old guy
Oregon (pronounced Or e gun)
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Joined: 03/15/2006
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I have two dogs. what do you do when you are in AZ camping for months at a time and go to the flea markets or what ever you do. We had a little dog once, she has since passed away, and when I turned on the air and went to town, she apparently got up set with the campers next door and tore up the blinds on three windows. I really don't like leaving the dogs we have now alone in the TT. I sure don't want to leave them out side in the heat either.
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Code2High
One hour past Nowhere, CA
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Joined: 12/21/2004
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Crate them in the trailer and they'll be fine. Don't leave them outside, that's forbidden in most campgrounds and if it is hot out you may come back to a meeting with animal control.
susan
You know, there's really quite a lot to be said for having your life turned upside down!
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colliehauler
Mc Pherson KS USA
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Joined: 01/27/2004
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I leave the Collies in the camper with the A/C on with the tv and a fan. They just take a nap until I get back. I never leave for more then a couple of hours at a time.
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Pawz4me
North Carolina
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Joined: 06/05/2007
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Our dogs are crated with the A/C fan and a TV left on for white noise. They're also each given a frozen Kong stuffed with really good things (cooked chicken or ground beef and squeeze cheese or peanut butter). After getting the Kongs they don't even notice we're leaving.
Do something to verify they don't bark while you're gone -- Explain to a neighbor what's going on and ask him/her to keep an ear on them the first few times. Or get a voice-activated recorder or the software that can be used to monitor barking. I think it's called Bark Sentry. And the first few times you leave them I'd try to just be gone for fifteen or twenty minutes and gradually lengthen the time you're away.
Me and the DH 
Two boys and two dogs (and two cats who prefer to stay home)
2008 Forest River Georgetown 350DS (bunkhouse model)
2001 Honda CR-V
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Go Dogs
South of Pittsburgh, PA
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Joined: 08/09/2005
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This problem is known as 'Separation Anxiety". It is very common and a big reason many dogs are placed in shelters. Basically, the dog behaves well when their owner is home but when the owner leaves, the dog becomes anxious and destructive. I think dog owners that have this problem are envious of people that can leave their dogs alone with absolutely no trouble. I don't believe it is the dog's fault! Dogs are pack animals, they are used to having a pack leader. All of the other members have subordinate roles. When a dog enters a home for the first time, they look around for the pack leader,(human or dog). If they don't see one, they feel compelled to assume the role. Subordinate members of the pack would never leave without permission of the leader. I beleive that 'Separation Anxiety' occurs when the dog has had to become pack leader and the subordinate human has left without permission of the Alpha dog. If you are not the pack leader in your home, you should refer to the TV show,'Dog Whisperer'.
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Techie
Pahrump, NV, USA
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Joined: 01/30/2004
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In addition to the other reccomendations, tire them out -- really long walk -- before departing. A tired dog is less likely to have anxiety or be destructive.
We've always had mid-sized (40-60 lb) dogs. When we had our DP (and 1 dog) we would leave her in her crate as that is where she slept and was her "den" when she wanted quiet time.
We now have 2 dogs and the TT. Not enough space for 2 crates and while it is unlikely that they will tear up the place while we're gone, we really don't want to come home to that scenario.
So, we take them everywhere (eating outside) and if we can't bring them into an area we take turns. If we really had to both go somewhere we would just find and pay for a doggy day care.
2011 Airstream Classic Limited 34'
2011 GMC Sierra 2500HD Duramax/Allison SRW
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Deb and Ed M
SW MI, USA
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Joined: 06/07/2004
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Tired dogs are usually good dogs, for starters.
If I had a dog who couldn't be "mannerly" while I was gone (this would include fence-fighting with the neighboring RV's occupants, which is what it sounds like YOUR dog did) - that dog would be crated, pure and simple. Replacing the interior of the RV is too darn expensive. And although you can sit there 'til you're blue in the face, teaching your dog to be nice to the neighbors - dogs are smart and know you can't say "no"/punish/whatever while you're gone.
When you have some free time - a good obedience class, not only for the training, but for the socializing around strange people and dogs, might be a BIG help??
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Iteachmiddleschool
Newnan, GA
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Joined: 06/30/2007
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Good advice above:
*Take the dog for a long, brisk walk before leaving
*Crate train the dog; get it used to crating - give treats when you leave (kongs are great, as already mentioned - freezing the treat left in the kong ahead of time makes it last longer). Examples of Kong stuffers: mix no fat plain yogurt with a little of the dog's kibble; mix p-nut butter and no fat plain yogurt, mix p-nut butter with a little kibble, use plain no-fat yogurt, use plain pnut butter; the possibilities are endless - again, freeze it overnight before using. Something else many dogs like: a deer antler to chew on (I got one at Petco). They don't crack or splinter, and they seemingly last forever (this offsets their price)! Another thing to try: put a shirt that you've worn in the crate so the dog is comforted by your smell.
*try using Rescue Remedy, a calming collar, and/or a Thundershirt, etc. to mellow the dog out while you're gone. Plug in a lavender plug-in near the crate; it's supposed to be calming.
*Find a doggie day care or boarding facility nearby where you can leave your dog for the day.
*Last resort - a bark collar. It's the ONLY thing that works on my yappy poodle. When it's on him, he doesn't bark at all. How do I know? It has a feature on it that lets me know how many times he barks when it's activated (When you turn it off, it blinks the number of times the dog barked). Here's a link to the one I have: Tritronics Bark Collar-Bark Limiter G3. It was $100 well spent! It may take a few times before the dog gets the message, so use it for a short time the first few tries, to see how it's working.
I know many people are very against bark collars, but it works for our dogs. You have to fit it snuggly around the neck for it to work. It has 5 levels of intensity, depending on how your dog reacts to it. Potsie does fine on level 3, but my MIL's cockapoo that we had with us for awhile had to go to level 4 to get her attention.
Good luck!
Beth ('57) - I'm the one posting on this forum
DH ('55)
Potsie - cream minipoo
Maddie - white westie/bichon mix (we think)
Taking a break from camping for now
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