Vanlife With A Dog | (tips and tricks)

Hey guys!
I've had a few questions about my sweet little fur baby Eliza, so I thought I would share the ins and outs of traveling full time with her. If you are interested in learning about how I handle vet care on the road, how we keep Eliza from overheating, and the biggest pros and cons of traveling with your pup, you've come to the right place!
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A portion of all proceeds will go to the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) www.cnps.org/ , a nonprofit very near and dear to me. :) I deeply appreciate any support to continue pursuing this dream, though of course it is entirely optional. I just appreciate you bein' here. :)

[@sunnydae6602]

I cannot imagine living life without a dog💖

[@antoniafoster8264]

Me either. ♥️

[@2wildtravlers]

Do it in a Jeep Cherokee with 2 an then get back to me 🤣🤣

[@nicovanzyl1979]

Ni co 😍😍😍😍🤗

[@chungrigby5006]

I traveled with my Remi for a decade out west. He was very smart, super loyal 100 pound German Shepard. I slept like a baby in the wilderness knowing Remi was beside me. He was truly my best friend too. He passed away at 13 in the wilderness last year and I buried him on a hill with beautiful sunrises... Fortunately a wild dog I help in the wilderness have me her pup Carl before she died. Carl is so loving and we are very close. (PriusLife Nomads Off Grid Community)

[@entropy1978]

This hit me in the feels. Traveled off and on with my 110 pound GSD Ronin for years and felt the same way. My partner and I never worried when he was with us and I never worried about having to travel and leave my partner at home knowing he was with her. Ronin died almost two years ago and I think about him every day.

[@syedjavedahmad9719]

Sorry about Remi, good to know you have her baby. Take care be safe.

[@Red-wl1hr]

im worried about ma dig poopin

[@kingwacky184]

This was really sweet and sad at the same time. I hope you visit your forever friend from time to time on the hill watching the sunrise together.

[@milesfinnegan6015]

Aw I have a GSD named Remi too!! We're going to travel in my bus together

[@jessicahickey4527]

“A dog like Eliza is literally the perfect van dog in every way.. I am biased, but I am also right” yes

[@hannaharmer9606]

The dainty lady! Eliza can look into your soul with those eyes- she's the sweetest nugget! Aunt Hannah misses her! It's incredible how she's transformed into such a confident pup. She's so lucky to have such a wonderful mama.

[@Maddie.taylor]

🥲🥺🥰😘

[@nicovanzyl1979]

Nico💕😍

[@briancclevenger]

Dogs are all love on four legs. They are the best companion wherever you go in life. I have been blessed to have had many in my life, from a German Shepard under my crib as an infant to my current fur buddy. They bring so much joy to your life and for you, on the road, she's also your part-time guardian angel as well. I wish you both many days ahead together as they are with us today and gone tomorrow. Pet her for me and you both stay safe and take care.

[@carls4552]

something you might try for doing the dog seat belt is to put a hook of some sort on the floor or cabinet near the floor where Eliza can lay on the floor and be connected using the dog seat belt thing. Loving your vids. Keep it up please. :)

[@huntressflorals]

Dogs are the BEST!! Especially love that you talked about vet care, that was my biggest concern as I contemplate van life with my pup! thank you 💐🐕

[@ExtremeWeatherGroup]

It seems to be a life saver no pun intended. I have decided to start van life and am already building out my van gonna try to get a dog soon too haha so the vet insurance really feels good to know it's a thing

[@Samtzu]

She is a beautiful dog (those eyes!!) and she trusts you completely.... you two make a good pack....

[@BigJFindAWay]

Thanks for telling us all about Eliza. I was really hoping you would. She really is a remarkable dog and I can see just by watching your videos that she's the ideal dog for vanlife. You're lucky to have her. She's lucky to have you. Remember the video you posted about the fire? I could tell Eliza was apprehensive in that video. Very good to pay close attention to her moods. Those food and water bowls for her are amazing.

[@danm2173]

Helpful & informative, great idea for this weeks video. Eliza's eyes are her voice, so expressive.

[@miniskooliewanda]

Gosh you got me teared up when you said, "A love letter to my dog"....I love that. I currently have an 8 yr old Chihuahua, Tia (and a 9 yr old cat, Tabasco, aka Tabi), but when I move into my tiny-home-on-wheels I'll be getting another dog to come along with us.....reason being, Tia is a great "alarmist", but I want to have a more "intimidating-looking" dog. So in case someone gets the idea to try to steal my tiny-home-on-wheels, they'll have second thoughts. Eliza is GORGEOUS, such a sweet girl, you're so lucky to share your life and adventures with her. Thank you for sharing this vlog, Maddie. Hugs from me, cuddles from Tia :-) P.S. I don't know any specific brands, but I would recommend (I'll be doing this too when the time comes) getting a long "lead" for Eliza, so that if you're ever, God forbid, in an accident, that she doesn't run away/into traffic.....something long enough to allow her to move around as she needs to while you're driving, but short enough that it would keep her out of harms way :-)

[@norm5785]

You are so fortunate to have found such a wonderful travel partner, yes they can be very needy, but they offer so much more such as someone to talk with, security and most of all support. Have a wonderful week.

[@andreaflynn7041]

Maddie, I LOVE your videos!! I'm a teacher "of a certain age" with 3 kids and a husband (and a loyal German Shepherd), so van life is not in my immediate future, but my dream has always been something like this. Your videos are so well done, so heartfelt but fun and practical as well, and it makes me yearn for the times when I can do this, probably after I retire. But who knows. One thing the pandemic taught us is that even teachers can work remotely. Keep making those awesome videos!! I love seeing Eliza and her adorableness!!

[@paulsherman6450]

Glad to see you and Eliza back. We missed you both.

[@Hadasee]

Yaaaaj Eliza's story!!😍 I love her, she has such a beautiful calm spirit. Thank you for adopting❤️

[@nomadthriving1032]

Wonderful video, Maddie. Dogs make great companions, on the road or not. You're a wonderful, caring person and Eliza is well blessed to have you. Keep it up! ~Sonny

[@Rgp1023]

If I had it to do over again I'd spend years living on the road and your dog is the right friend to go with. Enjoy your adventures and cherish your health and youth. The hard part is the short lives dogs live. Make every day count!

[@sunnydae6602]

She is beyond precious🤗💖

[@kiwdwks]

So glad you have Eliza! Amazing how a dog can enrich your life...

[@terrywadkins2439]

Awesome video. I've been going back and forth for months about whether to get a dog and just kept getting stuck wanting to know more about what the experience would be like, good and bad. You did a fantastic job outlining the interesting and relevant points as well as conveying the big takeaway. Thank you!

[@GiMom19]

Love Eliza 🐾♥️🐾 Great video Maddy 🥰

[@mytranslucentreflections8995]

Oh my goodness, yes! (About being aware of danger when it's around- and especially being aware, without being completely paranoid about it when it's not there!)

[@ghaywood902]

Eliza is so cute. What a beautiful girl. Safe travels for you and Eliza.

[@jamesjirik]

Awesome video love your contact I definitely took some notes Way to go live in a van life and style you go girl!!

[@tawnywhite319]

Once my house sells, my doggos and I will be heading on the road and I can’t wait 😍❤️ this video is exactly what I was looking for!!

[@thehrinkingbean]

Safe dog travel award goes to Ruffland Kennels. It will take up space in your van but they are light weight enough to move easily. We were almost rear ended once and it scared the crap out of me. Loose dogs in vehicles = really bad for human and dog. I feel so much better having them!

[@nruguone]

Great video🐶❤ lmao at your mock SPCA commercial 1:44

[@ivi122]

Dogs are amazing creatures. I had a Doberman growing up and I’ve had a boxer for the last four years and we love her so much. She is part of our family and even goes on vacation with us. They are so innocent, so loyal and loving

[@StephenAldaco]

Hey beautiful set up I live in my Honda Element but hope to upgrade soon! Cute puppy I’m glad you have someone to share your adventures with

[@IvyManorMuse]

The ASPCA commercial 😂 this is so sweet. Love getting to see all the Liza footage ❤️ as far as seatbelt, I think the reason the leashes are short is so if you rear end someone or hit something they don’t fly forward and hit the windshield (worst case scenario go out the windshield). If it were long enough for her to jump onto the ground then I think safety would be compromised. My suggestion would be to train her to use the passenger seat! Scout sits in mine and has a short leash and that way if I have to slam on my brakes she is very secure and doesn’t fly forward. It has just enough room for her to lay down on the seat comfortably. Ok ly bye ❤️

[@DeborahLong7777]

I could not imagine life without a fur baby and early warning detection warning is a must! Pretty baby girl 💜 Yes I can imagine they help you get out there! Absolutely! Much love from Texas 💜

[@Ohiostategenerationx]

She's a beautiful dog. It's good that you mentioned the insurance thing. I want to get a dog someday and that should help out a lot.

[@tonysmith7665]

That sweet baby loves you so much!

[@indiahenretta2962]

First time on your channel 😎 so adorable and sweet ELISA 🥰 enjoy your travels 👍🏻 from San Diego California

[@annauncharted]

🥺 ELIZA 🥺 “I am biased…I’m also right." 😂 lol also…you singing angels 👼 was everything I needed this morning haha

[@mollyjane4280]

What kind of dog is she? She looks like one I’m thinking about adopting going into vanlife.

[@jackelpubs2728]

She looks just like our adopted pup Chloe. She loves to stare at us and that’s how she sleeps 😀

[@paulestyle4561]

More cute antics of Eliza in your videos would be nice to see, she's a real cutie...

[@ktann]

Loved this!

[@jayyi6657]

Maddie, u speak very well like a news anchor. It's great u r a dog lover in ur van life. Very nice video.

[@toriwright2627]

“Why not both?” So funny 😂 if I ever get my van finished me and my dog Miss Nancy will be taking to the roads too!

[@BigDogLittleVan]

I couldn't imagine my life without my best friend beside me! Sure, you have to adapt and change when you have a dog living with you, and you might not be able to visit everything you want to, unless you put your dog in a boarding kennel, but taking your pup places you can both enjoy sure makes life worthwhile!

[@kennyvr338]

Thanks! I'm considering getting a dog in my van and this is helpful

[@webstuff56]

I'm glad you overd this topic: It's what I needed to know for extended stay camping! I first began watching your channel when you were at Big Bear--I guess they're an exception to Federal parks? I usually stay down the road at Silverwood lake; a State park

[@RideWithMe14]

i’m planning on living in a caravan with a dog when i’m older and travel as and when we want, i think that life style seems AMAZING! ❤

[@davidshillito5174]

Hiya Maddie, Eliza is a beautiful....very clear to see the love between you two. Take care David.x

[@DLY0898]

She’s adorable. ❤️

[@marygevers9373]

Love love love this video!!!! We are doing a shuttle bus for the 3 of us to travel. Me, the hubs, and our furry girl Ava. I was hoping you'd tell us where you got the glass bowls with covers. Thanks and safe travels!

[@Maddie.taylor]

I found them at petco!! I haven’t been able to find a link for them, unfortunately :/

[@kathleencummins8391]

really enjoyed your vlog thank you lots of great advice

[@TIMEnayda]

Thank you for making this video and sharing your experience, this gives a really good idea to me on how it is to live with a dog in a van 🤝

[@cherylmazil3360]

She's adorable!

[@libbydavies2056]

I love this omg so cute

[@secondyaya]

Excellent video!

[@christineburns2106]

I am a retired Animal Cruelty Investigator of 18 years. Your tips were spot on correct. Let me just add a bit more information. UGH, right?! Dogs do not sweat. They pant, and they cool themselves through the pads of their feet. That is why a lot of dogs put their paws in their water dish. The normal temp for a dog is btw 100° and 102.5° Anything above 102.5° is considered a temp. You can lower their temp by submerging in cool water or putting paws in cool water or ice chips. Next, having a protection dog. Their is a BIG difference btw protection and aggression!! You have done a GREAT JOB with that one!! Your dog greets strangers happily, yet she warns you against danger or possible danger. People should properly correct against unwarranted or over aggression. This is so very vital during training. You want to be able to trust your dogs' que's to danger instead of not knowing if the dog is just being aggressive because another dog is near. You have a gem, and you two are GREAT TOGETHER!! You can trust her to do her best to protect you, and she knows you will do your best to protect her!! Now that the trust is deeply ingrained, you two can enjoy your vanlife to the FULLEST!! Again, YOU HAVE DONE A WONDERFUL JOB WITH HER!!

[@davepalmetto]

Have fun and take care and take it easy and enjoy it

[@samanthantha]

i cannot tell you how many times i giggled, said aww, and "ohhhh 'lizaaaaaaa 🥺" throughout this video! this is also the video i needed 3 months ago when i almost got a dog and needed a reality check lololololol

[@mikekeane1794]

Im gettting too excited!

[@alexamerling79]

Your puppy is adorable. Dogs are so much better than people

[@1WHATSUP1]

THANKS FOR THE LOVE

[@syedjavedahmad9719]

Eliza, is beautiful, you are taking excellent care. Please make sure, she does not get tired, and if needed she can wear foot wear according to the weather condition. Be safe happy travels.

[@kerry-ann.woodburn3440]

Eliza is adorable 🐕

[@1tony76]

LOve that dog and the van and the life and the Maddie ....peace x

[@beatrizsoares5249]

A simple solution for the seat belt problem, is to use in combo with the seat belt leash, use another leash that can connect with each other. With that, the length is bigger. I hope this was helpful, I don't no if I explained ir properly. BTW I LOVE YOU BOTH.

[@angiengibbsadventures1622]

Yes same here with gibbs we are always out doors hiking or just enjoying the out doors woth gibbs

[@pvdd1]

Hi Maddie, regarding your traveling with Eliza, we are currently converting a Sprinter to travel with our 2 Schnauzers. I am converting a cargo net across the front between the front seats so if they are up front between the seats the net will catch them if I stop suddenly. Regarding access,you might be interested to know that Nova Scotia is very dog friendly. So much so that as long as a restaurant has a patio dogs are permitted. We were eating at a "fancy" restaurant which had a nice balcony overlooking a main street, they allowed us to walk our dogs through the main part of the restaurant with our 2 dogs on our way to the balcony.

[@_0zymandias_]

Planning on traveling with my dogs in my 2013 Nissan armada platinum 4wd by 2025 and I'm so excited I've done it for a couple weeks before but it was with different dogs and I'm going to be doing it full time I'm so excited tho

[@VanLifeWithDani]

Thanks so much for sharing the vet tips! I'll look into it because I was worried about that too. As for a seating solution, I see people cutting memory foam to fit in the space between the driver and passenger seats for their dog to lay on. Then they'd put a large pillow case over it.

[@Leons_camper]

Your a great dog owner. Happy travels.

[@sunshinechaser]

I love your dog ❤! She is always so chill and laid back. Being a single female on the road, the chances of someone messing with you are alot less when u have a large dog on your side.

[@wolverinehoff9789]

Beautiful dog with a beautiful human xx

[@brianhammer4390]

Great info great content, thanks

[@gracekelly2810]

I have a 120# german shepherd. We love our van & every road trip! I wouldn't do this life without him!

[@user-nestornugpo]

Love to see u two...Cheers

[@noglenogle]

Getting ready to pull up roots and hit the open road with FOUR large dogs. Been waiting for the oldest to pass away but apparently she's decided to live forever. She's 15. A staffy mix. 66 pounds. Its going to be interesting! Loved your video! Be safe and be well.

[@tothewaters.tothewild9148]

I vote Love Letter to Eliza! :) My dog Coop is also coming out of his shell and it's a joy to see his exuberance for life. Can you please provide a link to your covered water/food bowls? Thanks

[@ryryzam79]

You lucked out with Eliza, she has the perfect temperament for your lifestyle.

[@Maddie.taylor]

she is perfection puppified

[@Whitelace002]

I DID NOT cry while watching this

[@Maddie.taylor]

Eliza makes me cry of either happiness or laughter pretty much every day 😂😂

[@toddmichael2512]

I'm a beat up old ER doctor, got a van lately to roam the inner Rockies where I used to work. I've had six goldens. Angels.....thank you, very much, you get it. The canine is the highest life form on the planet.

[@Parkitloveit]

Hi Maddy 👋 Very good video on the pros and cons of having a dog when traveling 👍 I have sometimes thought about having a dog or cat since I began traveling full time in my car in 2018. I had to decide that I couldn’t because I just don’t consider my lifestyle as good enough for a pet. I had a boyfriend’s dog for a month while he was working full time and I didn’t during that month. And I just couldn’t do the things I normally do. I don’t have air conditioning, I don’t have a heater, and I have to sit in a restaurant to charge my battery every day for 3 hours to have enough power for MacBook, iPad and iPhone (giving lessons online and editing videos in 6 languages). I had to become conscious of my loneliness and anxiety therefore and surrendered to those feelings. Since then, I don’t feel those feelings as strongly as before any more. I’m glad I had to overcome those challenges and I did it. I hope you will always be happy with Elisa and I wish you a wonderful Christmas 🎄

[@Jaxismom]

She's adorable 👍👍👍👍

[@InfinityGamerHDx]

Can't imagine to do vanlife and be so focussed on your home country. Greetings from Morocco

[@morsumbra9692]

Great Puppy Aptitudes test i love and recommend everywhere I can is the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test. I love it cuz it tests the dog on a variety of things so you can really know is this a hunting dog, a guard dog, a social dog, a service dog, a strong willed service dog. Its testing scales of traits so you can really pick out the dog that's right for what you're looking for and what the dog is good at vs saying "this dog smart or this dog dumb".

[@Maddie.taylor]

Thank you!!

[@morsumbra9692]

@@Maddie.taylor and a great Triangle of diverse dog training methods I like to recommend also are 1. Monks of new skete. Christian monks in upstate NY. Wonderfully gentle approach to doggo. 2. Koehler method. Dude trained majority of animals for Disney for like 40yrs. Harsher than what I usually use, but like martial arts better to have but not need. 3. Good ole cesar Milan. So accessible, legit results. Teaches doggo reads the tiniest of things so calm confidant and loving is best of energies. You n bright eyes puppy don't need any help but in case you wanna recommend stuff to anyone else. Those 4 and a tired dog is generally a easy dog, are all anyone needs to have a great dog companionship.

[@majaasell7437]

We have exactly the same seatbelt attachment but we secure the seats original belt and then just loops this around the original seatbelt making it possible for her to move more

[@gtxtx3]

Eliza is absolutely beautiful😍 you can see it in her eye's clear as day that you are her number one person🙂 it's beautiful that you adopted her, do you know what breed she is? my English staffy loves jumping in the swag with me when we go camping, she'll curls up at my feet facing the mesh window to keep watch which makes me feel safe and secure at night, during the night she'll crawl under the blanket, curl into my back and nod off again which is just heart warning, travelling with a dog has it's challenges but it makes the experience soo much more enjoyable🐶❤

[@melrescuebar7496]

I love Eliza! I'm in dog Rescue and pibbles are my favorite breed!! ♥️ FYI: nutritional yeast is a natural and safe deterrent for fleas and mosquitoes in dogs and cats. Great for their skin and their coat as well as their gut health. 🙂

[@Maddie.taylor]

The fact about Nooch is so interesting! Thanks for sharing.

[@jgbenz3628]

Hi Maddie! I am looking for answers from experienced vanlife people about the heat inside the van… will I be able to stand it? And especially, will my dog? ..Just now found your video, it’s July 2022… very good video and I love the way you put it together…. what is really needed and necessary information is what to do when it’s hot - how to avoid it, thinking I may have to work, how to go anywhere without my dog and know she is safe….she is the love of my life and has been for over 10 years!!! I know vanlife is possible with dogs for I see you all out there with your dogs…. I am totally being held back by thinking of the heat…. How do you Maddie stay indoors when it’s hot ? How does your dog? Would you ever be willing to do an extensive video on these questions? I look and look but it seems van lifers only briefly touch on this subject… skim the surface and not go into to depth…. It’d be so great if you’d do the detailed hot days with my dog video

[@toddmichael2512]

PS, Elisa is spectacularly sentient and soulful.

[@ShaunaMarieSings]

Eliza is so gorgeous!!! 💗💗💗

[@Maddie.taylor]

She says thank you very much :)

[@arroyomesa]

Hi Great video ! Where did you buy your dog bowls nonskid with lids?

[@robertmartin9901]

Wonder how many people only watch you to see Eliza, just kidding you two are a great pair..

[@luizacanella9877]

ohhhhhh so sweet

[@deesnider6304]

ELIZA is beautiful and perfect❤️❤️❤️

[@stanharrison7039]

Eliza just needed love to have the confidence to be herself, and your sweet compassionate self gave it to her

[@deborahcummings755]

What a sweet dog,,,,,Eliza was my Mom's name,

[@deborahann5552]

Where did you get the dog bowls with lids?

[@d.a.r.y.l516]

What a lucky dog!

[@cvbenjaminb]

Do you do any stealth camping? How do you deal with barking? My pitty isn't much a barker but when he does its loud. I was thinking studio booth insulation in some parts .🤔

[@erikgeorge3770]

🤗❤️🤗 thanks for sharing

[@Anointed012]

She’s beautiful.

[@OffGridTypeOfGuy]

Is that a Chesapeake Bat Retriever? I have the same thing that found me when I started my truck life journey. Amazing dogs

[@mellmckn]

Heyu where did you buy the dog bowls, I'm trying to find them but can't and would love them!

[@amydavis9613]

Just be safe and aliza 😘🙏