Many of us love taking our four-legged friends camping with us. They're always happy to hop in the car for a road trip and are just as excited as we are to explore new trails and get some fresh air. But camping with dogs does require some extra preparation, so we've put together a few tips to make sure your camping trip is fun for everyone involved
1. Choose the right campsite.
Not all campsites are created equal when it comes to accommodating pups. Be sure to do your research ahead of time and find a spot that's friendly to furry campers. Consider things like whether the site has clean water available for your pup to drink, whether there are any restrictions on dogs, and whether the trails in the area are dog-friendly
2. Get your pup used to camp gear.
If you're planning on bringing your pup camping, chances are they're not used to all the gear that comes along with it. To avoid any stressful surprises, get them accustomed to sleeping in a tent or camper ahead of time. You can also introduce them to any new gear you'll be using, like a camping crate or hiking backpack, so they're familiar with it come trip time.
3. Pack the essentials.
When packing for your camping trip, be sure to include everything your pup will need for a comfortable weekend in the great outdoors. This includes food and water bowls, bags for clean-up duty, leashes, toys, bedding, and any medications they may require. It's also a good idea to pack an extra set of clothes in case they get wet or dirty while exploring their new surroundings.
4. Get them used to sleeping in a tent.
If this is your pup's first time camping, they may not be too thrilled about spending the night in a tent—especially if they're used to sleeping in a comfy bed indoors. To get them accustomed to the idea of sleeping in a tent, set one up in your backyard and let them explore it at their own pace. You may even want to treat them to a few nights of “sleepovers” in the tent before taking them on your big camping trip. This will help them feel more at ease when it comes time to hit the hay on vacation.
5. Introduce them to new people and animals slowly.
Campgrounds can be full of new sights, sounds, and smells—which can be overwhelming for some pups—so take things slow when introducing them to their fellow campers. Let them approach new people and animals at their own pace and have treats on hand to help make the experience positive associations for them.
6. Keep an eye on them at all times—and have a plan in place if they wander off.
Even the best-behaved pups can sometimes get curious and wander off in search of adventure (or snacks). Be sure to keep an eye on them at all times and keep them on a leash when possible. It's also a good idea to let your campsite neighbors know you have a dog with you in case they happen to see him wandering around without you. And be sure you have current ID tags on your pup in case they do manage to escape—that way, you can be reunited as soon as possible if someone finds them.
Camping with pups can be a ton of fun—for both you and your furry friend! By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable time out in nature. Happy camping!
Looking for additional camping essentials check out our other articles?
Karie
Karie
Karie
