7 Tips On Camping With Your Dog For The First Time

Camping is not merely about outdoor adventure, but it also enables you to rejuvenate your mind amidst the natural environment. You can boost this experience of yours when you plan this expedition with friends. However, when we say about friends, it can also be dogs. Yes, you read it correctly. As a famous adage goes - "dog is man's best friend," so taking your pet with you for a camping escapade can never go wrong. In fact, nowadays, it is a huge trend among people of every age to bring their pets along during vacation. 

If this idea fascinates you enough as well and you are envisioning how to organize this camping trip, here we are to help you. From basic packing of travel dog bowls to making the camping equally pleasant for you, we covered all the tips below.

Consider the Size of the Tent

Of course, a tent is the first crucial choice you have to make on a camping trip. When you are browsing for a reliable tent, always go for the one that has enough room for the dog. A tent that can accommodate your furry friend and other people accompanying you is undoubtedly the best choice. Remember - one size does not fit all. 

A small sized pet obviously will take the least space. On the other hand, a big-sized dog such as Golden Retriever is like one more person going with you for camping. So, you can see the size makes a difference. 

Additionally, make sure to choose a tent that is easy to clean, lightweight, and well ventilated. Along with this, you must use a pet-friendly insect repellent inside the tent to protect them from any disease. Camping is about building your own comfy staycation; thus, choose the right tent.

Pick Dog-friendly Camping Ground

Your four-legged friend won't be comfy at just any location you pick. When you are thinking about a vacay with the dog, you must consider his preferences as well, just like you do for any other person in your family. After all, he is not less than a family member for every dog owner. So, you have to opt for a place where they can acclimate well and have a pleasant time with you. 

Research thoroughly in advance whether the specific campsite allows a pet or not. The idea of hiking and camping with dogs is gaining hype; you will easily find a myriad of campsites. Dogs love to go on walks, so do not forget to look out for nearby dog-friendly trails. You can hike around while admiring nature, and they will enjoy your company.

Additionally, check out activities available for dogs at the campsite and what the restrictions are. You don't want to return home disheartened with a failed camping plan.

Bring a Durable Leash

Even though your pet listens to your call, these are predatory animals by nature. So, you never know if they go off scope while hiking in search of anything more appealing. Lions, tigers, snakes, and bears and so much more you can encounter on a trail that can be a danger to your dog. Thus, a leash will secure them from any such unfortunate circumstance. 

On the contrary, it will keep wildlife safe from your dog too. When the dog starts barking or chasing other animals or birds, you can control them with the leash. It will not hinder your wildlife exploration time while keeping them safe from each other.

Thus, leash presents you with peace of mind that while you are spending time around a bonfire with others, your dog won't chase wildlife or runoff. 

Extra tip: Always keep two leashes because maybe you lose one.

Stay Engaged With Dog

You are out with your pet to enjoy the time so, why keep him leashed at a corner. A lot of bad things can happen to your pet when alone, so better not do it. Leaving your pet alone is never a good idea, even if your dog is leashed. When leashed, it is more exposed to wild animals in the forest area. They are safe when you are close to them all the time. 

Hence, always take your dog with you when you hike around. You should plan to take a dip at the lake with your pooch. If that is not safe, you can bring a dog kennel with you to stay in while you are swimming. 

The goal is to make the ambiance fun for your four-legged companion as well, otherwise what's the need of dragging them along?

Make a Checklist of Dog Essentials

When you head to the campsite, you stack up all the necessary camping gear. Similarly, don't forget to load all the essential stuff that will make camping convenient for your pet. No doubt, your pet will also like the comforts of home at the campsite just like you. 

Keep the dog sleeping bag or kennel, lightweight dog backpack, pet wipes, towel, pup paw protectors, water, and food bowl. Also, keep his favorite toys for chasing at the riverside or chewing around camp while you are busy barbequing.

Lastly, keep treats and medications to keep them happy and secure. You can consider trying a nightlight on your pet's collar that helps to see him at night.

Prepare First Aid Kit

There is nothing worse than staying at the camp with your pooch only to see them suffering. Prepare a basic first aid kit to help your little friend if a need arises. 

You can include things like liquid bandages, iodine for cleaning wounds, a tick remover, and wax paw protectors for dry pads to utilize in extreme situations. It will make their stay at the campsite more accommodating to pets. Pet first aid knowledge will also prove to be a useful resource during camping. 

Train them Camping Etiquettes

It is vital to teach your dog to be polite to your fellow campers when they reach the camping ground. So, prepare your pet in advance by indulging in a few outdoor training sessions before embarking on your long-waited camping journey. Use an effective recall command to keep them out of danger as well as away from other's campsites. Also, "leave it" command will help keep them safe from other wildlife on the tracks. While at the campground, do not overlook picking up and disposing of the pet's poop properly. It is a way to respect other campers and maintain the cleanliness of the campground.

Make sure to stick near your dog most of the time for its utmost protection and enjoyment alike. Never left it unsupervised on the trail or at the campsite. Sudden and extreme weather conditions, arriving of any wild animal, and various other unpredictable conditions are possible at the campsite. 

When you follow these rules, both of you will have a pleasant recreational experience.

Camping is a dose of convenience and thrill alike if you plan it out with your pooch. Once you enjoy this, you’ll frequently start planning a trip with your furry friend if you are a camping enthusiast. Soon he will also fall in love with camping like you. Waking up to sunrise and sleeping under the star-studded sky together will recharge both of you for long. Wagging his tail while hiking along with you, surely it will create a unique outdoor experience.