I've joined this forum because my other half and I would benefit from some advice from experienced caravanners' and dog owners. I am going to complete a PGCE qualification next September and because I own a little rescue beagle and cannot afford properties in the necessary area I am considering buying a caravan and 'pitching up' in that for a few months.
Ideally, my self-employed other half will find an office building that will allow him to take Snoopy the Beagle with him to work. However, if he does not I was wondering whether it would even be possible/advisable to leave Snoopy in the caravan for a few hours (no more than 4) at a time throughout the day.
We have looked at some caravans and believe we could make the environment safe and cool/warm as necessary but does anybody have any experience of dogs in caravans for long periods of time???
We'd really appreciate all ideas/advice/experiences on this subject because the dogs health must come first but at present we are struggling to find an ideal solution for all!
I think some dogs are fine and others not We never leave ours more than 2 hours and rarely that long. She knows we are going to come home soon and as a result she can be left and simply lies down and goes to sleep.
Many dogs are regularly left much longer and do suffer separation anxiety as a result. They often bark pitifully all day. That is really upsetting as well as annoying for anyone within earshot.
I don't know which area you are looking at but some areas of the country have quite a lot of doggy day cares that you can leave your dog with them for a day or half a day. The fees vary but it might be a reasonable option for you or a dog walker to take him out for a couple of hours.
Four hours isn't an unreasonable time to leave a well exercised relaxed dog but unfortunately I haven't found a site where this is allowed.
Perhaps if you were settled on a small single pitch site you could discuss it with the owners.
Rescue centres normally say 4hours is a maximum to leave a dog. Most sites we've been on say no dogs to be left alone. I wouldn't trust ours not to chew the van to bits!! Hope you find a solution and good lock with the pgce.
I'm taking from reading the OP that it is a tourer they are going to buy.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
One thing that you will have to consider is the fact that most touring sites have a maximum stay rule of between 21 and 28 days to comply with their site license, also that your plan may not work out during the summer months for several reasons, the main one being how quickly a touring caravan can heat up inside during the day and cause your dog heat exhaustion, even if you do leave the top vents open and a fan installed.
We had the experiance of this happening on a neighbouring pitch to us on the Sandringham estate, whilst the owners of a young Spaniel had gone out for the day. The wardens were franticly trying to gain entry to the caravan whilst waiting for the Rspca to arrive who had been called by another concerned caravanner. Eventually the Rspca man managed to lift the roof vent and climb down into the caravan and rescue the dog, who needed urgent vetinary treatment due to her ordeal. Leaving a dog locked inside a caravan on a warm summers day is simply not an option, even if it is only for an hour or two, please dont do it, its not fair to your dog do this.
Julia
------------- Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife
Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!
Thank you everyone for your responses, we greatly appreciate your advice and experience.
From your messages we have learned that a caravan is, perhaps, similar to a car and that it can become very dangerous for a dog, especially in the summer months. Fortunately my PGCE course does not run during the summer months so the dog would not be living in the caravan during this period. However, in view of the fact that hot days are not confined to the summer months we will find an office or doggy day care centre which can accomodate Snoopy. I must stress that our dog is very happy on his own for a few hours but we would not want to upset holiday makers and other residents so... in view of all of the feedback we will make arrangements for Snoopy not to be alone in the caravan any time it may be hot or for more than 2 hours.
Thank you everyone for your help with this matter :) Snoopy appreciates the advice
We had no issues with leaving our 3 small dogs in the caravcan while we were at work. The wife finished work early and was generally home by 2.30pm at the latest. Depends a lot of which site you select.
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Topic: Live in a caravan with a dog
