Is it wise to get a Dog seeing as how I am on my own and intend to travel alone most of the time, any thoughts would be appreciated ?
Its a personal preference of course. but I hate being without a dog (first time in over 50 years). As some have mentioned, there are pet friendly and non pet friendly Parks. However, apart from the companionship, they are a great 'early warning system' against potential difficulties. Dogs can sense/smell/anticipate so many things about people. Even the smallest 'yapper' can give warning and most likely disrupt miscreants. I personally prefer a dog with a bite of 'muscle' (Elkhounds, Shepherds etc they really make people stop and think and deter unwanted salesmen) but a C/Van might be a bit tight for room. I used to take my dog/s on the boat (damn all room) living on board for up to a couple of weeks and fall over him/them with regular monotony. But for me it was worth the inconvenience for I was never attacked by pirates (land or sea based variety) and I could trust the dog to watch the boat whilst I picked up supplies at the local shop (can't take dogs in unless guide dog etc). As a point of note; whilst I was a 'plod', I noticed that many car parks had cars broken into well away from a car that had a dog secured to it. Less houses are burgled with a dog indoors or in the garden. I could tell some hilarious stories but wont clog up the post. A cat budgie or goldfish will just sit there and watch you getting beaten up or the house getting burgled. Personally I'ld get a pup and get him/her used to the Van, travelling etc. For what it's worth.
-- Edited by Keith19837 on Wednesday 27th of June 2012 11:49:14 AM
didiw said
05:37 PM Jun 27, 2012
Hi all,
Is it wise to get a Dog seeing as how I am on my own and intend to travel alone most of the time, any thoughts would be appreciated ?
yeoeleven said
05:53 PM Jun 27, 2012
didiw wrote:
Hi all,
Is it wise to get a Dog seeing as how I am on my own and intend to travel alone most of the time, any thoughts would be appreciated ?
Hi didw,
all the dog lovers will tell you to get one but from my viewpoint it would be a mistake and the reason for that is that it will restrict your options.
There are be caravan parks that you will not be able to go to, that wouldn't bother me because I almost always free camp where there are no restrictions.
The main reason is that I have always visited National Parks where they are not allowed and I would not like to have been banned from all the excellent times that I have had whilst travelling particularly in WA and the NT.
Having said that my next travelling will be done in tandem with a lady who has two small cute dogs so I will have to see the other side of the situation soon.
My advice is don't restrict your options, you are free now why give yourself a hard time.
John
didiw said
06:03 PM Jun 27, 2012
Thank you John
I had not thought about the restrictions of Parks both The Caravan and The National.
jetj said
06:09 PM Jun 27, 2012
I agree about the restrictions, that are many. Not only National Parks and some parks but worrying about leaving them in a van when it is hot is restrictive as well. Even to hop into the supermarket in warm weather.
That said I wouldn't be without a dog, too lonely and they are a friend like no other.
Happywanderer said
06:11 PM Jun 27, 2012
I am in agreement with both John and Jeanette. As much as I keep saying I am going to get another dog for company, I haven't yet as worry about the restrictions.
pipes said
10:29 PM Jun 27, 2012
If you are a solo woman, and unsure about taking a dog, here is the answer. I don't eat a lot, am "house trained", and very affectionate. (Sorry, but just couldn't resist it)
Regards
"Pipes"
Keith19837 said
10:37 PM Jun 27, 2012
pipes wrote:
If you are a solo woman, and unsure about taking a dog, here is the answer. I don't eat a lot, am "house trained", and very affectionate. (Sorry, but just couldn't resist it)
Regards
"Pipes"
You're a sick puppy.
Campfire said
10:38 PM Jun 27, 2012
Hi Diwi,
I also travel alone but rarely get lonely, there's always someone happy to have a chat. I free camp most of the time but ocassonally pay to camp if I've got heaps of washing and it's been raining, etc. Before I started travelling I've always had a dog or two so I'm a real dog lover and miss not having one.
However, as John said, they do restrict your movements and where you can and can't stay. The other thing is the cost of owning a dog. They have to have their yearly injections, heart worm tabs, anti tick and flea gels/pills, etc. None of this is cheap and if they fall ill, vets fees can cost an arm and a leg and there's no pensioner discounts.
One story - My friend travels with her dog and when we go into town for shopping, sight seeing, lunch or dinner either she dosn't come or she puts her dog into 'doggy-day-care' which costs more than child care!!!!!. There's a web site where you can find these doggy day care centres, apparently. She can't leave her dog inside her van because it yaps the whole time and she's been asked to leave or move on more than once. Sadly, her dog didn't yap when it was a puppy but developed it within it's first 7 months. Seperation anxiety apparently.......
I've met heaps of lovely dogs (none better than Shadey) that really take to life on the road so it's a big decision and I wish you every luck with what ever you decide.
Cheers, Cate
Gerty Dancer said
11:08 PM Jun 27, 2012
I'm also one of those who'd like a dog, but. The biggest worry for me is not so much where you can or cant camp, its how to leave the dog safely if/when I need to go shopping or anywhere for a few hours. Will continue being dog-free for now, but enjoy other people's dogs when I meet them.
Beth54 said
11:25 PM Jun 27, 2012
I'm also a solo woman Didi, and had originally thought about getting a dog for safetly reasons. But honestly, I haven't had any troubles where a dog was necessary.
I think the negatives outweigh the positives. And if you're on a budget, it's not cheap to own a dog.
It's not dangerous for a woman to travel alone if you're sensible.
jetj said
12:48 AM Jun 28, 2012
You could get a bird, mine tells me to "get outside" or "look out" when I'm driving, nags, wolf whistles at rest stops making others think it is me, and loves the Bee Gees. If I take a corner too quickly I get "stop it". Oh and she barks as well. Not sure about National Parks with a caged bird.
Colls said
12:53 AM Jun 28, 2012
Your bird sounds entertaining. What sort is it?? I'd like to get a dog but I think the cost would be to great. I'v always had dogs since a kid but later they always came under the ownership of my kids. Now my son wont part with his. I know if I had one now there would be no way I could leave it. That was until I heard the description of your feathered friend.
Colls
jetj said
01:07 AM Jun 28, 2012
She is rainbow lorikeet. They talk well and are quite entertaining. Common and not particularly expensive. They do squirt their droppings, as they are fruit eaters and not seed which is good in a way as no seed casings or residue. They eat a powdered mixture and native plants and fruit.
A friend had a male that was a little agressive at times but my female is a sweetie. Hard to tell their sex only by a bloodtest or based on behaviour, mine laid eggs so obviously a female.
They do need a reasonably large cage with is the downside as takes up some room.
spida said
04:29 PM Jul 1, 2012
I have felt absolutely no need for a dog. When driving they are stuck in a vehicle. When camping it is highly unlikely that you will be on your own ever, and there are so many nomads out there I am sure you will not have 'unsavoury' types around anyway. But - no doubt a dog would break the ice - then you can always talk to another owner about their dog rather than having one. I have talked to people about e.g. beautiful Litchfield Park. They were not going there until I explained that the Tourist Park takes pets and is shady so to leave the pet in the van and see the park in 3-5 hours would not be a problem.
_wombat_ said
02:25 AM Jul 2, 2012
instead of a dog just get a sticker made for your van saying 'didiw & mack my bullmastif travelling around Aus'
Keith19837 said
02:33 AM Jul 2, 2012
_wombat_ wrote:
instead of a dog just get a sticker made for your van saying 'didiw & mack my bullmastif travelling around Aus'
You could also add a tape recording of said bullmastiff ripping someone to shreds. LOL
Red Dog said
11:53 PM Jul 3, 2012
No way could i leave my mate behind, and my wife would not stand for it, he is a great backup when we are bush camping, nothing gets by him, so i say go for it.
Its a personal preference of course. but I hate being without a dog (first time in over 50 years). As some have mentioned, there are pet friendly and non pet friendly Parks. However, apart from the companionship, they are a great 'early warning system' against potential difficulties. Dogs can sense/smell/anticipate so many things about people. Even the smallest 'yapper' can give warning and most likely disrupt miscreants. I personally prefer a dog with a bite of 'muscle' (Elkhounds, Shepherds etc they really make people stop and think and deter unwanted salesmen) but a C/Van might be a bit tight for room. I used to take my dog/s on the boat (damn all room) living on board for up to a couple of weeks and fall over him/them with regular monotony. But for me it was worth the inconvenience for I was never attacked by pirates (land or sea based variety) and I could trust the dog to watch the boat whilst I picked up supplies at the local shop (can't take dogs in unless guide dog etc). As a point of note; whilst I was a 'plod', I noticed that many car parks had cars broken into well away from a car that had a dog secured to it. Less houses are burgled with a dog indoors or in the garden. I could tell some hilarious stories but wont clog up the post. A cat budgie or goldfish will just sit there and watch you getting beaten up or the house getting burgled. Personally I'ld get a pup and get him/her used to the Van, travelling etc. For what it's worth.
-- Edited by Keith19837 on Wednesday 27th of June 2012 11:49:14 AM
Hi all,
Is it wise to get a Dog seeing as how I am on my own and intend to travel alone most of the time, any thoughts would be appreciated ?
Hi didw,
all the dog lovers will tell you to get one but from my viewpoint it would be a mistake and the reason for that is that it will restrict your options.
There are be caravan parks that you will not be able to go to, that wouldn't bother me because I almost always free camp where there are no restrictions.
The main reason is that I have always visited National Parks where they are not allowed and I would not like to have been banned from all the excellent times that I have had whilst travelling particularly in WA and the NT.
Having said that my next travelling will be done in tandem with a lady who has two small cute dogs so I will have to see the other side of the situation soon.
My advice is don't restrict your options, you are free now why give yourself a hard time.
John
Thank you John
I had not thought about the restrictions of Parks both The Caravan and The National.
That said I wouldn't be without a dog, too lonely and they are a friend like no other.
If you are a solo woman, and unsure about taking a dog, here is the answer. I don't eat a lot, am "house trained", and very affectionate. (Sorry, but just couldn't resist it)
Regards
"Pipes"
You're a sick puppy.
Hi Diwi,
I also travel alone but rarely get lonely, there's always someone happy to have a chat. I free camp most of the time but ocassonally pay to camp if I've got heaps of washing and it's been raining, etc. Before I started travelling I've always had a dog or two so I'm a real dog lover and miss not having one.
However, as John said, they do restrict your movements and where you can and can't stay. The other thing is the cost of owning a dog. They have to have their yearly injections, heart worm tabs, anti tick and flea gels/pills, etc. None of this is cheap and if they fall ill, vets fees can cost an arm and a leg and there's no pensioner discounts.
One story - My friend travels with her dog and when we go into town for shopping, sight seeing, lunch or dinner either she dosn't come or she puts her dog into 'doggy-day-care' which costs more than child care!!!!!. There's a web site where you can find these doggy day care centres, apparently. She can't leave her dog inside her van because it yaps the whole time and she's been asked to leave or move on more than once. Sadly, her dog didn't yap when it was a puppy but developed it within it's first 7 months. Seperation anxiety apparently.......
I've met heaps of lovely dogs (none better than Shadey) that really take to life on the road so it's a big decision and I wish you every luck with what ever you decide.
Cheers, Cate
Will continue being dog-free for now, but enjoy other people's dogs when I meet them.
I'm also a solo woman Didi, and had originally thought about getting a dog for safetly reasons. But honestly, I haven't had any troubles where a dog was necessary.
I think the negatives outweigh the positives. And if you're on a budget, it's not cheap to own a dog.
It's not dangerous for a woman to travel alone if you're sensible.
Colls
A friend had a male that was a little agressive at times but my female is a sweetie. Hard to tell their sex only by a bloodtest or based on behaviour, mine laid eggs so obviously a female.
They do need a reasonably large cage with is the downside as takes up some room.
instead of a dog just get a sticker made for your van saying 'didiw & mack my bullmastif travelling around Aus'
You could also add a tape recording of said bullmastiff ripping someone to shreds. LOL
No way could i leave my mate behind, and my wife would not stand for it, he is a great backup when we are bush camping, nothing gets by him, so i say go for it.