Camping With Your Dog

feature 3, outdoors - By Staff Writer on Friday, January 8, 2010 - 19:51

If you are the natural outdoorsy type and looking for a great getaway with your dog, camping is the ticket.  Camping not only gets you out in the great fresh air it will allow your dog to get lots of exercise and experience the world in a new way, particularly if you are from the city.  Before grabbing your rucksack and sleeping bag and setting out into the woods or your local campground, you need to make sure you weight the vacation carefully and make sure both you and your dog are fully prepared for the trip.

Knowing your dog
Before you go camping make sure you know your dog very well. Behavior is the first step. What sets off your dog, is your dog aggressive towards children or other animals, will your dog run away if off leash?  Regardless of the setting you will want a well-behaved dog that you can physically restrain if necessary.   If you have just adopted the dog and are unsure of how he will react in a new setting, it would be best to leave him at home until you know his behavior.

Secondly you should know your dog’s physical abilities.  Every dog is different and some love physically demanding outdoor activities but some just can't keep up.   If you have a very young puppy, a lazy dog or an older dog, you might not want to go on very strenuous hikes.  Beyond physical exertion, keep in mind temperature.  If your dog is accustomed to warm weather and you want to go out in the cold, he might not be able to tolerate it with or without the proper gear.

The Right Setting
With the knowledge of how you like to get away and your dog’s behavior pick the proper setting.  Today the term camping can mean a number of things.  It could be backing up an RV into a campground space, pitching a tent at a local campground, or setting out into the woods alone.  Do some research on different options and pick one according to what you think you and your dog would enjoy.   If you have an aggressive dog you will not want to go where there are lots of children or campers and if you have a dog that runs away you might now want to go to the middle of nowhere.  Your dog’s behavior might change the type of trip you are planning but try to keep in mind that whatever you pick should be fun for both you and your dog.

If your dog just can't make it
We would like to offer as an alternative, for those with dogs that are unable to take the strain or stress of camping, regardless of the setting, pitching a tent in the backyard.  Roasting marshmallows over a charcoal grill and sleeping in a tent in the safety of your backyard can be just as fun, and it comes with a shower.

Planning
Once you pick the location make sure you are properly prepared.  You should start with getting an up to date copy of your dog’s vet records, including last shots.  If you have not already, make sure your dog is microchipped and you have that information as well.  These should be kept with your emergency contact information and first aid kit.  Next you should make sure you have packed all the correct supplies.  Regardless of how remote your setting we recommend the following:

- Two leashes
- An extra Collar and tags
- Stake - to tie your dog to
- Travel Bowls
- Enough food and water for your trip plus two extra days
- Any medication your dog might need
- Sunblock - for you and your dog - especially if they are light colored
- First aid kit
- Inflatable bed for your dog
- A travel blanket
- Booties - even if you are not remote running in local creeks can hurt a dog’s paws
- Towel
- Cold weather gear or spray bottle to keep to keep your dog cool
- Soft muzzle

Before you set out you should make sure you notify friends and family of where you are traveling and check on the weather.   Make sure you have a charged cell phone (even if you might be out of range - you might need it once you are back), good maps, and are prepared for an emergency.

If you take the proper precautions you can have a great camping trip that you and your dog enjoy.  Personally we will see you in the backyard.