We've a got a problem at FW

[hoosll]

The lady who wrote the anonymous note came over to speak to us. She was really touched by how unhappy the dog sounded and wanted to let us know ... her intent was not to threaten us with a report to Front Desk. There are a number of people in this loop who rent for many weeks at a time so they do spend many days at thier site instead of the parks. She does not have a dog - but don't ask me why she is on a pet loop?!?

We turned on the radio for company and also to mask the sounds of people talking as they walked by the RV; also to block the sounds of other dogs barking in the area, fireworks, etc. which could trigger him to bark, too. We never meant the radio to hide the sounds of our dog barking.

Then we sat outside at the picnic table. Checked in on him periodically. No barking. Then we rode the boat to MK and back, had lunch at Trail's End and came back to the RV - no barking when we came back to the RV, he was in his bed sleeping.

We have been very patient with a dog that has had a rough time since losing his brother. We would not have left him if we didn't think he had improved. He was having a bad day.

Lessons we learned: on the first day in FW, don't leave him too long. Leave him some company in the form of the radio. Stay on his schedule: he eats on demand (food in his dish at all times) but expects treats on a regular schedule.

[SondraD11]

This is good to know. I also have an RV and a dog and wondered how it worked at the Fort Wilderness campsites without a car. To a previous poster who commented about leaving the dog in a strange place...to my dog, the RV is home just the same as if we were actually at our land based home. She loves to travel and has her spots in the RV just as she has at home. FYI.

Sondra

[jude&jonah]

You should like very responsible dog owners- I'm glad it's working out! I don't think some posters in this thread realize how much of a commitment and how much work it is to take your dog on vacation to keep him close by- but you do it because you love him and don't want him alone at home for too long- even with a babysitter. That is commitment to an animal! Hope you have a great rest of your trip!

[Disbug]

Hope your trip continues to improve! Sounds like you have done everything right to me. For the future, what about getting another dog? Is that a possibility? Then your sweet dachschund would have have a companion.


Have fun at the Fort! Wish I was there...

[disnut8]

Originally Posted by 2girlsmomma

You have done your due diligence. Don't stress about it, enjoy your trip! If it bothers anyone badly, they will contact the Front Desk who will talk to you and they've said they won't evict you on the first complaint. Seriously doubt the note writer heard him ALL DAY, because who hangs out at DW at their site all day? At least part of it they were at DW!

I agree here. We have a dog, who I call "Woofie" across the street. I swear that dog barks for an hour at a time. Just constant barking. He's a big boxer so you can hear him quiet easily. The last time I decided to time his barking. Ten whole minutes when he's first left outside. I only *thought* it was an hour. Once I realized it was *my* perception, it helped me quite a lot.

[bearloch]

Glad its working out for you, enjoy!!

[JennyDrake]

This may cause "negative feedback" but you may want to check with your vet to phone in an Rx (Turner drug delivers) of acepromazine. It is a sedative with minimal risks and your dog will be looped for 8-12 hours and not bark. They are not knocked out, just a little tipsy. Again, check with your vet. When I worked at vets' offices we would sometimes have to use it for the dogs in for boarding that would NOT shut up in cages.

[Miss Peach]

Originally Posted by JennyDrake

This may cause "negative feedback" but you may want to check with your vet to phone in an Rx (Turner drug delivers) of acepromazine. It is a sedative with minimal risks and your dog will be looped for 8-12 hours and not bark. They are not knocked out, just a little tipsy. Again, check with your vet. When I worked at vets' offices we would sometimes have to use it for the dogs in for boarding that would NOT shut up in cages.

And this is why I would only board my dog in an absolute emergency.

[a1tinkfans]

glad it is working out. Hope your trip is great and your pup continues to do well.

[jackemail]

You sound like great puppy parents to me. I also have an older animal, a cat, and boarding him would be the absolute last resort.

[maxiesmom]

Originally Posted by hoosll

The lady who wrote the anonymous note came over to speak to us. She was really touched by how unhappy the dog sounded and wanted to let us know ... her intent was not to threaten us with a report to Front Desk. There are a number of people in this loop who rent for many weeks at a time so they do spend many days at thier site instead of the parks. She does not have a dog - but don't ask me why she is on a pet loop?!?

We turned on the radio for company and also to mask the sounds of people talking as they walked by the RV; also to block the sounds of other dogs barking in the area, fireworks, etc. which could trigger him to bark, too. We never meant the radio to hide the sounds of our dog barking.

Then we sat outside at the picnic table. Checked in on him periodically. No barking. Then we rode the boat to MK and back, had lunch at Trail's End and came back to the RV - no barking when we came back to the RV, he was in his bed sleeping.

We have been very patient with a dog that has had a rough time since losing his brother. We would not have left him if we didn't think he had improved. He was having a bad day.

Lessons we learned: on the first day in FW, don't leave him too long. Leave him some company in the form of the radio. Stay on his schedule: he eats on demand (food in his dish at all times) but expects treats on a regular schedule.

Thank you for coming back and posting this. I does sound like you are being good pet parents!

[SpectroMagic*o*]

Originally Posted by hoosll

Background: DH and I are on out 2nd trip to FW in 3 months. We have a dachshund who is almost 15 yrs old. He does get some separation anxiety but he usually stops barking after we leave ....

Yesterday we went to MK and came back to a "nuisance dog" note left on our step ... "dog barked all day" ... no signature. DH was really upset as we don't want to ruin anyone else's vacation but ... it's our vacation, too.

What should we do ...
1. Give it up and head on to our next stop after one day.

2. Figure it was his first day and head out to DHS hoping he will do better today if we leave the radio on or something. But come back in a couple of hours.

3. Cut back to just a couple of short park visits and get a babysitter in to stay with the dog ... wouldn't you like to hear that conversation when we call to schedule.

This would be harder if we weren't just here in Dec .... also HOW do you check out early at FW .... there's no front desk!

Sorry I am not offering advice but I was just curious...I may have read this wrong...can you have dogs stay with you at Fort Wilderness?? I thought dogs werent allowed anywhere on property except the kennel?? If this was already answered, I apologize

[Disbug]

Yes, your can have your pet stay with you, which is awesome! But this is only for Loops designated as Pet Loops for people that travel in RV's. (No dogs left in tents.) I believe FW charges $5/day for this. Someone correct me if I'm wrong?

[I loveStitchnippyjon]

Originally Posted by JennyDrake

This may cause "negative feedback" but you may want to check with your vet to phone in an Rx (Turner drug delivers) of acepromazine. It is a sedative with minimal risks and your dog will be looped for 8-12 hours and not bark. They are not knocked out, just a little tipsy. Again, check with your vet. When I worked at vets' offices we would sometimes have to use it for the dogs in for boarding that would NOT shut up in cages.

BAD idea to drug an elderly dog and then leave him alone.

[hoosll]

Originally Posted by Disbug

Hope your trip continues to improve! Sounds like you have done everything right to me. For the future, what about getting another dog? Is that a possibility? Then your sweet dachschund would have have a companion.


Have fun at the Fort! Wish I was there...

At 14+, he's really too old to adjust to another dog. His brother was the A-dog and upon his death, this dog has had to learn how to do everything, he had always been the follower, he didn't know when to eat, go outside, or go to sleep. It has been quite an adjustment for him to listen to his own instincts and take the lead in life. We love him dearly and it has been amazing for him to blossom into being a totally different dog.

But, when there is a change, he gets anxious. At Xmas, our DS came home for a visit. The dog was so happy to see him but when he left, that night the dog cried for part of the night. When we get home from this trip, I expect that he will have a couple of bad nights until he adjusts to being home again.

We are heading to Epcot shortly ... let's hope he has a nap.

For the poster who asked about anti-anxiety meds. Our dog who passed had been given anti-anxiety drugs before we discovered the tumor. So, I'm familiar with them but the doctor has stressed that we use positive reinforcement and training to help make him feel more secure rather than suppress his instincts while he's adjusting to being a single dog.

Weather here is great MK was very busy yesterday and again today. We are primarily using our ADRs rather than doing rides or shows. Our biggest adjustment to traverling with a dog is factoring in the extra 90-120 minutes of travel time away from them and back when you are using the buses. We usually sandwich 2 hours at a park with a hour each to/from, then stay with him for 2-3 hours and then go out for 4 hours again. With it this crowded we don't plan on seeing much.