive. I gave it as wide a birth as possible and as I got right beside it, it lunged and bit my leg behind the knee. Just stung a bit, but when I checked out it still stung so I rubbed it and it had some blood. I am more careful now around dogs (I have had many over the years and like them - cats not so much! LOL).