RV Pet Information: How to Find Doggie Parks When Traveling With Dogs

1. How to Find a Local Dog Park
   
   • Look Online: If you have online access while you are RVing, you can always look online to find a local dog park. There are several good websites which have extensive camping information about local dog park facilities to use while camping with dogs: www.dogpark.com , http://www.ecoanimal.com/dogfun/ , and http://www.dogparkusa.com/ .
   • Do some legwork RV pet information: Call the local pet stores and veterinary offices to ask if they recommend any local dog parks. Also, you should check local bulletin boards (i.e. at the laundromat), dog publications, and newspapers for any dog park ads.
   • Call the local or county Department of Parks and Recreation Office and ask about any local dog parks.
   • Don’t forget to ask the campground management about camping info like this and any long-term residents at the campground as well.
   
   
   
2. Some important considerations before you enter a dog park
   • Puppies: You really shouldn’t bring puppies under six months of age to a dog park. Not only might they get hurt, but they don’t have the necessary immunities/vaccinations to be protected from diseases. I know one friend whose puppy got a bad case of puupy warts at a dog park and it took a while for them to go away.
   • Un-spayed Females: In an environment with a lot of male and female dogs, an unsprayed female is just a lightening rod for aggressive behavior. So you really should avoid bringing any unsprayed females or un-neutered males to a dog park.
   • Aggressive Dogs: Many people take their own dog’s aggressive tendencies too lightly. Then, when they get to the dog park they act surprised when their dog attacks another dog. You should find other places for your aggressive dog to play, such as a beach with few dogs on it.
   • Number of Dogs: Make sure that you can handle the number of dogs that you bring to the dog park. Common sense says that more than three is probably too many.
   • Basic Commands: As a safety issue, you should always have your dog under control at all times, especially off leash. Teach your dog the basic commands such as: come, sit and stay.
   • Doggie Bags: Make sure you take bags to clean up after your dog....