stefan P (Penrith NSW) replied:

G'day michelle, My Kelpie cross is still a spastic 3years down the track, But seams the first day is the worst, then she settles down after that and is well behaved and obedient.

maybe she is just to tired to be bad after the first day of mayhem

Cheers Stefan

Sand Man (SA) replied:

Hi Michelle,

Ah the responsibilities of being a dog owner.

Now listen here, you think you have problems. Well my dog is a Border Collie male, who thinks he is number one. He's 20 months old and showing no signs of slowing down. Has reached grade 3 at obedience school, but that all goes out the window when he's off the lead and sees another person, or dog.

The only way I can restrain him is to place him on a length of chain. When we go to our friends place on the peninsula for a long weekend, I have a "run" made from a couple of star droppers linked by a length of stainless steel wire, which the chain can run along. The chain is so he can't chew through it, like he would a lead, or rope.
This gives the fella a reasonable area of "restricted" freedom to roam about, go to the toilet, sleep, etc. You don't have to watch him all the time. Our friends always ask us if we are bringing "Charlie" when we are going. They love him. Being on the beach front, he gets plenty of "off lead" exercise as well. He is also a great traveler in the vehicle, so no problems there.

I guess four weeks is a fair amount of time, but if you are staying in the one location it could work out OK. It would be good companionship for the kiddies too.
I think it is a matter of "containment" so you don't have to watch him constantly.

We take our dog on most "short term" excursions, but book him into the kennels when we head "bush".

Regards,
Bill.

Brew69(SA) replied:

No experience with Cavalier King Charles Spaniels but my advice would be to find a good boarding kennel. As a dog owner(german shep) i think that we fail to see the short falls of our beloved dish lickers whilst on the road. The kids will miss the puppy for all of 2 days and they will look forward to the re-union after the trip.
I know plenty of people travel with dogs but most are short sighted about the problems they cause both to the environment and other campers.

Member - DAZA (QLD) replied:

Hi All

Take the dog, you will not regret it,the kids will enjoy taking it for walks ect, you will be surprised how it will adapt, might have to chain
it up on a running wire, eg long length of clothes line wire connected
to long tent pegs either end, and the dog chain, the dog can run up
and down the wire.

Cheers
Daza

On Patrol replied:

G'day Michelle
The first trip is always going to be the hardest, but pups are like kids, set the rules fair and firm.
Let the dog do what it wants to do "under supervision" and when it strays too far, chases a rabbit or whatever let it know in no uncertain terms that you are not pleased. Slowly allow it more freedom as it earns that "privilege" and in time, as long as you are consistent, it will learn.

As Stefan said his dog is stuffed in the head but she keeps within the rules now, as she matures. As for my dog she was born with a wise head on her shoulders, BUT we had a few encounters and problems at first but now it's a lot of fun to go camping with the kids, grand kids & fur kids.
Colin

The Geriatric Gypsies replied:

goodday michelle
where do i start
Take the pup we have had our new pup for about 6 weeks ,our van is our home and not once has he messed in the van, we are currently in queensland for a few days then back to lightening ridge. our pup curls up and sleeps about every 2 hours we stop for a break he has a stretch and a pee and like yours he's the boss and lets us share his bed but he is no problem
we have a chain and he is becoming use to it during times when he has to stay on it , we also carry plenty treats and tell him hes a good boy even if hes playing up a bit but he is learning to come when called (for a traet although the little bugger found them in the car door this morning and helped himself
take him he is part of the family also

jmo
our pup will be going to innamincka
steve

Gone Bush (WA) replied:

Michelle, it's geat that your dog swims.

How handy will that be on your next trip to the Kimberley?

After all, you don't want to be testing the water for crocs with the kids !!

Unless they are really naughty of course.

MEMBER - Darian (SA) replied:

Kennel might be the go - from what I've seen and read, the smaller dogs are so easily lost in the bush. They can easily chase a critter and cover a lot of ground quite quickly. Some VKS737 members lost their Jack Russel on the Tanami track a few years back - just wandered off from the camp - they stayed extra time and searched for him - never found him. Station owners we met just south of the Alice in 05 bought a small dog for their kids - the dingoes finished him off in very short order...... and none of the above is the fault of the dogs :-o) !

Steve replied:

David/Michelle,

Try a Jack Russell. It's like they're on steroids and Ice/Ecstacy or whatever those weird kids get on these days. He's now 4 and I think those first few times have just got to be gone through. Not that it's that bad, you just need to train yourselves and dog. It'll take a few trips, never mind a few days to settle him down but you'll get there. Trouble is, we can't leave home without him now, he loves camping so much - the wife and kids would just keep on about him if we left him behind - but there's no chance of that. If he doesn't go, I don't go - and I was the one who didn't want a dog because of the restrictions. National Parks can wait. It's also amazing how many places you find to go that you never bothered to look for before and you meet some great people that your doggy will introduce you to. A nw dimension to your trips. Good luck and enjoy.

oz doc replied:

Hi David and Michelle, I guess you won't know how much of a disaster your dog might be until you get there. How about a compromise? Take the dog and if he does turn out a right royal nutter - then consider putting him into the kennel at Exmouth. Not exactly a convenient plan but better than cancelling the trip if he is really bad, and no worse than leaving him behind in Perth. Also I strongly recommend you buy a book called "The Dog Listener" by Jan Fennel. She is to dogs what the "horse whisperer" is to horses. This book will give you a great insight into raising a dog . It is an easy read- not filled with jargon or difficult concepts. Once you have read it you will have a new understanding of your dogs behaviour and have a much better relationship with him.You will also learn how to avoid causing behaviour problems and the basis of how to deal with them when they arise. Another thing to consider - you can buy a dog tether device which looks like a giant corkscrew. It screws into the ground easily but in most terrain is very difficult for the dog to pull out. It has a ring on top which you attach his lead to and he can run around in a circle without tangling. Quite cheap to buy and won't take up much room. Don't know how it will go in really soft sand, but for most other ground it will work a treat. Happy holidays!

Mike Harding replied:

To my great sadness I had my 12 year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (Digi Dog) put to sleep around two years ago - she was an old lady and her time was nigh so it was a kindness but I still regret not doing it myself - didn't have the fortitude I'm afraid. Took a long time to handle the grief – no different to a close friend dying.

Cavs are very special dogs, they are family members and should be taken with the family on all occasions, if you don’t wish to do that don’t take on the responsibility of a Cav – or, probably, any dog.

Like all puppies he’ll grow out of chewing in good time and, of course, he’ll chase everything, he’s a puppy! That’s what they do :)

Take him with you.

Mike Harding

Member - Nev (TAS) replied:

Hi there,
Take the dog and spend the time to make him feel wanted but show him who is the boss. I take my Border Collie/Springer cross everywhere and he has an IQ of zero. Bloody thing is a mental case. However as soon as the boat trailer hits the car it changes. It sits in the boat (tinnie) all day and is great company. I have a water and food container on board under a sun cover for him but he seems to spend most of his time sleeping on the seat cushions or just watching. If I ever have to tie him up I tie him to the car so he can get underneath if needed and is a great deterrent. He actually ran off the first time out and when he got back I tied him up for the day so he could see us fishing and crikey he put on a scene. Never done it since. Mind you we have done dog training classes which has helped us, but I am not sure of him.
My kids would slit my throat if he wasn't part of the crew. We also allocate chores like feeding and walking the dog etc so everyone shares the load.


Everyone have fun!!!

Trevor R (QLD) replied:

The quicker you get the dog used to doing the things you want to do and doing them the way you want them done, the quicker you will have a well rounded dog suited to your lifestyle. Take the dog everywhere you want to take it (not N.P of course hehehe) but like other "responsible" owners, just respect not everyone likes dogs and that is their perogative to have a dog free camp.

Enjoy your trip up nth, with the "whole" family.
Regards, Trevor.

Bap replied:

Hi Michelle
we camp at Sth Lefroy, Ningaloo as often as we can and I have to say, as much as I like dogs, it would be very annoying to have a dog barking all day (if you were out in the boat and left it on the beach). We go there for the peace and to escape the "rat race". If we want to hear dogs bark all day, we would stay home!
Also, it you do take him, please make sure he doesn't defecate all over the beach. We had some neighbours up there last time that let their dog poo wherever he wanted. With kids playing on the beach this is pretty disgusting. If you are considerate to other campers, I guess he won't be a problem.
Michelle

Kiwi & "Mahindra" replied:

Well, good luck what ever you do Michelle!!!

We took our 12 month old staffie camping for 4 days last yr...the prob was in the car....had a towel for her in the back to lay on but she thought the waeco was much more comfy...plus if we knew she would do that we wouldnt have totally re-arranged the entire back set up to fit her in.

Take the pup and a bottle of wine!!LOL!!

Laura

Wayne's 60 replied:

Hi David and Michelle,

While some of the previous respondents have, IMO, skirted the issue…………… we won’t.

Please don’t take the dog.

DEC regulations don’t allow any canine………….. big……..small………. or otherwise ………into National Parks, Nature Reserves or Conservation areas.

You will miss out on (legal) access to a large number of areas because you have the dog in your vehicle.

There is a very real threat that your dog will pick up a 1080 bait and by accounts we’ve heard……….. it is not pleasant death. The dog grave at Victoria Rock and a recent post on EO, bear testament to that.

On the other side of the coin……………….

We have along the Holland Track with a small dog in tow, muzzled and on a lead.
It is an area that is baited and there was concern about the dog’s safety.

At the end of the day it will be your call.

We wish you well in making the right decision.

Regards,
Wayne & Sally.

Member - Dunworkin (WA) replied:

Hi Michelle, I don't know too much about Cavs but there is something about any dog and when one becomes part of the family well that's just what they are. We had a Kelpie/ Collie cross and she was one who let us live in her kennel, she let us sleep in her bed in fact she was always there for us but unfortunately now she has gone and we no longer have her company so take your dog, train him now so that in the future you will not have to hesitate before taking him on the family holiday, you and the kids won't regret it.

Cheers

D

Top End Explorer Tours replied:

Hey Dave and Michelle.

It's great to own a dog and consider it part of the family, we have just saved a dog from town camp and change her life.

But the travelling we do, I can't think of a reason why she can come with us, this being said she will be well looked after by my sister and her 2 girls.

The only dogs that I believe should travel with their owners are seeing eye dogs, hearing dogs or as I told Doug T that Dusty could be properly classified as a companion dog.

A dog as a pet IMOA is not for travelling, we love Josie but she will not travel with us, some may say you should take them everywhere but when we travel to Europe next year she definitely wont be able to go there, so where do you draw the line.

Cheers Steve.

disco driver replied:

Hi David & Michelle,
Without wanting to be too much of a "wet blanket" I hope that you are aware that a lot of the area, particularly inland, is often baited with 1080 for fox control.
Anywhere there are turtles you can bet that 1080 is around to protect the littlies from fox depredation.

Take your pup but make sure that you have a muzzle that works and use it whenever you have any doubts about his safety.

There may not be a lot of signage if the baits have been airdropped. (Legal requirement is on the landholder, he has to notify neighbours and place signs at property entries and on gates of baited paddocks (which may be as big as 1000ha).

Hope you have a fab time in that area.

Cheers

Disco.

ExplorOz Team - Kerry W (QLD) replied:

Hi Michelle,
Thought Id put my thoughts in as well.
I'd take the dog,
You are its mum and the kids are the rest of its pack.
(Oh and David will be the Top Dog so the dog would be happy if David didnt go - but I cant see that happening - unless there are some good k ... nah.... better not go there..)
Ha!
Make a deal with the kids that the only way the dog comes on the trip if if they take turns to help you keep any eye on him. Honestly they will love that responsibility and they will be so eager make sure the dog goes too.
Give the dog some free reign but always have some yummy food to reward him every time he comes when you call.

He will be extra work but so is having 2 kids. (well this will be 3)

He will distract the kids and the kids will distract him so it will be a win win for you- Plus it will create a good bond with all concerned.

Mad as they are at that age they dont stray too far from you but if you and the girls make sure he is as safe as all the other members of the family (without stressing yourselves out) he will settle down fast.

I have traveled with dogs since I was a kid. having downsized to a toy Poodle and a Maltese (from German Shepherds) the poodle goes everywhere (except national Parks) and if we are away for a week where he cant go, he stays with someone he knows real well.(Oldest daughter or my Mum and Dad)
The Maltese well she's my eldest daughters dog and .. well shes not quite like the other dogs....

Just like one of the kids.

Member - Borgy.. (SA) replied:

G'day David & Michelle

I would take the dog with you Michelle, she might be a pain for the first day or two , but after that she will more than likely adapt...we take our dog everywhere with us , have done since she was a pup, she is 11 yrs old now and still acts like a little puppy some times......

Our dogs favourite spot when travelling

Cheers.......Borgy

Ray replied:

Hi Best bet is to leave the kids at home and take the dog

Ozboc replied:

Wont help you now David , but this will hopefully help others.

I have recently also got a dog for the kids , and as a camping companion. i was also exploring the Puppy option , but as i have done this in the past and ended up with a dog that would just do exactly as you describe , always run off - dig ,chew everything and would not travel well , NO MATTER HOW MUCH TRAINING WAS DONE.

I am now a strong advocate of getting Rescue dogs ( dogs on death row ) long before i even look for a pet in a pet store. With these animals you actually get a few weeks of test driving the animal , if he does not fit into your family - you return him for a full refund OR change for another

This is the dog that we have adopted petrescue click here He has obviously had previous training - already desexed , fetches ball listens to commands - travels well in the car as he is happy to sit at the kids feet for hours at a time and does not try to jump around the cabin

Getting a rescue dog also makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside as you know you have just saved a dog from imminent death where as a dog in a pet shop will eventually be sold and not killed

so people please consider this option first - sure you may not get a 3 month old puppy thats all cute - but someone has already done all the hard work and you get a dog that fits into the family almost instantly without all the headache

Boc

Drew - Karratha replied:

Hi Michelle
I camp at Ningaloo once per year and have done so for the past 20 odd years. We camp just behind the homestead but due to the changes in the Sanctuary zones will probably start staying at South Lefroy Bay. I have a 11yr old German Shepherd that comes with us every time we go there. She is a different dog when she is at Ningaloo - she absolutely loves it!! During the day when we are in camp she is free to run around and do as she pleases - she soon learnt how far she was allowed to roam from camp, and when we are out in the boat, or at night she is tied up (and usually sleeps because she has worn herself out).
I would suggest to take him - the owners of the station are happy for people to take dogs there as long as they arent causing any trouble to other people or their livestock.
Have fun (wish I was going this year but due to baby number 1 (and fuel prices) will probably have to give this year a miss.....)
Drew

Bware (Tweed Valley) replied:

Hi Michelle,

Some people have talked about dogs adjusting to travelling after a few days or a couple of trips, but a crazy dog (like ours) will not change his nature. He will still want to bark and jump up on people and lick them to death, chase wildlife etc. I would be loath to inflict our dog’s behaviour on others.

Also in these excitable situations he doesn’t obey the wife or kids so it falls on me to keep him in line. Selfishly, I don’t want to be on ‘dog duty’ 24hrs a day when I want to relax on my well-earned and infrequent holidays.

I enjoy observing wildlife, so a dog that barks and chases things will put an end to that. At night he would be sure to wake everyone barking at possums, bandicoots etc.

I am not opposed to dogs camping. Last week I took my son (6yo) camping and there was a very well behaved terrier with some fellow campers. We all got on and had a great time.

Regards

Brian

Member - Olcoolone (S.A) replied:

Three of the most important things about having a good strong happy relationship with you canine is...

1) Let a puppy be a puppy for at least 6 months.

2) Let a canine be a canine and don't try and convert it to a human.

3) Set up a strong pack order early ensuring the humans who have a lot of contact with the canine comes first, part of a strong pack order is also letting the canine sleep in side the house...not out side and giving it food after everyone else in your family has eaten.

DO NOT take the puppy out or socialise with other canines for about 1 month after the final vaccination.

Don't play to rough with it and only allow 15 per day physical activities a day (throwing a tennis ball, running, playing fetch.) for the first 6 months.

Allow the canine to have a special area where it can go and not be disturbed for time out.

Don't smack or yell at it if it does something wrong....growl or put you hand over it's muzzle firmly for 5 seconds, don't punish it after it has done something wrong you have to catch it in the act and if it has done something wrong don't call it over to punish it; you go over to it.

Set an morning and evening feed time.

If taking it for walks always have the canine walk a little behind you not way out in front.

You give the canine attention when you want to not when they want to.

Start at an early age taking food away from them and then giving it back to them.

Use food for most training (sit, stay, drop, come...etc.)

Cavalier King Charles spaniels are a very strong minded canine and has a tendency to be dominating if given the chance.

Make the canine user friendly and you will have many happy years together and remember let it be a canine.

Regards Richard

ExplorOz - David & Michelle replied:

Just wanted to say a huge thanks to everyone for your amazing responses. the overwhelming positive response actually surprised me so I've been convinced - he's coming!

Member - Olcoolone (S.A) replied:

Four quick things..

1) Get your canine use to boarding kennels, it's sometimes nice to have a break for both of yous. We have a friend who can not leave his canine anywhere unless it's at home or with his father..bad mistake.

2) Get it use to eating other brands of pet food, makes it a lot easier when put into boarding or someone else has to look after it.

3) Use good quality pet food like Eukanuba, Royal Canin, Hills Science Diet etc. Expect to pay between $50.00 to $120.00 a bag...(depending on bag size and breed) do not use the cheap supermarket brands like Pedigree and DO NOT USE canned pet food. The friend I mentioned above feeds his dog on the BARF diet...very expensive in money and time with no added benefits..anyway his canine will not eat anything else.

We have some friends who have 2 German Shepard's and they were spending about $100.00 per week on cheap pet food, we introduced then to a good brand $120.00 a bag pet food we use and they saved about $50.00 a week and there canines health and coats improved.

Dry food is better then wet.

Members-Neil & Margie-Cairns replied:

G'day David ,, as a puppy now is the time to start taking him so as he will start to learn ,, we have a 12 year old Cav ,, he has been coming with us all the time , is a bit trying at first , but they do learn ,, we just won't leave him , he is part of the family ,, it does mean some places are out ,, but ya get that !!

All the best ,, Neil ..