A guide to preparing dogs for full-time RV living, from travel-friendly gear to safety considerations and adjusting to a new environment.
Introduction
Full-time RV living isn’t just an adjustment for us—it’s a big change for our dogs, too! Moia (our German Shepherd pup) and Dakota (our Yellow Lab) will be experiencing life on the road for the first time, and we want to make the transition as smooth as possible. From training and safety precautions to essential travel gear, here’s how we’re preparing them for RV life!
Looking for more RV dog tips? Follow our Pinterest board for expert advice, gear recommendations, and real-life experiences from full-time travelers with pets!
🚗 1. Training for RV Life
Before hitting the road, we’re making sure Moia & Dakota are comfortable in new environments and adjusted to small spaces.
✅ Practice RV time – Letting them hang out in the RV before we move in full-time.
✅ Desensitization to travel sounds – Getting them used to road noise and movement.
✅ Crate training for safety – Teaching them to love their crates for travel days.
✅ Basic obedience refresh – Reinforcing commands like stay, come, and leave it for campsite safety.
🐾 Tip: Bring their favorite blanket or bed into the RV for comfort and familiarity!
Read more about our transition to full-time RVing here.
🎒 2. Must-Have Travel Gear for Dogs
Packing the right gear is essential for keeping Moia & Dakota safe, comfortable, and happy on the road. Here’s what’s on our list:
🔹 Dog GPS Tracker – Perfect for off-leash hikes & boondocking safety!
🔹 Collapsible Water Bowl – A space-saving must-have for travel days!
🔹 Dog Bed – Keep their RV space comfy & familiar!
🔹 Dog Leash – Durable & travel-friendly!
🔹 Personal Alarm – Extra safety for walks & boondocking.
🐶 See our full list of recommended dog travel gear here!
⛺ 3. Campground & Boondocking Safety for Dogs
Keeping dogs safe at campgrounds and boondocking sites requires a little extra planning!
🛠 Campground Safety:
✅ Always keep dogs leashed (many campgrounds require this).
✅ Check campground rules about pets before booking.
✅ Make sure vaccinations are up to date.
🌳 Boondocking Safety:
✅ Be aware of wildlife risks (snakes, coyotes, porcupines).
✅ Use a GPS tracker in case they wander.
✅ Carry plenty of fresh water to prevent dehydration.
🐕 Tip: Never leave dogs in the RV alone without proper ventilation and a temperature monitor!
Read more about RV safety & security tips here.
🚚 4. Helping Dogs Adjust to Travel Days
Long travel days can be stressful for dogs, so we’re helping Moia & Dakota adjust before full-time RVing begins.
🐶 How We’re Preparing:
✅ Taking short road trips in the truck with them.
✅ Stopping every 2-3 hours for potty breaks & exercise.
✅ Keeping chew toys & calming treats in the truck.
✅ Using a dog hammock seat cover for comfort.
🐕 Tip: Play soft music or use a calming spray to help reduce travel anxiety!
See how we overcame our RV travel fears here.
🏡 5. Making the RV Feel Like Home for Dogs
Dogs thrive on routine and familiarity, so we’re making sure our RV feels just as cozy as a house.
✅ Bringing their favorite bed & toys into the RV.
✅ Keeping their feeding schedule consistent.
✅ Designating a “dog zone” with their bed & bowls.
✅ Creating a calm space for when they need alone time.
🐾 Tip: Use a pet-friendly rug or mat in the RV to prevent slipping on floors!
Learn why we chose a travel trailer for RV life here.
Final Thoughts
Moia & Dakota are part of our family, so making sure they’re safe, happy, and comfortable on the road is a top priority! With the right training, gear, and preparation, RV life with dogs can be an amazing experience.
🐶 Are you traveling with dogs? Drop your best RV dog tips in the comments!
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