It is it Wise

Keith19837 · Senior Member

It is it Wise

didiw · Member

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 · Guru

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 · Member

Thank you John

I had not thought about the restrictions of Parks both The Caravan and The National.

jetj · Guru

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 · The Master

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 · Senior Member

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" biggrin

Keith19837 · Senior Member

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 · Veteran Member

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 · Guru

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 · Guru

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 · Guru

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 · Senior Member

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 · Guru

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 · Guru

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_ · Master (of Mischief)

instead of a dog just get a sticker made for your van saying 'didiw & mack my bullmastif travelling around Aus'

Keith19837 · Senior Member

_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 · Senior Member

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.