My favorite family vacations involves camping with my dogs. Even if we
only manage a weekend trip at a local camp site, I really enjoy the seclusion, and
the time we spend together. But camping with your dog requires a bit more
planning than just toss the tent and camping gear into the back of your car or
RV. You need to remember not only your camping gear, but also what type of
equipment that your dog will require at the campsite.
Tip 1. Most campsite want the dog under control at all times:
When you are at the campsite or walking around the camp grounds. So remember to pack a leash. A 4-8 ft leash is
perfect for the times that you are taking your dog out for a walk, but what
about when you are cooking or relaxing and you don’t want the dog under your
feet. This is where a tie-out or 15-20 foot leash will come in handy. You can
stake the leash in the ground or wrap it around a tree so that the dog has some
freedom, but will still stay in the confines of the camp site. If you are
worried about your dog pulling to hard on the leash or escaping his collar,
than you might want to purchase a harness that fits around the dog’s body
instead of the neck or you can purchase an X-pen to keep your dog in one area, but
not have to keep him on a leash.
Tip 2. Your dog will require food and water on the camping trip:
I would recommend bringing at least two to three gallons
of water from home just for your dog or purchasing several bottles of water
before the trip. This will prevent your dog from becoming sick on the trip.
Some dog just like people may have problems with the local water. Your dog food
needs to be store in a safe container so that the wildlife doesn’t get into it.
Remember to bring a food and water bowl for your dog too. A great way to give
your dog water is with a portable bowl or water bottles made just for dogs.
These can be used in the car, on a hike along with at the camp site.
Tip 3. Poop removal is a big issue at the campsite:
Neither you nor your fellow campers want to smell that all day long.
An easy way to handle that problem is with doggie disposable bags that you can
remove the waste and throw it into a trash can. Another option is to bring a
pooper scooper, but you will still need the bags if you plan to hike, walk or
allow your dog to swim in any water around the campsite. No one wants to step
in dog poop and it keeps the safe for any wildlife.
Tip 4. You need to think about where your dog is going to sleeps at night:
Most camp grounds require that all dogs need to be inside
at night. There are two way to handle this problem. If you know that your dog
sleeps through the night on his own bed, then just bring the bed and place it
inside the tent next to your sleeping bag. This way he has something familiar
from home and it will help him settle down for the night. But if you are
worried that he might try escape or jump around all night, then you can
purchase a crate and let your dog sleep with out any fear of him getting out of
the tent in the middle of the night.
Tip 5. Make sure that your pet is in good health and all vaccinations are updated:
Before even considering taking your dog out camping or hiking with you, because you need to protect him along with the wildlife.
Another thing that you might want to consider is the behavior of your dog. Does
your dog follow basic commands like Sit, Down, Stay and the big one of all is Come.
No one wants to spend their time out in nature chasing your dog out of there
camp site, listening to a dog barking all night or running around a camp site
trying to protect the wildlife from a dog. So make sure that you can control
your dog at all time, because no matter how careful you think your being, dogs
can find all kinds of way of slipping away from their owners.
I have taken all three of my dogs
camping at several State Parks. It a great way for us to included are dogs on
a family vacation. So with just a little planning ahead you can have a great
outdoor adventure with your dog that you’ll both remember and want to do again.
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