Do you have a yapper? Or perhaps your dog has separation anxiety and barks while you’re away from the RV?
If so, your dog could get you kicked out of an RV park.
In this article, we discuss the rules RV parks have for dogs. And we provide tips for keeping your dog quiet and safe while you’re away.
Let’s dig in!
Do RV Parks Have Rules About Barking Dogs?
Dog-friendly RV parks typically have a pet policy. The rules include things like keeping your dog on a leash and picking up after them. And some campgrounds also have rules about barking dogs.
Campgrounds’ policies may state that you’re not allowed to leave your dog unattended at your campsite, and they must not bark during quiet hours. This is to discourage a barking dog from negatively affecting the experience of other campers. Remember, not everyone likes dogs, and even pet owners can get irritated by a barking dog.
Some campgrounds will give your barking dog a warning, but others may have one strike, and you’re out. But nearly every pet-friendly RV park will expect you to use common sense. For example, national park campgrounds ask that you control your dog’s barking and noises. They don’t explicitly state that you could get kicked out if your dog is too loud.
How to Keep Your Dog from Barking While You’re Away
Keeping your dog from barking while you’re away is respectful of your neighbors and also can help subside your dog’s anxiety. Here are some tips for keeping your dog quiet and safe.
Kennel Train
Training your dog to stay in a kennel while you’re away can help it feel secure. Your dog will know the routine if you consistently kennel and offer a treat as a positive reward. In addition, the security of the kennel can keep your dog from barking.
Also, keep the kennel away from a window so your dog doesn’t see something outdoors that might cause it to bark.
Ensure They Have Food and Water
Anytime you leave your dog, ensure they have water. Dehydrated dogs might bark as they’re trying to tell someone they’re thirsty. Also, if your dog eats throughout the day, be sure to have food in its bowl.
Pro Tip: When heading out on adventures it might be tempting to leave your dog behind in your RV, but we found 5 Reasons Not to Lock Your Dog in an RV Camper.
Set Boundaries for Your Pet
Set boundaries for your pet while you’re away. You can do things like only giving them access to a particular part of the RV, like the bathroom or bedroom.
Shutting the shades, so they’re not distracted by what’s outside is also helpful. And you could leave a toy that you only give your dog while you’re away. If these boundaries are consistent, your dog will be more relaxed and may not bark.
Keep Your RV Ventilated
Keep your air conditioning on, or vents and windows cracked while you’re away. Ventilation will ensure your dog gets enough air and stays cool, which keeps it comfortable and safe. If a dog is in distress, it will bark.
Make Sure They Have a Comfortable Place
Give your dog a comfortable place to sleep while you’re gone. Whether they’re in a kennel or have access to their bed, a familiar and comfortable place will help keep a dog from barking.
Again, consistency with how you leave your pet will alleviate their separation anxiety.
Pro Tip: If you want to take your furry friends on your next epic adventure, you might be wondering Are Dogs Allowed in National Parks? Let’s find out!
How to Keep Your Dog Safe While You’re Away
Keeping your dog safe while you’re away from your RV is crucial. Since an RV can heat up quickly on warm days, we recommend a thermostat that you can control from your phone. That way, you can turn the air conditioning up if needed or if it breaks, you can rush back to the RV.
Providing your dog with entertainment can also keep it safe and calm. Turning the radio or TV on is a way to provide some noise, so your dog doesn’t hear what’s going on outside in the campground. Giving your dog a chew toy or interactive toy while you’re away can also keep a dog focused. And be sure that things your dog could get into, like the garbage, are out of reach.
In addition, if you have multiple dogs, ensure each has what they need. Do they egg each other on when one starts barking? If so, try to separate them into different areas of the RV while you’re away.
Pro Tip: Putting a Safety Alert Sticker on your RV door in case of an emergency may also help you feel calm about leaving your pet.
If Someone Complains, Try to Take It in Stride
The reality is that dogs bark. Whether they bark regularly or when they feel threatened or see another dog, it’s what dogs do. However, when in a campground, you’re living close to others and keeping your dog quiet is important.
When your dog does bark, someone might complain. If you get a complaint from a fellow camper or a warning from the campground staff, try to take it in stride. Remind yourself that not everyone understands or likes dogs, and that’s OK. Take the complaint for what it is and try to prevent any future issues whether you agree with it or not.
Barking Dogs Are No Fun for Anyone
Traveling with dogs can be great fun for you and your pets. As long as you abide by the rules and keep your dog safe and relatively quiet, other campers will have a good time as well. Do you have any tips for traveling with a dog?
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