by Archie » Mon Jan 08, 2024 2:13 pm
I camp with my dog (an Aussie/Border Collie X) and I took my dog across Canada in hot weather towing my teardrop - I never left him in the car untended except once or twice to run into the gas station with the car right there at the pump and I had eyes on the car. If I had to go into a store I took him in with me - into Walmart, into Canadian Tire, etc I only once was told I couldn't bring him in. Sign no dogs or obvious places - no dogs - I just didn't go there. Now that was Canada, but even US you can always do until told otherwise. Take him and if asked to leave say 'oh sorry' and leave. Obviously no restaurants but I used drive throughs. Also lots of big stores (in Canada anyway) have pickup orders - need groceries, call in order and pick up at curb.
Campgrounds were great just follow the rules. I never left him in the trailer untended except when I went for a shower or into a multi stall bathroom - my dog is a barker but only if he thinks he is protecting me. Provincial campgrounds are often pit toilets so I just brought him in (he didn't like the smell any more than I did) Consider even 10 minutes too long to leave in a car even in the shade when it is as hot as the last couple of summers.
Almost lost him once as he barged past me when getting out of trailer-leash wasn't on yet, recall not his best training - so safety - never open trailer door until he is leashed, I travel with light fencing and put it around the door so if he does barge out he can't go anywhere. Fencing also useful for blocking off back of SUV when sitting at stops with the back open, giving him some off leash time in campsite - it can make a circle and fasten closed or half circle against trailer or can be jagged or straight line. Used it a lot. Loved having my pupper with me to cuddle, company in the rain, howl at the moon find a way to be safe.