By Cheri Sicard
Did you know that MJ from Endless RVing is a professional dog trainer? It’s true, and in the video below she answers some viewer questions about common RV dog problems. These are the simple solutions MJ uses every day with her own dogs in her family’s RV.
Common RV dog problems and how to solve them
#1 Anxiety about being left in the RV: MJ says the first step to getting dogs comfortable with being left behind in the RV is to take them out for exercise and get them tired before you leave. Take them on a long walk, play fetch or tug of war, etc. If you tire them out first, the dogs will be more likely to just go to sleep while you are gone.
Another thing you can do to tire the dog out before heading out is to do a training session. (I always like to tire them out before training, too, so doing both would probably work well.) Training sessions make the dog think, which tires them out. This is a win/win, as the dog is ready for sleep and you also got some learning in.
#2 Dogs that bark in the RV when alone: MJ says it is important to set yourself up for success on this one. Of course, start with step #1 above. But there are things you can do beyond that, starting by taking away temptation. MJ says they close all the window shades, which leaves the dogs in their own little den. They do not need to concern themselves with what is going on outside. MJ and husband Izzy always make sure the dogs are physically comfortable, for instance, by leaving heat or A/C on, as needed. She also likes to leave the TV on with either music or a show. The noise provides a distraction from outside noises and the dogs are in their own little contained world.
#3 Give the dogs something to do: Lastly, MJ advises leaving toys or things for your dogs to do, as just laying around all day can get boring for them, especially for younger dogs. MJ loves “work to eat” toys that make your dogs complete a behavior to get a reward. In the video, she shows several examples. Here are even more.
Follow these tips next time you need to go out and MJ says your dog will barely notice you are gone.
##RVDT2274
I wish more people would take the time to do some of these things. SO tired of barking dogs. Our sticks and bricks neighbors should do some of this!
Thank you, Cheri! These are important to us because our new puppy is just at 6 months. We need to train him well so he behaves in campgrounds in the future. Thank you for finding and sharing this video!
A new puppy, how exciting! What kind? Now is definitely the time to lay down good habits. Zack George has a great free training course through Pupford (they make dog treats) that really helped with my last rescue dog. He sadly had cancer unbeknown to me when I adopted him, he didn’t make it, but prior to that he was doing amazing with his training, and the course helped a lot.