I have a VW bus I love to go on road trips in, particularly in the summer for Rainbow Family Gatherings. I'm thinking of getting a puppy for protection because I'm a single female. I probably wouldn't take him on his first long road trip until June, and would be training him to ride in cars from a young age. I've never had my own dog before, so I wanted to see if anyone has any tips for living on the road with one. What is the most environmentally efiicient way to dispose of waste? Especially when I'm at Rainbow gatherings and there's no actual trash cans or dumpsters. What should I feed a dog? Does anybody here take their dog to gatherings? Should I bring dog food for him or feed him what I eat? Sorry if these are dumb questions, and of course I know not everybody likes the Rainbow Family, let alone goes to the gatherings. But even if you don't, I would really appreciate advice on taking care of a dog on the road.
you might want to also ask this question in the RB family forum RBF generally discourages bringing dogs to gatherings, but people do it anyway. A dog might give you some good protection, but it would have to be kinda big and agressive to do that. About self-defense: There are rape self-defense classes that you can take that are not too expensive, maybe $25, often sponsored by local police departments. I think they give you at least 9 hours of training. It's good because I think they give you actual sparring experience, and there's no replacement for that. So you can learn a little martial arts, improvised weapons, pepper spray, stun gun, knife, extendable baton, or a gun. If you choose to carry a weapon, it's important that you're able to get access and use it quickly, since dangerous situations are often a surprise. If you can't follow through with using a weapon, don't carry one. It's useless, and even worse, it could be used against you. A sturdy pellet gun can be good for self-defense. Not as much regulation as a real gun, probably won't kill anyone with it, and can scare off or take the piss out of an attacker at range.
I'm against getting a dog merely for perceived protection. That said, I lived in a Step Van, and for a short while we had my then-partner's wolf hybrid and a cat. Yeah. The cats liked it more, because a big box is a home to them. The dog didn't like being in motion for long stretches. He ran off at every opportunity, mainly from bad early training. It was almost a relief when the ex girlfriend stole the dog to breed him. (Both dogs were put down after they attacked someone. Whatever you do, and whatever breed, get both of you trained to work together) Ok, so if you must: Spay/neuter! Acclimate the dog to the bus/Van as home. Set a walking and elimination schedule. And feeding. You won't be able to have kibble out (it stinks a car up FAST) so two feeding times is paramount importance. Store kibble in airtight containers. It really stinks. High quality food means less elimination waste Lead and off lead training. Have a home vet and reccomendations for areas you are traveling through. Vets network pretty well! Have all shot records at hand easily. I suggest copies with the vehicle registration. Don't spend lots of time in overly hot climates. Chase temperate! And shade. The redwoods are nice. Have extra leads and dishes. Plan on an extra two gallons on water daily for the dog. This is drinking and spills. Trust me. Groom the dog very regularly. Cut down on shedding and odors. Dogs roll in rotting dead things. Especially on beaches. I have no idea why, but all but one of my dogs lifelong had this habit. Some worse than others. Plan on some extra shampooing. Dogs travelling in open areas will find skunks and porcupines. Vinegar and canned tomato juice neutralize skunk musk. Have pliers for quills. Stash a spare $100 for a vet bill. All of this applies if you only road trip or live on the road full time.
I would only add one thing, do a search for what "people food" is safe for dogs as somethings are flat out poisonous for them. http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/ss/slideshow-foods-your-dog-should-never-eat
pup food is the same as people food, just processed differently. I feed my dog one meal I prepare for him each day, fish is his absolute favorite. He also gets fresh veggies and fruit in moderate quantities. As long as you fix it for the dog and not as if humans are going to eat it (no spices, no/low fat, only "dog safe" food) it is fine and in a lot of cases more healthy for them.
Thank you all so much for your answers I'm sorry if I misled by saying I wanted him for protection... I've definitely always wanted a dog. I LOVE dogs, and I love my brothers' dog but he's not my own and I can't take him when I leave. So I definitely just want a dog in general, but knowing he will protect me is just a plus. And I think I will go ahead and try posting this in the RF forum too just in case.
Drum, your quote...."I'm against getting a dog merely for perceived protection."....inspired me to post this that was in my favorite photos. I ran across this awhile ago while looking for something else I thought I saved in zillions of photos....to reply to Irm's last statement in renaming Christmas, but cannot find that one....found this cute thing, though, and this seems an appropriate spot to post this....
If you just give the dog lots of love and affection, proper correction when needed, and treat him/her as a valuable and unique creature and not just a pet, it will protect you if ever the need arose. I don't train my dog to be aggressive or a "guard dog", actually trying to get him to be less aggressive with other animals, and he is a just a lovable cuddler, but I seriously pity the poor fool who would attempt to harm anyone in the family if Buddy is around. I've seen what he can do to a soccer ball in less than a minute and it is kinda terrifying to think if that was a persons arm or leg. :yikes:
Hey thanks This was definitely my intention too. I initially thought to get a doberman or german shepherd (he would intimidate perverts, at the least) but I had to realize that just like you said, any dog who sees me as its leader would protect me. So now my older sister has lab puppies and I might get one.
Let me add on that you should specifically avoid chocolate, onions, garlic and grape products (raisins). Chocolate has killed dogs.
I have thought about this much. My doodle goes crazy in a tent. Plus bringing dog food takes a lot of space. I hope I can show him, my dog, more of the world. If. Your cute we can protect you
