In Depth Guide to Camp with a Dog
Pets and vacations don’t always go hand in hand. But, one of the reasons you got a dog in the first place was to have adventures together, right?
But the most important thing is be honest about your pup. Will this be a good match for the camping world.
Why camping with dogs is so much fun
The reasons to take your dog camping by far outweigh leaving them behind. Yes, they can restrict your plans somewhat. But the enjoyment we get from them is multiplied when we’re out on an adventure.
• They are a great source of distraction from letting your mind drift back to ‘at home’ worries.
• They keep your kids entertained so you can snatch precious quiet time here and there.
• So long as they’ve had their exercise, they’re always good for afternoon nap time with you.
• They provide protection for you when you are camping in more wild locations.
• They draw you to other dog owners, making it easy to meet new people.
• They’re always keen to help collect wood for the fire.
• You’re guaranteed to get morning kisses – whether you like it or not!
• You’ll never miss a sunrise – being woken up by pawing at the tent zipper does have its benefits (honestly!).
• They’ll create moments to remember forever.
What sort of dog do you have?
If you’ve never taken your furry friend camping, it’s worth considering if your dog is a ‘camping dog’ or not. Be honest.
Is your dog a yapper?
No-one wants a dog barking at nothing, so if your hound has a tendency to vocalize their woes then camp away from other people.
Can your dog be aggressive around other dogs?
If it likes a bit of a scrap, then it will leash it AT ALL TIMES. But, that will no stop other dogs approaching your dog for a sniff, so consider a muzzle too.
Will your dog come back when you call him?
If not, then again, you will need to keep your dog on a leash, both at camp and out and about.
Does your dog hate being on a leash?
If this is the case, then wilderness camping is the way forward. Pet friendly camping grounds
But the most important thing is be honest about your pup. Will this be a good match for the camping world.
Why camping with dogs is so much fun
The reasons to take your dog camping by far outweigh leaving them behind. Yes, they can restrict your plans somewhat. But the enjoyment we get from them is multiplied when we’re out on an adventure.
• They are a great source of distraction from letting your mind drift back to ‘at home’ worries.
• They keep your kids entertained so you can snatch precious quiet time here and there.
• So long as they’ve had their exercise, they’re always good for afternoon nap time with you.
• They provide protection for you when you are camping in more wild locations.
• They draw you to other dog owners, making it easy to meet new people.
• They’re always keen to help collect wood for the fire.
• You’re guaranteed to get morning kisses – whether you like it or not!
• You’ll never miss a sunrise – being woken up by pawing at the tent zipper does have its benefits (honestly!).
• They’ll create moments to remember forever.
What sort of dog do you have?
If you’ve never taken your furry friend camping, it’s worth considering if your dog is a ‘camping dog’ or not. Be honest.
Is your dog a yapper?
No-one wants a dog barking at nothing, so if your hound has a tendency to vocalize their woes then camp away from other people.
Can your dog be aggressive around other dogs?
If it likes a bit of a scrap, then it will leash it AT ALL TIMES. But, that will no stop other dogs approaching your dog for a sniff, so consider a muzzle too.
Will your dog come back when you call him?
If not, then again, you will need to keep your dog on a leash, both at camp and out and about.
Does your dog hate being on a leash?
If this is the case, then wilderness camping is the way forward. Pet friendly camping grounds
need to have their rules and there will be strict regulations on free-roaming dogs.
What will you be doing on your camping trip?
If you plan on spending your days sightseeing in towns or visiting tourist attractions, bringing your dog along probably won’t work. Leaving unattended dogs at campgrounds or in a vehicle for hours is as bad an idea.
Be prepared. Choose a campsite that allows dogs. There might be extra costs and certain restrictions. Having an ID for your dog will it to be easily identified. Add details of the campground and your mobile number to a temporary tag .
Locate a vet near to the campsite. The odds are that you won’t need to use it, but it’s good to know it’s there.
Apply a flea and tick preventative to your dog. Camp areas are prime locations to pick up unwanted parasites that are unpleasant for your dog.
Follow the rules of the campsite when camping with dogs. Put a load of dogs in a field with families, tents, food, smells, fresh air and no rules, and all havoc would break loose. Here are some good guidelines that apply to camping with a dog:
• Bag the poop and take it with you.
• Don’t let your dog adopt another family. They may look like they want him around, but he’ll think it’s OK to visit the whole campsite. Not everyone will be quite as welcoming.
• Don’t shout at your dog constantly – if he’s a disobedient dog leave him home.
• Don’t ignore your dog if he won’t stop barking. It might be that you need to take him for a walk off site to quiet him down.
• Just because you know your dog is friendly, doesn’t mean other people will assume the same. So keep him on a leash when around other people or other dogs.
• Acclimate your dog to their new surroundings. Having been cooped up in the car for hours, they’ll be dying for a pee and ready to stretch their legs. So before you set up camp, give him a treat and take him for a walk. A stroll around the site will get him used to all the exciting new smells and sounds.
Story based upon information provided by Cool of the Wild
What will you be doing on your camping trip?
If you plan on spending your days sightseeing in towns or visiting tourist attractions, bringing your dog along probably won’t work. Leaving unattended dogs at campgrounds or in a vehicle for hours is as bad an idea.
Be prepared. Choose a campsite that allows dogs. There might be extra costs and certain restrictions. Having an ID for your dog will it to be easily identified. Add details of the campground and your mobile number to a temporary tag .
Locate a vet near to the campsite. The odds are that you won’t need to use it, but it’s good to know it’s there.
Apply a flea and tick preventative to your dog. Camp areas are prime locations to pick up unwanted parasites that are unpleasant for your dog.
Follow the rules of the campsite when camping with dogs. Put a load of dogs in a field with families, tents, food, smells, fresh air and no rules, and all havoc would break loose. Here are some good guidelines that apply to camping with a dog:
• Bag the poop and take it with you.
• Don’t let your dog adopt another family. They may look like they want him around, but he’ll think it’s OK to visit the whole campsite. Not everyone will be quite as welcoming.
• Don’t shout at your dog constantly – if he’s a disobedient dog leave him home.
• Don’t ignore your dog if he won’t stop barking. It might be that you need to take him for a walk off site to quiet him down.
• Just because you know your dog is friendly, doesn’t mean other people will assume the same. So keep him on a leash when around other people or other dogs.
• Acclimate your dog to their new surroundings. Having been cooped up in the car for hours, they’ll be dying for a pee and ready to stretch their legs. So before you set up camp, give him a treat and take him for a walk. A stroll around the site will get him used to all the exciting new smells and sounds.
Story based upon information provided by Cool of the Wild
Taking a vacation with your furry friend can be rewarding for both of you.