Take Your Dog Camping - It will be Good for All of You

Should we take the dogs? Believe it or not, this is a question that divides many a camper seeking to relax and get away from it all. I can’t imagine camping without my dog.

A great trainer once taught me a harsh truth: any bad behavior on the part of my dog was entirely my fault—period! While that piece of wisdom was a little bit hard to swallow, the reality is that recognizing the ways we fail our canine friends is the best way to avoid the behaviors that make us crazy, especially while camping!

A little bit of planning can go a long way towards avoiding some of the pitfalls of camping with pets. Read on to find out what you can do to ensure a relaxing canine getaway.

Pick the Right Location

Whether a happy little yapper or a gentle giant with King Kong’s voice, a continually barking dog brings added stress to any situation. If your doggo is on the barky side, choose a more remote location where your dog can avoid overstimulation by other campers.

Most of all, make sure you have selected a camping site that is dog friendly. Some spaces are not open to all creatures, and you have to be mindful of this. Double-check your dog is allowed in the camping site you have in mind.

Secure Your Dog (But Not Too Tight!)

Don’t be one of those who stress over their dogs while camping only to leave them tethered to RV wheel or a picnic table and expect them to behave. Improper tethering can agitate dogs and entangle them to the point of injury or worse. Give your dog room to move with a leash designed for dog safety and movement about the campsite.

Many people do not realize but some wildlife, especially moose, see dogs as predators and they could charge without warning.  Don’t take any chances here, keep your pup close and out of trouble.  This note from Colorado Parks and Wildlife about moose is helpful. This goes for any wildlife you might encounter.  Remember, we are vacationing in their territory.

Pack a Pet First Aid Kit

Camping is an excellent opportunity for minor cuts and injuries to paws. Be ready with a first aid kit that includes pads, gauze, and a good antibiotic cream suitable for dogs (available from your vet).

Be Mindful of Your Pet’s Food and Water

Leaving dog dishes out can attract critters or even bears, so secure food in an airtight container and put bowls away when your pup is finished eating. Make sure to provide plenty of fresh drinking water to avoid dehydration—pets are generally more active in the outdoors than they are at home. Collapsible water dishes that are lightweight and easy to pack are a godsend when hiking, biking, or engaging in vigorous activity with your dog.

Plan for Poop

Avoid designated dog areas at campgrounds. Even if well maintained, they are hotbeds of germs and disease, and your dog thinks they’re gross. Take your best friend for a nice walk in nature and clean up with poop bags.

Provide a Safe and Comfortable Place to Sleep

Unless you’ve got a seasoned K9 camper, your dog is stressed and scared by things that go bump in the night. Provide a safe and secure place near you for your pet to sleep. Such as with you, or in one of the bunks,  camping tent, or crate.

Plan for Dog Fun

Leaving your four-legged friend alone at a campsite is a guarantee for problems, if not disaster. Plan for pet-friendly activities such as hiking, biking, water sports, or wear him out fetching a thrown ball. A good dog is a tired dog!

We often place high expectations on our pets when we are the ones who have not adequately planned for or anticipated their needs. An honest self-assessment can quickly help you decide whether you should take your dog camping. If you are willing to plan and prepare properly, you definitely can have a great camping experience with your furry family member.

Brush up on your recall and get packing!