Very disappointed in dog owners

[Jim]

@Jim Here is a link to some discussion on a campground pet policy requiring a dog DNA sample. As expected comments on both sides of the approach. If it's something that peaks your interest you might contact the campground to see how it has worked out.

Thanks @Someday Came. lol, some of the comments are classic! I've heard of the DNA thing before but it's way too much maintenance IMO. And enforcement, i.e. charging the person's CC and arguing the reversals, is problematic. Sad that people have become so self-centered that they don't think of others.

Being a small park, built on land that is basically in my front yard, I simple will not put up with the irks of an entitled attitude. If I had a million dollar loan to service then I might have to put up with that nonsense, but I don't. Someone who disrespects the park is also disrespecting their neighbors, and they will be asked to leave and will not be welcome back.

To be honest, I've been thinking a lot of making it a private park with a limited membership. Probably won't happen the first year or so, but eventually we will have a known group of return visitors who will want to pick their dates well in advance, and it will be easier to optimize desirable visitors with a membership plan.

I found a site that will let me customize their signs and I'm thinking of making a half-dozen of these. There are lots of silly signs too, but I don't think they carry the gravity of a no-nonsense sign that states is like it is. And if someone has a problem being told they will be asked leave (if they can't pick up their dogs poop) then it must be because they would have been the problem in the first place.

We have some of the nicest property in the area and we want our visitors to enjoy it as much as we do. But you can't have a good time if your tracking through other people dog poo, so it's my duty to make sure your stay is a fun one and the interior of your coach remains stink free.

 

[Jim]

Just talked to a couple that work at a CG in TX for the winter and they mentioned a CG they stayed at with the following policy

Report someone who does not pickup after their pet and offender will be asked to leave. Any remaining days they had will be credited to your reservation. This also applied to people throwing cigarette butts on the ground.

Seems like that might be a bit tough to enforce. "He said, she said" sort of thing. Unless there are cameras to back it all up. And the camera angle is a bit intrusive, IMO.

 

[NWIP]

Seems like that might be a bit tough to enforce. "He said, she said" sort of thing. Unless there are cameras to back it all up. And the camera angle is a bit intrusive, IMO.

I thought it sounded like a gestapo state and don’t think a place that I wanted to stay. I am looking forward to visiting your park when finished.

You mentioned private membership park, are you thinking of a fee structure?

 

[Jim]

I thought it sounded like a gestapo state and don’t think a place that I wanted to stay. I am looking forward to visiting your park when finished.

You mentioned private membership park, are you thinking of a fee structure?

No, no free structure. Just a preferred group of visitors. The ones who can conduct themselves accordingly.

 

[Neal]

I wouldn't overdo this or overthink it, you'll end up hurting your business in the end. Dog poop is not as important as your customers or business. If reviews go south it could be hard to ever reverse. If I was asked/told to leave especially if I disagreed, if not refunded you can expect a credit card dispute, that eats up more of your time. So if you tell someone to leave you need to expect to refund their balance or you're asking for trouble. It's best to avoid ever getting to this point. Signs, warnings, threats (fines) is your choice. Verbiage in your welcome sheet is also crucial.

 

[Neal]

No one wants to be spanked, one spank (warning letter) should be all that's needed. Keep it friendly, demonstrate best customer service/experience ever and all will be fine. I personally would walk the grounds as a CG owner and cleanup before ever jeopardizing my business. It sucks, but it just is what it is. Guess what, they are going to put crap in fire pits, grills, etc. Campers can be disgusting. Expect it. Just cleanup and deal with it.

 

[Jim]

To be honest, I think a lot of these issues are going to be few in occurrence. I'm targeting a relatively small segment of the overall RV'ing society, and I'm confident most of them are going to exercise good judgement. In a park with only 8 rigs, those who don't will stand out rather quickly. We just won't welcome them back.

 

[Neal]

 

[Neemer]

I think the plentiful receptacles combined with the signs should set the tone and tamp down noncompliance. Your park is too small for people to hide their misdeeds in anonymity. I know I would be on my best behavior. ?

 

[Neal]

I agree with @Neemer as I think respect for the CG (and owner) is part of it. I wouldn't say KOA's are on the respected list and probably why they command more fertilization offers. Go to a high end owned resort and I don't think they have an issue either. I could be wrong. So I don't see @Jim having an issue here other than the wild animals paying their visits with larger deposits possible

In hindsight, I think this thread has turned into my observation in travels into Jim's CG. This thread is not to focus on one CG and prevention but instead this has been an eye opening observation in recent travels.