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Our two - 13 year old Lab / Collie cross and 5 year old Jack Russell are quite happy being left in the 'van if we're going somewhere they can't go.  We leave roof vents and windows open, with blinds down on the side(s) the sun will get and fly screens on the others.

If we drive back they're up at the windows looking all pleased to see us but if we walk back, they're curled up asleep - the Jack Russell usually in the fixed bed!   Likes his comfort!

They've always got plenty of water and we'll leave on a fan if it's at all hot, or the heating on a very low setting if we're away in winter.

Ours are used to be on their own when we're at work so there's no separation anxiety - what usually causes the destructive urges - and, if we'll be away for a couple of hours, we'd rather they had as much space as possible to move around in.

I guess it's just a matter of trying her to see how she copes - the sooner you get her into a routine, the easier it will be, but I definitely say no to the awning - too hot and too easy to escape from!

Quote: Originally posted by Ginaherd on 18/10/2007

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We would never do this all day. We have left him in the evening and gone to the club house. But if we were out all day he goes to Kennels.

This summer we where struggling getting in kennels and we asked the worden on the off chance if we could leave him and it was a flat NO it was against camping and Caravanning club rules.

Got to admit though I think he would chew, if we left him all day.

Gina

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Did you really expect anything different from a C & CC jobsworth?  We have never had this problem on a CC site even though we have advised them and left our contact number with the warden just in case.

 

I guess its down to the individual to decide what they feel is best for their own dog - after all, you know your dog much better than anybody else.

I consider myself to be fairly liberal with my views and interpretations of rules. However, I can see why a site owner or warden would put a blanket ban on animals being left unattended in vans. IMO its not being jobsworth or overzealous. Put yourself in the position of a site warden - a site will have hundreds, possibly thousands of guests throughout a season. How can you tell whether or not your guests' dog is going to be okay or not if left alone in a van?? Best scenario is that they will settle down and chill out, maybe they will bark, be distressed and annoy other guests - worst scenario doesnt bear thinking about.

For our part, we take the dog wherever we go - she's called Holly, a rescue mongrel (cross staffie and something equally stupid) and she is the bestest dog in the whole wide world!!

If we go somewhere and she is not welcome (pub,restaurant etc.) then we just move on and find somewhere else. We are really lucky, in pubs she finds a spot under the table and settles down - however, not everybody likes dogs and I respect this. 

Isn't there a joke about not leaving chocolate labs too close to the fire in case they melt?

It is against the rules to leave your dog in your caravan alone at any Caravan Club site. Quite rightly so........

How many of us have had to endure barking, pining dogs lock in vans?  Not fair on the dogs or other Caravanners!

Our three dogs go everywhere with us! It does sometimes mean we miss out on going to places like stately homes and the like, but that is tough! We made the choice to have the dogs. Pubs  are never a problem. Just visit http://www.doggiepubs.org.uk/ there are loads of great pubs listed by county. We keep the lists in the car so it is to hand when we need it.

If you ask your vet that question  you will be told to get a cage for your dog. 

This may sound cruel but i am assured the dog quickly accepts the cage as their territory and is quite happy there.

The idea is that whenever you leave home or your caravan you put the dog in it. As time goes on you leave the cage open so the dog quickly is free to roam the room but can return to the cage if it feels threatend. Obviously the cage has water, bedding and toys etc in it.

As with all soft mouths dogs Lab pup's love nothing better than a good chew. So if your know the pup is happy in a cage then it can't be chewing up your shoes etc.

Good luck with the pup

Great website - thanks Devon Dumpling

True enough about the cage - Holly goes to hers out of preference now. When we arrive at site we open the back of the car and the cage and she looks as if to say, 'I will come out when the legs are down and the kettles on' - handy for me as I dont have to fret about her annoying other campers while I am trying to set up - she just loves to 'make friends' when she arrives somewhere new.

The cage is secured to the floor of the car using heay duty cable ties so I can be pretty confident that, if I should have an accident she will be contained in her cage and hopefully minimise injury to both her and anyone else in the car. The cage won't fit in the missus' car so she uses a harness that clips into the seat-belt holder. I cringe at the possibilities when I see people driving along with a dog loose in the car.