A Guide to Camping With Your Dog

Do you want to know what’s even more fun than camping? Camping with your dog, of course! There’s nothing quite like the experience of sharing your love for the outdoors with your furry best friend. Their seal, enthusiasm, and never-ending curiosity just elevate the experience to a whole new level.

However, if you have never done it before, you might want to get a bit of research done ahead of time. You don’t want to just take your canine companion with you. You want to make sure too that the experience will be as fun for him as it will be for you. So, a bit of preparation is never a bad idea before you head off on your hike or run

From knowing which gears to bring along to knowing which trails are dog-friendly, read on to find out what you need to do when camping with your dog to make the experience a truly fun and memorable one.

 

1. Plan things ahead of time

While it is very tempting to just load up your gear and speed off to the nearest camping grounds on your car with your pup in tow, a plan is always the most essential first step. This includes deciding where to go, where you will set up camp and sleep, as well as learning about specific rules you should abide by if you are to bring your dog along in the area you’re exploring.

Remember that there are different rules set for different public lands. While dogs may be allowed in most of these places, some do not. Some will also have certain rules on what you are allowed to do with a dog and what trails you can walk across.

Thankfully, finding out about these rules is easy enough these days. You can always check out online to see a complete set of guidelines you are expected to follow while on these grounds. Getting in touch with the agency managing these public lands is also another way to do so. This way, you can incorporate these rules when planning your visit.

2. Pack what you need

When camping with your dog, you’ll realize that the needs of your canine friends will not be that much different from yours. So, make sure to pack essentials such as water, food, somewhere for your dog to rest, warmth, and most importantly, a first aid kit.

Before you head out, make sure to check the weather forecast. Find out what the temperature range is where you’re headed so you can prepare effectively. If it is expected to be hot, make sure to pack extra water bottles and treats. Have extra layers if the weather is expected to be chilly or wet. 

You can never have too much treats and food, especially if you expect to cover a few miles of hiking before setting up camp. Also, make sure to learn as much as you can about the trail and never overestimate your furry companion’s capability. Last but not least, always have contingency measures in case things do not go as planned.

It is always ideal for dogs to wear boots while out and about to protect their paws from the elements. Just like how you would break in your boots, do the same for your pup. Have him get used to wearing boots and his dog pack. Also, make sure to work his mileage before getting him involved in any long-distance excursion.

3. Brush up on trail and camp manners

It wouldn’t hurt to ensure that your dog is well-versed in essential camping manners. From basic obedience and good recall as well as basic obedience, all these will contribute towards a positive experience with your furry buddy on the trail. Ensuring that he has all the core trail manners will pay off in terms of having an easier time connecting with and making friends with other people and animals you will likely encounter while camping.

Learn about trail backpacking or hiking etiquette. Always bear in mind that there will be other users around as well. In addition, if the trail allows horses, mountain bikers and hikers will typically be expected to give way to horseback riders.

Once you’re at the campsite, always make sure that your furry friend is kept in control or on a leash. Keeping up with a roaming dog can be tricky when you have other stuff to do. When you can’t focus your 100% attention on your dog, make it a point to have him on a leash just to be safe.

If you have a rather vocal canine buddy, it may be best to look for a more secluded location to set up camp. Remember that sounds you’re used to might not have the same pleasant effect on other backpackers and hikers. So, if you’re not sure how your dog would behave with people around, staying a little away from the other campers is never a bad idea.

 

 

4. Clean your mess

When camping with your dog, always make sure to pick up after yourself before leaving the camp. Always be a responsible camper and make sure no mess is left behind. This includes picking up your trash and your dog’s waste and making sure it is properly disposed of in the necessary receptacles.

In addition, make sure to respect the wildlife in the area by giving them space. Prevent your dog from chasing the critters too. Consider that there are also other users in the camping ground and always observe proper manners and etiquette. Also, clean up any food crumbs, toys, and spilled kibbles.

5. Trust your instinct

Nobody knows your dog better than you. So, you will always be in the best position to ensure their well-being while you’re out of doors. If you’re worried about potential wilderness hazards and other medical concerns, ask your vet for advice before heading out.  

6. Enjoy!

Camping with your dog is always exciting and fun. However, some cannot help but feel a little apprehensive about taking their furbaby out of doors, especially if they have never done it before. However, with the right preparation, those nerves will soon turn into feelings of excitement as you get to share with your dog that wonderful, freeing feeling of being out there, and one with nature.

Do make sure to have your wits about you and pack a load of sense of humor and not to mention, patience too! Remember that this is a first for your dog and while most would easily take to sleeping inside a tent, some might take a bit of time to get used to such arrangements.

Also, do not expect everything to go exactly as planned. In fact, one of the best things about camping is how things rarely unfold the way you planned them. But you should never let that ruffle you. As long you and your pup enjoyed the experience, the memories you get out of these excursions will be more than enough reason to keep doing it again…and again!