We have a Gordon Setter pup, 12 weeks old called Bess. Eventually we would like to take her with us in our camper van to stay at 'dog friendly sites'. Any advice from the experienced 'travellers' would be appreciated. We want her to enjoy her experiences and ensure she can view it as an exciting adventure. We have a tent attachment for the camper - where should she sleep?

Sandy.

Go for it Sandy! We brought a caravan so our dogs could go with us. They loved it!

The only thing which caused any problem was toileting. If you are too regimented in the place where your puppy goes then it could cause you problems getting her to go, at least to start with. My old Mandy, long departed, was only 15 weeks the first time she went so she was brought up to it. Train your puppy to "Perform" on comand. That way, she will get the idea that it is OK to go where you want.

We used to take their beds with us and they slept in the caravan with us. We did occasionally get awoken in the morning by a cold wet nose tho! :d

Best wishes, John

Just a cold wet nose? Lucky you!! When Monty sleeps in our room (in motels, not at home) he gives us a full facial wash - and you've seen how long his tongue is! He moves from one side of the bed to the other, checking in turn that we're both still alive. If we push him away, he wags his tail like mad and trots off to the other side. He has not quite got to grips with the fact that we're all supposed to be sleeping!! :rolleyes: I guess he'll get used to it eventually! :D :D

Monty's Mum :)

We have joined the caravanning and camping club.... we have been to lots of their sites...all welcome dogs (we have 4) as long as you clean up after your dog..

They are clean well run sites with friendly wardens. We went for 3 weeks last summer and are going again for 3 weeks this summer.... I can highly recommend.

I suggest your puppy sleeps with you for security.

Lynn

In a strange place your dog will probably be a bit nervous to be away from you in the tent bit, and could also escape if you are asleep. Keep her in the camper van, but you may find that she forgets her housetraining in the different environment. Either be extra aware of accidents or invest in a crate. If you get her used to the crate as her den at home, then she will feel happy and familiar with it on holiday. If my affie comes overnight with me anywhere I take her crate and when she settles to sleep, i close the door. That way i know no mischief can occur, and that there will be no housetraining lapses. Because it is her den, she does not object to this at all, and will let me know if she wants out. Many hotels also accept dogs if they are crated at night, so it is a useful thing to get them used to.

We traveled for three month's solid round the country with 2 6 month old pup last year, we left home in june just befor painton dog show and went home in september, the dogs had been caravaning with use from being 10 weeks old they sleep in the awning when the weather is fine but in the midi van I have kited out for them if it is cold or wet it has become like a second home now they are used to it, they did dimantle the cover on the tail gate when younger but are now quite at home. I find that With the caravan club it is better if you go one the small sites first the C.L.'s they only have 5 caravan's on them at any one time, so its easier not takeing them on a large site straight away, as well as the cost being considerablly less.Most of the Show's have caravan accomodation at very cheap rates,wher you can meet up with a lot of people from your breed and if becomes a more relaxed, more social way of showing and makeing friends, I could not recommend it more highly, it makes it more a family holiday

For sleeping you could consider the new fabric "tent" crates which many people are starting to use when taking big dogs to shows as they are so lightweight. Could someone do a link to site selling them, please? She would be contained, comfortable and safe and could sleep beside you happily. They are not cheap, but if you buy one that will fit her as an adult I would think it would be a great investment if you plan to holiday a lot with her.