About a month ago, I wrote an article about the best dog fencing options for RVers. Several folks at our current Florida campground have dogs and as I walk around the large RV park, I’ve noticed how inventive RVers solve the dog fencing problem.
What’s the problem?
Many RVers love camping with their dogs. After all, our pets are integral parts of our family. Responsible RVers understand that pets must be contained and controlled in RV parks—for the safety of everyone (including your furry friend). That means RV pet owners can either tether or fence their pet when it’s outside.
Tethers often tangle and do nothing to shield your dog from other unrestrained animals. That’s why many RVers use fencing instead of tethers. I’ve noticed that many RVers position their dog fence so that they can open the RV door and let their dog out, directly into the fenced area.
The issue is that most fence panels are too tall to fit behind the RV steps and/or block the space under either side of the steps. What can block this potential escape route?
Netting
Another pet owner purchased plastic mesh fencing like this. She then used zip ties to fasten the nylon fencing to the metal dog fence to solve her escape hole problem.
Lattice
An avid RVer (and gardener) chose to use a piece of lattice to block the area behind his RV entry steps. Zip ties fasten the lattice to the dog fencing and his two small dogs are safely contained within the penned area. I noticed a slit pool noodle sitting atop the lattice and asked about it. “That keeps the lattice from scratching the RV,” John smiled, nodded, and pointed to his brain. Smart idea, huh?
Tarp
I was a bit skeptical about using a tarp to block the dog fence gap behind the RV steps. But that’s exactly what another RVer did to solve the dog fencing problem. He used the tarp’s grommet holes to tie the tarp to the adjoining fencing and staked the bottom of the tarp through the grommets to the ground. A small dog may be able to squirm under a gap in the tarp, but this RVer’s pup was too large to fit.
Pros and cons
Each technique used to solve the dog fencing problem has its own pros and cons. If your dog is a digger, you may not want to use a tarp or plastic fencing solution. Some strategies, while working well for small dogs, may not work at all for a larger pooch. A tarp or mesh netting is easier to store and transport than a solid material. If you have a dog who is an expert jumper, a fence may not be a workable solution at all.
Give it time
If you’ve never before fenced your dog while RVing, allow time for your pet to acclimate to this new arrangement. Stay with your dog, offering reassurance, if necessary. Generously praise her good behavior (no pacing or barking; good sitting and lying in place). In time, your pooch will learn to enjoy the outdoor fenced-in area.
A last word
It’s important not to leave your fenced dog unattended. If you leave your RV, take the dog with you. When at home, go outside with your dog as much as possible, especially if she’s high-strung or is easily upset by other campers, unusual noises, etc. Keep your RV door or windows open so that you can see and hear your dog, too. Provide plenty of water, a comfortable bed, and favorite toys for your enclosed pet. Be especially careful if another camper approaches your pet’s enclosure. It’s impossible to know for certain how your dog or the stranger will react.
Join the discussion! There are many ongoing discussions about pet fencing on the RVtravel.com RVing with Dogs Facebook group. View the group and join here. You’ll love it!
##RVT1144
Where are these places you’re staying that allow you to put up a dog fence? Every campground I’ve visited forbids them. That is other than the resorts that have sites that include a dog fence.
“When at home, go outside with your dog as much as possible, especially if she’s high-strung or is easily upset by other campers, unusual noises, etc.”
Every campground I have been to requires that one’s dogs not be left unattended. I do not consider dogs being outside and person being inside an RV as being “attended”!
I use a fence but it is only for those times that I will be outside with my dogs so I can oversee their behavior and any potential hazards/threats. At most, I might step in to grab a beverage but if I am going to be doing something that I cannot immediately step away from, dogs come inside!
I also do not allow the dogs to use the yard for a potty area.
Sorry, NicAnne. Which photograph are you referring to, and I’ll remove it. –Diane at RVtravel.com
Keep an eye on your pet at ALL TIMES. They’re valuable and thieves know this. It only takes a minute to lose your fur baby to a thief.
(This includes leaving them in a vehicle, even for a few minutes.)
Exactly! My dog is always with me, that’s why I have him; he is too important to me to lose.
Thank you, Gail! We tethered dog #2 without any incident for several years (2017-2023). We have tethered dog #3 during one trip, also without incident. We did not leave #2 unattended, nor have we with #3. As #3 becomes better trained and behaved, then we will travel with him more. Currently we have no plans to carry fencing and will tether him for the foreseeable future. Safe travels! 🙂
I designed and build something for under the steps that works great. It blocks the “getaway” path, and it has two U-channel arms that fold out and the fence goes into, locking the end panels firmly in place. A double win. I can send you a picture of it, but I don’t see a way to attach an image to this comment.