Is their such a thing as RVing etiquette? Part 2

I'm sorry to say that the "Golden Rule" doesn't appear to be as strong as it once was. Or perhaps it's always been this way and I didn't want to see it.

I remember, as a kid, if you took a walk you were expected to respect other peoples property. My parents drilled it into me not to cut across other peoples yards. Don't deposit any trash on anyone elses property.

When you think about it, these same rules SHOULD apply in campgrounds. Actually, this should be a common sense thing. And I've actually seen it posted in some campground rules for those who need to be reminded.

Since we stay in a lot of campgrounds all over the country, we see people disregarding their fellow neighbors and the park owners far too often.

Now for all of you who are responsible parents and/or responsible pet owners, I applaude you! And I hope you're my next RV Park neighbor.

We love children. Combined we've raised six children and we are blessed with nine grandchildren. We also love pets. We travel with two well-behaved Chihuahuas, Capt. Jack & Jesse James. They bring us much joy and companionship when we're away from the grandkids.

Like I said, we love children and pets, just not the barking, yelling, or making a mess in our postage stamp of a yard.

Traveling with Capt. Jack & Jesse James, we do our best to be "good neighbors." I'll explain...

When we take them outside, they are always on a leash and under our control. This is for their protection and IT IS THE RULE! They're not allowed to wander into other campsites. And no matter where they poop, we pick it up promptly. In fact, we have poop bag dispensers on each of their leashes.

I guess what boggles our minds the most is the complete disregard (and disrespect) some RVers have for park rules. Unfortunately, it's the small group that misbehave that creates hardships for all of us. Many campgrounds are starting to charge an extra fee for pets. Some are charging $5 extra per pet and limiting pets to two. Some parks won't let pets over 20 pounds into their park.

All campgrounds require all pets (yes, cats too) to be on a leash at ALL times when outdoors. They also require that owners pick up after their pets. After all, it's the right thing to do.

Did you know that pet fecal matter is a hazard for two reasons?

1. It's an unsanitary mess when other people step in it (especially when they track it into their camper).


2. When it rans, it washes into our watersheds that feed our water supplies. EEEEWWWW!

It really amazes us that many people feel they are exempt fron the rules. And it is frustrating to park owners and/or managers. Since the majority of RVers now travel with their furry family members, owners don't want to ban pets (although many we've talked to are considering doing just that).

Unfortunately, RVers who are ignoring the rules are forcing RV Park owners to make unpopular changes to their rules. Like the $5.00 per pet extra fee. The next rule to hit will be an additional $25 fee charged to your credit card if, after you leave the park, the workers find you did not pick up after your pet. Look for this idea to catch on as owners and managers are at a loss to find any other way of ensuring a pleasant stay is enjoyed by all.

Let me share an experience we recently had when we took our RV for repairs at an RV dealer. This dealer is gracious enough to provide six slots with full hook-ups for those customers who have no other place to go (like us) and need work done on their RVs.

When we pulled into our slot, Bob took care of the hook-ups while I took the dogs out to do their business. It had rained a lot recently so the ground was wet, and so was the poop all over the yard. Picking up poop from other peoples animals is unpleasant in the best of circumstances. But when it's soaking wet it's almost impossible. But this yard was so full that I had to before I could take my dogs out.

So I spent an hour picking up the disgusting mess!

Unfortunately, RVers are forcing RV Park owners and other related RV businesses to make the radical changes I talked about earlier. As with everything, many RVers do the right thing with their pets. It's the 5-10% who don't that are ruining it for all of us.

Here are some good neighbor, pet friendly ideas that are working for us:

1. If we leave and can't take Jack & Jesse with us, we put them in their kennels with a chew toy and cover them up with a sheet. They are more relaxed when they can't see out. This keeps them from barking and annoying our neighbors.
2. We don't put them in their pen unless we're sitting outside with them. This is also a rule in RV Parks!
3. We have a poop bag dispenser on each dog's leash so whenever and wherever they do their business, we promptly pick it up.

One problem dog owners may have (and cat owners would not) is barking.

Recently, we were parked next to a couple who had two large dogs. They were on a mission of traveling to see the national parks. That's great! What isn't great is that they left their dogs running loose in their rig while they were gone all day, every day. These dogs would be left alone for 8-10 hours every day.

If anyone walked by with their dog(s), these guys would bark up a storm. And since this was a tight park they were only about 10 feet from our rig. Every day, we had to listen to these dogs bark incessantly. Putting these dogs in kennels and covering them up may have calmed them down. Some animals get separation anxiety. I know if we leave our two alone for even 20 minutes, Jack tries to eat the carpet. By keeping him in his kennel and covered, he sleeps or chews on his toy. It's better for him and for the rig!

Next time you check ito an RV Park, be a good neighbor. Read the park rules and follow them.

The park owners will love you for it and so will your neighbors. And please don't take your dog or cat over to MY yard to relieve themselves. If you don't want it in your yard, use the pet walk areas provided by the parks. And pick up whatever your Fido leaves behind.

It's the right thing to do!!!

Till next time...

Vicky & Bob Heron (Capt. Jack & Jesse James)

How to work & live wherever and whenever you choose!