MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: griz066 on December 08, 2010, 03:42:46 PM
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As the title says I am a little p!$$ed orf about some places NO PET POLICY.
We like to camp (unpowered) we waterski and fish, we take a CT with 1 car and the boat with the ute.
For the last 5 years there has been 3 to 5 families in total for the week so we are a group of around 20 to 30 people from 5 to 50yo. We need hot showers and toilets for the girls and the kids, a week is a bit long to go without a shower and the porta potti is a bit over worked if you get my drift.
We love Boondooma Dam and the fact you can camp right on the lake and leave the boat in the water right in front of the camp for the week. It is a more relaxing holiday without the daily chore of launch and retrieve. However this year with the dam at 100% there is little area to camp except in the 5knot no wash area. It is a great spot to camp but no good to ski from due to the no wash rule.
There are some other great dams around with excellent facilities lakeside camping but a no pet policy >:( >:(
We always take our very spoilt Cocker spaniel with us wherever we go, she is one of the family. We are responsible pet owners who clean up etc and she is always on a lead and in our care. It p!$$es me off that we suffer due to irresponsible people who let their dogs run wild and spoil it for others.
Does anyone know of a dam that ticks all the boxes. :cheers:
That's my rant for the day.
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We always take our very spoilt Cocker spaniel with us wherever we go, she is one of the family. We are responsible pet owners who clean up etc and she is always on a lead and in our care. It p!$$es me off that we suffer due to irresponsible people who let their dogs run wild and spoil it for others.
As you say, it's a few irresponsible dog owners who have probably spoilt it for the rest. Nothing worse than camping somewhere and being pestered by someone Else's dog, or even worse being uncomfortable about being in the vicinity of some of them, especially where kids are involved.
I feel sorry for your pain, as I know your spaniel would be a very quiet dog, but can also see it from the management side of things.
Good luck with your search for a new pet friendly haven.
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Hi griz
Dont know your area very well
But i do know there are plenty of A### Wipes out there that stuff it up for the rest of us
regards gunna
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We love Boondooma Dam and the fact you can camp right on the lake and leave the boat in the water right in front of the camp for the week. It is a more relaxing holiday without the daily chore of launch and retrieve. However this year with the dam at 100% there is little area to camp except in the 5knot no wash area. It is a great spot to camp but no good to ski from due to the no wash rule.
There is a little known campsite just up by the "lookout" on the dam wall. Same van park, but quieter and a bit further from the water. I've seen dogs there ...
As with all things ... it's the few who spoil it for the many. Since Australia is per capita the biggest owner of domestic PETS in the world, you'd think the same should be said for camping with them. Alas ... Drop by your local library or bookstore ... Camping with Dogs is the book you want. It's updated every year and contains van parks, hotels, motels, cabins, but not too much in the way of actual "camping" sites (well that was the case when I purchased it back in 1998 anyhoo). I'm sure there will be boundless websites dedicated to getting you and pooch out there, so how about a Google Search ... dog friendly campsites ... heaps come up and it's a matter of wading through them till you are happy :)
Kit_e
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Hi griz,
I know where your coming from, ??? The ones we have found that say they are pet friendly weather be CP or Camp Ground quite often have restrictions for school holidays or long weekends, NO PETS, well I can understand this in a way, BUT DOH! isn't that when people go camping, Our dog too is always either contained or on a lead as some of my fellow swaggers can atest too. We don't always take her along eg (longer holiday trips) but weekends we usually have too.
The one thing i am finding if in a pet friendly CP , The Grey Nomads are the worst offenders for letting their pooch run free despite park policy saying they must be on lead or contained at ALL times. The other thing I find looking through park/camp ground guide books, is that parks that say they aren't pet friendly usually are, this is so the can regulate it themselves in busy periods.
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LOL the nomads are having a whine about this too http://caravanersforum.com/index.php?hash=78c38e6b
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I have been camping where dogs have barked all the time, sh*t every where, p*ssed around campsites, and chased other peoples kids while they are playing. I'm sure each of those owner thought they were doing nothing wrong. Your dogs might be fine but capsite manangers cant do a psychological test on dogs or there owners before they let them camp.
After a number of bad experiences i would rather no dog campsites
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Hi griz066
We had similar cicumstance, ended up buying a book called "Camping Guide to New South Wales" by Boiling Billy.
This book has a huge list of places to camp, State Forest--National Parks--Recreational Reserves, info on each place is good....lets you know if dogs allowed or not too
Can be bought online or at bookstores :cheers:
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Mate spoil your dog as much as you can.
We just lost our 4 year old pug to an extreme anaphylactic reaction (possibly to a bee sting). She was my best mate and I'm devastated. I partly bought the XTRK because of the trouble we've had getting dog accommodation but didn't get a chance to spoil my little girl on a camping trip.
They're not around long enough and are better than 99% of the people you meet :'(
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LOL the nomads are having a whine about this too http://caravanersforum.com/index.php?hash=78c38e6b
I think you mean this one - http://caravanersforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=12644
I also have small dogs that I would like to take camping, but I have also seen enough instances of irresponsible dog owners to understand why they are banned from many caravan parks, and I tend to agree with that rule even though for me personally it is an inconvenience.
And yes, the worst offenders are the grey nomads, who are supposed to me more mature and should know better!
There is more discussion here too - http://myswag.org/forum/index.php?topic=2393.0
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Bushman, thanks for the heads up on the no dog parks that might accept dogs upon asking - I'll try calling ahead in future to places I wouldn't have bothered. 8) We have found that when people have asked what breed we have, we have often got a "Oh, no problem!" Beagles have that affect on people ;D
Georgel, I'm so sorry for your loss, pugs are fantastic little guys, and yours looks like she was loved like no other :'( Whilst you can never replace her, I hope you can find another little mate that will help fill the hole she has left behind.
Mrs Yoda
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The worst place I have stayed, with a dog in tow is Riverwood Downs....it's extremely dog friendly u can even let them stay in cabins, the trouble we had was dogs off leads running through campsites and some dogs bailing u up on the way to the toilet.
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Thanks for all the reply's though there seems to be a lack of suggested places. And I know why, its because there just aren't that many dams that are pet friendly.
I have little interest in caravan parks or powered sites I am talking about unpowered lakeside camping with the ability to use the showers n toilets for longer stays.
I had a rather heated argument with someone today who was telling me they couldn't afford the xtra 10k insurance to allow dogs at the facility. I said the amount of people who travel with dogs would go a long way to cover it, just look on the camping forums and see the amount of interest in such places.
She then started laughing and i got wild, I said my guide dog travels everywhere with me.............. there was a very long silence before she said I am sorry but rules are rules......... well I just spat it right there n then.
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I have been camping where dogs have barked all the time, sh*t every where, p*ssed around campsites, and chased other peoples kids while they are playing. I'm sure each of those owner thought they were doing nothing wrong. Your dogs might be fine but capsite manangers cant do a psychological test on dogs or there owners before they let them camp.
After a number of bad experiences i would rather no dog campsites
I have to agree....My kids want a dog bad but we won't until we have finished travelling. I'm sorry for all those that want to take pets but there are to many that just don't have a clue and have ruined it for you. Same a the mavericks that cut up tracks when all notices say don;t drive on if wet.. Simple isn't it - NOT
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I have been camping where dogs have barked all the time, sh*t every where, p*ssed around campsites, and chased other peoples kids while they are playing. I'm sure each of those owner thought they were doing nothing wrong. Your dogs might be fine but capsite manangers cant do a psychological test on dogs or there owners before they let them camp.
After a number of bad experiences i would rather no dog campsites
Agree.
I had a 'discussion' with a bloke on another forum, who said his dogs when ever someone pulled up his dogs would charge at them, barking and snarling... I informed him I'd place an axe in his dogs head if it came snarling and barking at my kids. He couldnt see what the problem was and he would scare me and booo if I did that to his dog. Apparently according to him, Im supposed to watch his dog tear my kids to pieces before acting.
My kids also want a dog, but I for one dont have time working 8am -7pm and it aint fair on the dog.
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Agree.
I had a 'discussion' with a bloke on another forum, who said his dogs when ever someone pulled up his dogs would charge at them, barking and snarling... I informed him I'd place an axe in his dogs head if it came snarling and barking at my kids. He couldnt see what the problem was and he would scare me and booo if I did that to his dog. Apparently according to him, Im supposed to watch his dog tear my kids to pieces before acting.
My kids also want a dog, but I for one dont have time working 8am -7pm and it aint fair on the dog.
See lost.. There is one thing in this world I will not let happen and that is the harm of my family.. If a dog charges it will be dead before it hits the ground as you say.. I agree with you here 100% and there lies the problem. Some just don;t get our little ones don't want dogs jumping all over them - why?
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Google "pet friendly campsites QLD" gave me these sites to look at:
http://www.petnet.com.au/pet-friendly-holidays/caravan-parks-camping (http://www.petnet.com.au/pet-friendly-holidays/caravan-parks-camping)
http://www.around-oz.com/lifestyle_mh/campsite/index.htm (http://www.around-oz.com/lifestyle_mh/campsite/index.htm)
(http://www.goseeaustralia.com.au/)
http://www.ourbrisbane.com/see-and-do/holidays-with-pets (http://www.ourbrisbane.com/see-and-do/holidays-with-pets) - this one is specifically for the Brisbane region.
Also this one was given the thumbs up: Jazkev says:
We have had great family camping trips to John's Landing on the Noosa River. Despite reading some bad web reviews, we gave it a go and have returned several times. You can take dogs, it is $10/night for a family and you can camp 20m from the river which is full of fish and crabs! Has basic toilet and shower facilities. Worth a look!
Kit_e
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I have to agree....My kids want a dog bad but we won't until we have finished travelling. I'm sorry for all those that want to take pets but there are to many that just don't have a clue and have ruined it for you. Same a the mavericks that cut up tracks when all notices say don;t drive on if wet.. Simple isn't it - NOT
better close all those tracks then
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Hi all,
Quote from: SteveandViv on Yesterday at 08:36:10 PM
I have to agree....My kids want a dog bad but we won't until we have finished travelling.
we have got it both ways,
we host ( bed & breakfast only) guide dogs in their final months of training, drop of and pick up each day on the way to and fro from wk, we have the dog on the weekends to enjoy and they are very well trained and discplined dogs etc etc, just not allowed to "undo" any of the good work already put into them,
Come school holidays or travel weekends we request that they be boarded elswhere and they arn't our responsibility, best of both worlds "how to have a dog without owning one" and it's no cost to us, even comes with a user manual...........
when one goes back and is finished, we say goodbye, put our name back on the list and get another one
cheers
Garry
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Ha....we wouldn't be able to give them back!!!!
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good feeling to see them go to worthy recipients, and the kids also realise that can't have our own whilst we travel like we do,
like i say, best of both worlds and they are all good dogs to a very high standard, we consider ourselves lucky to be a part of the "dogs life"
cheers
Garry
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Bushman, thanks for the heads up on the no dog parks that might accept dogs upon asking - I'll try calling ahead in future to places I wouldn't have bothered. 8) We have found that when people have asked what breed we have, we have often got a "Oh, no problem!" Beagles have that affect on people ;D
No problems Yoda, one thing I will add though, If it's a Big4 park don't bother asking, though a not of Top Tourist Parks are OK out side of peak times.
We too get asked the breed, and near had a problem.
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One of my team went to a dog bite today.
Blue heeler wasnt happy
(http://www.myswag.org/gallery/d/22055-2/dogbite.jpg)
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Blue heeler wasnt happy
Bloody good guard dogs those Blue Heelers. I love em. Faithful.
But all dogs bite. Anyone who thinks they don't is a DH!
Kit_e
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Clearly, anyone who says they could, or would, drop a dog that is charging them has never had it happen to them. What you say you would do, and what you will do right then and there are two different things, even all fuelled with adrenalin or a tin of brave stuff. If you attempt to take on an aggressive dog with aggression you WILL come off second best as you will rarely be fast enough. Don't be a hero, keep yourself and your family safe, and report the incident to Council and the park management. No good you getting hit with a potential assault charge as well as potentially getting injured yourself.
Bottom line is, those here with dogs are the responsible ones, right? ;D
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we're camping at bargara over xmas, no dogs allowed over school holidays. Bugger, 280 km round trip to drop dog off at inlaws so we can go camping! Then 280 km round trip to pick her back up!
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Agree with you 100% Yoda
Good, rational post.
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We took our mini foxy down to Murphy's Creek a couple weekends ago. 1st time camping with us in the swan. She loved every minute of it. We'll be looking for more pet friendly camping grounds so we can all enjoy the experience.
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Clearly, anyone who says they could, or would, drop a dog that is charging them has never had it happen to them. What you say you would do, and what you will do right then and there are two different things, even all fuelled with adrenalin or a tin of brave stuff. If you attempt to take on an aggressive dog with aggression you WILL come off second best as you will rarely be fast enough.
0. Agree with first part of your comment but reporting after injury isn't on my cards. Instead
1. You need to think "I'm going to tear you limb from limb" as you eyeball the dog.
2. Act like it is your turf.
3. Spray bottle of ammonia works a treat. Aim for the eyes. BTDT a few times.
4. Intelligent dogs back off. The deranged ones take a few lessons, especially short snouters.
Love dogs, but would rather put the axe through their owners for not giving the dog the attention they deserve.
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Do the right thing and give the mutt a holiday as well , kennel is the way to go , the mutt will love you for it , on another note , if it is a Guide dog you can't be refused entry to the camp ground ,
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Terryc, it's VITALLY important to report the incident to help prevent future incidents by that same dog, don't think you're doing anyone, including the dog, a favour by NOT reporting. Authorities can't act if they don't know about the incident! Unfortunately, 90% of what you have suggested is likely to increase the risk of an attack, not reduce it.
Eyeballing the dog is a sign to the dog of aggression, not necessarily dominance - again, to a highly aroused dog, this is NOT sensible and NOT recommended. Slow, deliberate movements backing off, not going towards the dog, is the way to go, you want to calm the dog down to a point where it CAN be restrained (if safe), not arc it up even further. A cornered dog feels highly threatened as it has nowhere to go, and becomes even more potentially dangerous. Sure, attempt to project confidence, but if anyone says they aren't feeling a bit of fear is lying. At the very least, your adrenalin is flowing, and dogs sense that.
Sorry, but I had a little laugh about the ammonia. 1) Who has that stuff on hand and 2) even if the dog's behaviour "deserves" a squirt - it's cruel, and still doesn't deserve cruelty. 3) It may not necessarily subdue a dog. Again, that could arc it up more, escalating the danger. I don't know what you mean by BTDT.
Don't assume an aggressive dog lacks intelligence. This is not about intelligence, it's about instinct. A truly deranged dog is rare; at the time a dog is highly arced up it may appear "deranged", but it is responding to a range of conditions that have got it to that point. They don't "take" a few lessons and think "oh, that's not how I should behave"; the "lessons" of getting squirted/flogged are more than likely going to mean the dog reacts to negative stimuli quicker, not longer.
What exactly do you mean by "short snouters"? Length of muzzle is not an indicator of intelligence or propensity to be more aggressive!
I'm not having a go, terryc, just that there are an awful lot of myths out there in regards to handling dogs and dog behaviour, and what you have suggested is pretty much the opposite of best practice. I do agree, however, with your last sentence - a dog's behaviour is primarily the result of how it has been treated and how its behaviour has been encouraged to flourish, even if unintentional. I hope you never do face this predicament. :cheers:
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OMG
what happened to this thread ....
the guy just wants some campsite suggestions and the whole brigade of dog haters took it as an invitation.
You don't need me to tell you where some axes would be landing if you tried any special tricks on my dogs. You'd soon see what ammonia in the eyes feels like.
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5122/5250338954_ea4e2ca1cf.jpg)
Unfortunately, kids who grow up without dogs become adults who can't tell when a dog is aggressive or not and also can't teach kids how to interact with dogs or animals in general.
I used to manage a retail shop and was able to take one of my dogs with me to the shop daily, you could soon tell which mum's and their kids had animals at home and I often thought to myself "If you bite that kid now, I don't blame you" ... never did.
Sorry I can't offer any Campsite suggestions close to you, but totally understand the problems you face.
Stevo
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I would like to see this thread stay on track and I don't want to have to lock it.
If you don't have a pet friendly camping location to share with everyone then I suggest this is not the thread for you.
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NT
Douglas Daly Tourist Park about 1.5 hrs south of Darwin. It has recently changed hands and is now dog friendly. Beautiful location, and plenty of room.
Devil's Marbles camp ground allows dogs in the campsite area only, but you can still see a fair bit from there.
Kulgera - standard sort of roadhouse fuel stop, nothing special, but allows dogs.
SA
Renmark - Headings Cliffs right on the Murray - absolutely gorgeous! No facilities, but large and well spaced out sites.
WA
Barn Hill, south of Broome. Very popular with the grey nomads as it has its own bowls green, but a fantastic spot for anyone really.
Kununurra Caravan Park - good facilities, nice view of the lake in Kununurra
Exmouth Caravan Park - all good
Ningaloo Station - get the best of the National Park without being in the National Park 8)
Carnarvon Caravan Park, quiet and good facilities
Esperence Caravan Park - good facilities very close to the beach
TAS
Riverside Caravan Park at Latrobe, Tas - lovely facilities, one of the best bathroom facilities we've seen.
Seven Mil Beach, not far out form Hobart. Again, good facilities.
Black River Campground, not far from Stanley on the NW coast of Tas.
Cosy Corner Campground in the Bay of Fires Conservation Area - pit toilets only, but good flat and sheltered sites.
Can't remember the name of it, but there was a van park in Strahan that looked the good, but had VERY small sites jammed right next to each other. They also had some cabins, and they kindly let us bring the dogs inside as it was BUCKETING outside.
Latrobe Caravan Park - long skinny block with nice grassy sites, a bit too close together, but the best bathroom facilities that felt like they were en-suites.
VIC
Gunbower Caravan Park, 45km NW of Echuca - give these guys a medal! Lawn - not grass - sites, spotless bathroom.
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Does anyone know of a dam that ticks all the boxes. :cheers:
griz066, I've sent you a PM with a link to Sommerville Park at Stanthorpe, on the banks of Storm King Dam.
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Terryc, it's VITALLY important to report the incident to help prevent future incidents by that same dog, don't think you're doing anyone, including the dog, a favour by NOT reporting. Authorities can't act if they don't know about the incident! Unfortunately, 90% of what you have suggested is likely to increase the risk of an attack, not reduce it.
No argument with reporting the dog, but that is an afterwards consideration. First is getting your backside out of there. Sure, if it is a CP, then I'm up to the office to lodge a complaint. That unfortunately isn't always successful. Nor is reporting it to council always successful as many councils require a mauling before they will do anything.
My first approach with any dog is to appear friendly and most dogs are. Who needs a dog when you can have an OP (other peoples, no feed bills, no vet bills, no clean ups, etc) {:-).
However, from time to time, you are going to come across a situation where the dog isn't going to be friendly and the owner is completely stupid and isn't going to control the dog. Then I target the dog for a re-education program.. What I've said has worked successfully for me over a number of decades. YMMV.
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Clearly, anyone who says they could, or would, drop a dog that is charging them has never had it happen to them. What you say you would do, and what you will do right then and there are two different things, even all fuelled with adrenalin or a tin of brave stuff. If you attempt to take on an aggressive dog with aggression you WILL come off second best as you will rarely be fast enough. Don't be a hero, keep yourself and your family safe, and report the incident to Council and the park management. No good you getting hit with a potential assault charge as well as potentially getting injured yourself.
Bottom line is, those here with dogs are the responsible ones, right? ;D
And that was what I mean Yoda... It was a figure of speech, that's all.. I really do like dogs and have not had an issue except for once..(for another time)
Most of us are going to put family first that's all I meant..
Anyway. My post was a figure of speech But lets get back on track