How To Take Your Dog Camping
Camping is a fun activity and a marvelous way to get in touch with the great outdoors, but dog owners may find themselves fretting over what to do with their canine pal. While dogs will really enjoy camping with you, there are some things you need to keep in mind when taking your dog camping:
Acceptable Temperaments
Some dogs can just not be brought in an uncontrolled environment such as camping. When camping, your dog will have to interact not just with other campers, but other animals and even other dogs as well. To take your dog camping, he must be well-behaved and tolerant around unfamiliar people and other dogs. Your dog must know when to pick up cues, such as when to settle in for the night, how to follow you and be generally obedient. It also helps to know what ticks your dog off and what makes him nervous or aggressive. It only follows that you know how to read your dog’s mood as well.
If your dog does not fulfill any of these qualifications, consider enrolling him to a dog obedience classes. This will make a huge difference not just in camping, but in everyday life as well.
Preparations
Campsite
Call the campsite in advance and see if they allow dogs in their grounds. If they do, ask what their rules and regulations on bringing dogs are.
Vaccinations and License
Are your dog’s vaccinations up to date? How about his dog license? Make sure your pet safely guarded against illnesses and is properly registered.
Ask your vet on any other tips when bringing a dog to the campsite, and what to look out for. A general health checkup is also appropriate to make sure your dog is okay to bring in an unfamiliar situation.
Warming Up
Warm up your dog to the idea of camping. A month before camping, take your dog out on day trips or hiking. Bring along the dog bowl and bed you intend to use on your camping trip. Try to the activities you do when camping, namely hiking, cooking outdoors, reading under a tree or long drives. Not only will this familiarize your dog with the activities, but it will also help your dog develop the physicality for it.
A week before camping, set up a tent in your lawn or backyard, and set up your dog’s bed and bowl next to it. Sit in the tent for an hour reading or listening to music. Don’t force your dog to come in the tent or even come near the tent. The goal is to make your dog comfortable with it.
Scooping
Be prepared to scoop dog poop while at the camping site. Bring the necessary materials for this activity. Scooping after your dog is a courtesy expected of you from other campers.
Vehicle
Dogs can get uncomfortable really quickly in extremely hot or cold situations, especially in long vehicle rides. Make sure that your vehicle’s ventilation, heating/cooling system are in top shape before bringing your dog along.
What to Bring
Dog identification tags. Your dogs can have two tags: One for your campsite, and one for your home address.
Tether
Leash
Dog bed or bedding
Harness (for seatbelts) or dog carriers (for those who don’t allow dogs in their vehicle)
Dog booties
Cold protection
10 gallons of water for the trip, more when camping
Dog food
Towel
Pet’s first aid kit
Dog fight deterrent
Muzzle
Dog towel
Dog treats
Dog comb
Extra bags and newspapers for scooping