If you have been planning a camping trip, you no doubt have checked out some tips on Techie Camper. You may feel like you have all the info you need, but, when you decide to camp with your dog, there are going to be some challenges. Since a pet is really a part of the family, it only makes sense that they would come along for the trip so they can enjoy time spent together.
What dog doesn’t want to be out in nature in an environment that suits them perfectly? Add in the companionship that you both will enjoy, it’s a no-brainer that you’d want to camp with your fur baby no matter what the challenges are. You do need to know what you will be faced with, however. In this article, we will go over what it takes to camp with dogs so you can get the most out of the trip.
1. Find a pet-friendly campsite
If you plan to set up at a pitch at an actual campsite, then you have to find out if they even allow pets. Fortunately, there are many that do allow dogs and other pets but you do have to seek them out. Not every campsite has a policy that allows pets.
Make sure to check out their website to see if they do allow pets. Some will be explicit and make it known on their website as to what their policy is. If there is nothing that says either way then you need to call them to verify that it’s ok before you go and make a reservation.
You should also ask if there is a size requirement or even one for breeds of dogs. Some allow dogs but only if they are small or not certain breeds like pit bulls. Some have no restrictions at all.
2. Pack well
Your packing plan is going to be different when you bring along your dog. They have different needs so you will need to properly plan ahead.
For instance, make sure you have portable water and feeding bowls. You’ll need something for their mealtimes, but you also don’t want them to take up too much space. There are collapsible versions just for camping available.
You should also have a leash and even a way to secure them to a spot at the pitch. Campsites will not allow a dog to be able to roam free so having a way to secure them at the site is important.
Then, they will need to be entertained. Bring along their favorite chew toys and even some toys to play with. Bring a frisbee or ball launcher to play fetch with them. This will keep them active and entertained so you can have an enjoyable trip.
3. Keep them safe
At a campsite, there are a lot of ways that a dog can find itself in trouble. You’ll have to take some precautions to make sure that will keep them safe.
Around the campfire is a very tricky area to navigate for dogs. Dogs understand that fire is dangerous and they know that they can’t go jumping into a campfire. But, they may be playing a little bit too rough around it in which case you’ll want to move them away. There can also be hot embers that have gotten out of the pit that they could step on and burn themselves.
If there is a river then pay very close attention as the current could easily sweep a dog away if they decide to jump in.
Lastly, if there are animals like bears or wild boars around then make sure to keep an eye on the dog so that they don’t wander off and get hurt by some of the local wildlife.
4. Make time for activities
Dogs have a lot of energy to burn. You may be thinking of all the hours you are going to spend in a hammock enjoying the sounds of the forest. However, your dog needs you to be active with them so they don’t start getting anxious.
Make sure to have some activities planned that will entertain, provide some fun, and burn off some energy they are storing up. Being in an unfamiliar setting also creates some stress that they need to release.
Playing frisbee or fetch is a good way to go. In general keep them busy so they can stay calm the rest of the time and be able to sleep well, too.
