Dogs esp Pit Bulls

[trai927]

We are thinking about buying an RV and traveling for awhile, but we own a full-blooded Pit Bull. He would have to go with us. I have tried looking to see if having a Pit is violating any rules, but I am not finding this info anywhere. I do not want to spend the money on an RV and then find out that my dog is not welcome at campgrounds due to his breed. He is very friendly and well-behaved. We also have a Lab and the Pit has learned behavior from the Lab. He is great with children, strangers, and other dogs. He looks scary but he wouldn't hurt a flea. Although, he may lick you to death...lol

Could any of you help me with information about this? I would greatly appreciate any feedback you can offer.

[whodo]

Every camp ground sets its own rules regarding dogs. Some don't allow dogs period! Others charge extra per dog. Others have breed/size restrictions. The best thing you can do is check out each camp ground that you what to stay at and find out what there restrictions are.
Personally we have two dogs that travel with us and never had a problem. We normally stay in State Parks, National Parks, or Boon Dock in National Forest.
Don't let the worry of a dog restriction prevent you from going camping, go enjoy, just check first where your going.

[catchthe]

I have had dogs when I lived in a home. I do not think it is fair to keep a dog in an rv. People say "It's like my child". They would never leave a child alone at home or in a car. I have had several dogs nip at my legs when I am riding my bike or walking and usually the person says "it won't bite" Dogs are not humans and if they feel their owners or themselves are threatened they will bite. There is not a woman in the world that can control a pit bull if it decides it wants to go and not many men. It is a good idea when they put people with animals in a seperate part of the park.

[earljan34]

Most campgrounds DO-NOT ALLOW PIT-BULLS almost all campgrounds have some type of size & breed restrictions

[trai927]

Thanks everyone for your feedback. I greatly appreciate it.

[bigben]

Every park I have been in for some time, with the exception of state and federal park do not allow pit bulls.

[ryegal]

Hi Earljam is right very few private parks will let you in on the other hand state parks and blm , forest parks do it all depends on what kind of camping you want to do.

[teofff]

This is to Catchthe:
You obviously DON'T like dogs. Here is a surprise....My MH has 2 air conditioners....if I leave my two dogs (yorkies) in the MH, they are VERY comfortable....they even have food and water. Gee....I also leave them alone in my house....and having done both, they seem very healthy at 13 and 11 years old. Lucky I guess!

Now to the topic....most private RV parks have some sort of restriction on size and breed or number of dogs...I have fostered Pit's and know how great they can be. Unfortunatly, they enjoy a bad reputation....I am from the school of thought that says there are not bad dogs....just bad owners!!

[briansbabe]

Catch....there are hundreds of campers out there with dogs of all kinds. What you are suggesting is to segregate these people to a certain part of the campground....well, let's segregate those campers who have small children to yet another part of the campground...maybe older couples to another???
Campgrounds are for everyone to enjoy. In almost all cases where "big" and "certain breed" dogs are not allowed is an insurance issue. Friends of yours who own a campground could not get insurance unless they banned those dogs from the campground. Almost all campers are aware of their dogs at all time and keep them leashed and away from other campers. Of course there is always a small percentage that just don't care.....pets are a member of the family to many people....and wether true or not, the bit bull has a nasty reputation and many people are truly scared of them!!

[chickyandchucky]

Unfortunately, the majority of RV Resorts and Campgrounds place restrictions on Pit Bulls, Dobermans, and Rottweilers. Some also have restrictions on German Shepherds.
The reason is always due to an owner who has not properly trained his/her dog to be obedient and who actually believes that their pet would never harm anyone. We must always remember that while we love our dogs, they are dogs - animals who react instinctively to given situations and stimulai. While your dog may have never exhibited aggressive behaviour toward a human or other animal does not mean he/she never will.
Dogs are social beings and those whose owners have not properly socialized and trained them, are the ones who have put a bad name on these breeds.
I would definately travel with your pet remembering to be a responsible pet owner at all times and to be sure there will not be a problem at your destination at the end of the day, call and ask. While there are so many parks with restrictions, there are also exceptions.
I might also refer you to the breeders association for Pit Bulls and ask if any of their members could direct you to campgrounds that are friendly to this breed. Most show dogs are transported in RV's and obviously, the owners need to spend the nights on the road to and from a show somewhere!
Good luck and happy trails

[bushman512003]

I am not against the dogs but I have no dog and want nothing to do with any dog when camping I was a camp host 5 years and the 1st complaint was about dogs running loose or the mess on the ground I think if You have a dog and look after it OK .But if You do not keep the rules as in clean up and 6' leash and not let it bark .You should leave and let the other people camp that have respect for the rules that seems fair to Me and others as well.And as for My dog does not bite a dog will bite We all know that Just who and when that is the question.Again I respect You the dog owner for keeping Your dog in a camp ground and following the rules..I have to and do..Now do You follow the rules? Bushman

[gfoster4]

Hi everyone,

I have found this to be and interesting topic. I didn't realize there were so many parks with the restriction for pit bulls. We have two labs(until recently RIP) now just one, and have never had any trouble bringing them. Although sometimes we choose to kennel if we know we're planning trips away from the site. We do keep ours leashed at all times, and clean up regularly while camping. As to the barking, we keep that very minimal as well. I can stand hearing my dog bark, so I don't feel others should have to listen to it. I do understand the hesitation with the pit bulls due to their reputation, however, I also agree with and earlier post that it depends on their owner. Any dog can be mean if raised that way. I think, as long as, everyone stays responsible for their pets it means happy camping for all of us.

Have a great summer!!! Gina

[summerof]

Hi! I'm new to camping but I made sure I checked this site first and I even ordered a few books on the subject:

http://www.dogfriendly.com

You'll see a box with a drop down arrow that says "what are you looking for?" and you pick "dog friendly campgrounds/RV parks"

Turns out most campgrounds allow pets but some tend to be more "dog-friendly" than others so it's best to check out ones that are truely rated as such.

There is a book also that was written by a couple who travel with 3 German Shepherd dogs (another one of breeds that people tend to be afraid of). It's titled Camping and RVing with Dogs. I would think that you would be permitted into most of the campgrounds that they are.

Best of luck, have great travels! (and don't let the Haters getcha down)

[rvmom]

We have a Doberman. He's eleven years old and he has traveled with us in our RV's since he was three. We have only been denied by two RV parks because of his breed. We always keep him on a leash when outside. We are always with him and never leave him outside alone. We pick up after him. And when we walk him we try not to get him close to other people walking their dogs because we know some people are afraid of him. He is not vicious but he is an animal and animals react they do not reason. We can stay in out of the way places though with no fear.

[dracul]

This is a topic close to my heart as I've raised Pit Bulls for over thirty years and have been appalled to see how these magnificent animals have been maligned and mistreated in recent years particularly. In Denver, where we currently reside, Pit's are not legal in the city at all!!! I concur with much that has been generally asserted above; most campgrounds will not tolerate them unfortunately. You may have to leave your canine buddy behind, as I've had to, when I RV. Recently my last pit died of old age (14+) and I consider myself through with canines...after all...no other breed could come close equaling to filling the mighty paws of my dear departed friends...I do have a nice fluffy cat that I'm quite taken with!

P.S. By the way, pit bulls reflect the attitudes and behavior of their owners to a very great extent. As most if not all breeds do. Intrinsically, they are not malicious or savage or uncontrollable; they respond to discipline and training as any other breed and faster than most as they are quite intelligent. True, they are supremely powerful and tend to be aggressive at times, but MANY women can control them if they know how! My wife has had complete control over my Goblin and Samson when they were among the living and they could not have been more muscular, powerful or capable canines! Both were over 100 pounds of steely muscle and intensity! In the thirty years I was honored to have these incredible dogs (10 in all) I never had a single incident where they caused mayhem or injury to any human...and I raised my three kids right alongside of these mighty creatures. As an ex-cop I always practiced "approach determines response" and it held true with all ten of my pits as it did with humans (who could be far more dangerous!!!).

[dracul]

HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM should have edited that last post a bit as it has some flaws...but you get my points I'm sure. Leave your Pit at home, my friend, and avoid problems on the road that you don't need!

[seatinkers]

I have seen 2 pitbulls running loose in a RV Park. A Rotweiller not on a leash with its owner walking down the road in the park throwing a stick and letting the dog go and get it. I have seen little dogs get out of the pricey rigs and they feel that they are too good to pick-up after their dogs or just individuals that don't pick up after their dogs. It is the owners/people who are ruining the dogs and ruining it for people like me who love our dogs. Please we are suppose to be responsible adults....so take care of your dogs.

[oreodog]

Hi there,
We are ner RVers and yet to take first tip. We have a small 13lb. Mi-Ki dog who is our joy. I totally agree that pet owners need to be considerate and neat. Where we live in an over 55 Community there are many dogs and for the most part the owners are great BUT there are a few BONE HEADS who let their dogs mess and walk away. That is when they deserve to find the dog mess on the hood of their vehicle!!!!

[murfette]

I'm in agreement with the others, you have to check with the campgrounds. I do have a problem with individuals who are scared or have a problem with pit bulls. I've had 3 and NEVER had a problem. It's a shame that this type of dog has such a bad rap!!

[wizard]

However as my UPS delivery man once tole me. Even if he don't bite, he's still got teeth. LOL

[dracul]

It's always about the owner, not the dog. Punks have tended to gravitate towards Pit Bulls because of their long history as matchless canine gladiators. "Snoop Dog", et al, have done great harm to the once revered image of The American Pit Bull Terrier!