Walk, walk, walk. Extremely rare to find a dog who complains about too much walking. Just the opposite. Most want more more more.
Moving to a new campground can confuse a dog. Where is the dotted line? Do they protect 20 acres or 20 feet? How defensive and protective should he be?
I mostly travel alone with an active dog. Even though I often arrive dead tired at the next camp, I mostly set up the bare minimum such as level the rig and plug in electricity. Then I take my pooch on a long walk around the campground or park. I do the rest of the set up later.
He loves this. He gets to sniff and do pee-mail. He gets to check out how many other dogs and people are around. He gets a feel for the density that he doesn't own 10 acres and he shouldn't bark at the folks 20 feet away on their site.
After the walk, I generally come back and tether him outside while I putter around with water hookup and rocking chair and so on. He loves to sit in a camp chair with a toy and blankie, so I usually set that up for him .
Whenever possible, try to spend at least 24 hours with your dog before you take off without him for lengthy absences. I see all too often, folks drive in, hook up, walk the dog for 30 seconds then lock him up and leave him alone for hours. The confused dog barks and fusses the entire time. Even worse is when a dog cries and you can hear their severe stress. It's heartbreaking. Especially true for younger dogs and some that were apparently snatched away from mama way too soon.
Windows. My dog loves to have all the shades up so he has a view from every window. He doesn' t have to guess about what's going on around him, he can see. In my experience, the noisiest dogs in camps seem to be the ones that are hermetically sealed inside with all the blinds and curtains drawn.
Do not stake your dog outside away from you and your family. I've seen this awful scenario too many times by deaf families. They tie the dog up to a tree with 4 feet of rope, then they all sit 20-40 feet away while the dog barks or whines constantly.
The 6 foot leash rule is in effect most everywhere, but 99% of the parks don't mind your dog being tethered on your lot while you are outside with him. So, no, you don't have to tie him up with a 6 feet leash to the picnic table so the poor dog can't move more than 2 inches.
Plan activities with your dog! Why have a dog if you don't enjoy his company?
Take him hiking or fishing or biking or to the dog park if they have one. I taught my dog to play fetch and Frisbee. When we find a dog park or an open area away from everyone else, we can break out the ball or frisbee and play a spirited game to wear him out. My dog has been sightseeing a lot. I try to check ahead to see if doggy can go.
For instance he got to see Niagara Falls and it lifted the pressure off us to hurry up and go check on him. He just went with us and we all had a great leisurely time. Shop owners kept inviting us inside, doggy and all. I wasn't in a shopping mood, but I was surprised at the numerous invitations we received to come on inside and bring the dog.
In many places, you can actually go to a restaurant with outdoor seating and let your leashed dog go with you. Check ahead. This is a great option for travelers with dogs.
Travel with two water dishes and keep both clean and full. One for outside and one for inside.
Spend a little time every day on training. Dogs are never fully trained and it never hurts to keep positive reinforcement going as you train them to be a wonderful pet.
Mine never gets a treat unless he is sitting quietly waiting for it. So when he is annoying. I just grab the treat bag. He immediately shuts up and sit down, even though I haven't actually offered a treat yet. I've even mixed up his regular food with treats in a special bag. He seems happy enough to get a variety.
My dog isn't allowed to beg while we eat. But I often do have something set aside for him for later. Like if I make hamburgers, I make him a tiny one and set it aside. After we are through eating, he gets his "begging cup" handed over and he loves this! He also love mac and cheese, so if I make some, I will put a tiny spoonful in the begging cup. After our dinner, we give him his little treat.
My friends were amazed when they invited me to stay for dinner. They asked what should we do with your dog? I said, well he will just sit here next to me and be quiet, if that's OK. My doggy (barely 7 pounds) sat next to me at the picnic table, completely ignoring us while we ate. He already sits at the dining booth in my rig ignoring me while I eat, so even visiting elsewhere he (thankfully) chose to put on his best behavior.
Dogs want to make you happy! Train them and reward them for that.
