July 29, 2021 4 min read
The effort of camping is always worth it, especially when your best friend comes along for the adventure. Taking the time to slow down and spend quality moments with your dog will be so beneficial for both of you. Between work, errands, and just life in general, we always seem to be racing off somewhere. Camping with your dog will allow connection and downtime. Take that extra-long trail walk or a mountain hike, splash in the nearby lake and snuggle up by the campfire to roast some marshmallows. It may seem daunting at first but keeping it simple and having a plan will set you up for success.Β Read on for some tips, suggested equipment, and planning ideas to help with your next dog camping adventure.
The first piece of advice we like to share with our fellow dog lovers about camping with your dog is⦠go with the flow. Probably not what you expected and yes, having a plan is crucial but, being able to pivot when needed will be greatly beneficial for you and your pup. Not everything can go as expected all the time, so go into your camping adventure with a flexible mindset, it will serve both of you well.
Be sure to research your desired camping location for their dog rules and regulations. You may be required to reserve a specific, pet-friendly camping site or always have your dog leashed no matter their obedience level. Also, consider visiting the vet before your trip and make sure your pup has all the right flea, tick, and heartworm preventions. You will also want to know what kinds of wildlife will be around for that area and season. Learn what to do if you encounter a mountain lion, snake, or bear on the trail. Check the forecast so you can be prepared for rain, snow, or high temperatures and pack accordingly.
Make sure you pack enough food, water, and treats for your stay. Pack a few of your pups' favorite toys as well! Get your dog acclimated to sleeping in a tent by doing a practice round in the backyard if you can. If that's not possible bring extra treats and toys to entice him to hang out in the tent once your campsite is set up. Keep your pup warm with his very own sleeping bag! The Frontier Dog Sleeping Bag is durable and compact for storage. Itsβ full-length zipper allows easy entry and keeps your dog warm and helps retain body heat. For warm-season camping consider the Denali Waterproof Dog Mat. It is made of plush and breathable nylon material, has a non-slip bottom for outdoor use and itβs lightweight and transportable, so perfect for camping and Overlanding. Oh and donβt forget the portable doggy bowls for their food and water!
Once youβve reached your destination, go on a quick exploration with your pup to get them familiar with the area. Let them sniff and stretch their legs since youβll need her to be extra patient while you set up your campsite. Keeping that in mind, bring a special treat or toy to help keep your dog happy while you get situated.
It's hard to keep an eye on your pup while setting up your campsite so, we suggest packing an extra-long leash to tie around a tree such as the Cedarwood Dog Training Leash. It is strong, yet lightweight and itsβ non-absorbent material is made for all weather conditions.Β Or consider a tie-out stake and cable β it will keep your pup safe but still allow her to sniff around.
For those avid campers with vehicles designed to go Overlanding, aka a high clearance, a ramp, or a lifting harness may be an extremely helpful piece of equipment to pack. You donβt want your pup to get hurt jumping out of your truck the minute you arrive!
Last not so basic suggestion β prepare for all the elements. Cold weather camping requires extra layers for everyone. Consider getting some protective booties if you plan to hike tough terrain. The Saguaro Dog Boots are lightweight and made of non-absorbent material for all weather conditions.Β Your best friend should be protected from the elements as much as you.
Before embarking on your idyllic camping trip be sure your pup knows some basic commands to help ease stress and make this experience more enjoyable. Examples would be a good recall, sit, stay, and leave it. Also, always leash your dog so he doesnβt wander off or disturb any neighbors. Other dogs may not be happy with an off-leash visitor coming to their campsite. Good manners also include cleaning up after your pet and following the βleave it as you found itβ principles β it is simply good camping etiquette. Does your dog bark at every little squeak and squawk? Maybe youβre used to it, but others camping around you may not appreciate your dogβs vigilance as much as you, so be courteous to your fellow campers. You may need to find a remote spot or camping sites that are spread out.
To help make things a little easier we have put together a list of gear to pack on your next camping adventure! Check out the list below and click here to download the free printable PDF list.
We hope these suggestions have helped and not overwhelmed you! Camping with your dog may seem like a lot of work, but once you get a couple of trips under your belt you will find your groove and understand why over 40 million Americanβs go camping every year! Be sure to enjoy the journey as much as the destination
Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more β¦
Stay up to date on all new products, sales and events.