Camping is a fun family activity, but many people love having their dogs by their side. There are a few things that need to be taken into consideration when deciding if your four-legged friend is going on a trip to the wilderness with you. What type of camping do you prefer? How much gear are you packing and is there room for pet supplies? Is your animal well trained to stay by your side or should you bring a lead? Take a few minutes to read this article and answer these questions before deciding if this trip is right for your furry friend. If so, click on one of our amazing affiliates to order the supplies you will need.
Type of Camping
There are several ways to camp. A hike deep into the forest, truck camping, camp grounds, and the more extreme types of camping. Some dogs have the ability to keep up and even run circles around their humans. A hike through the woods is just what they need to burn off some of the energy they have, while older dogs may not be able to make the long strides through the woods. Only you know your dog and what they can handle so be sure to gage your pet before going on a hike miles long. Truck camping is a more preferred method if you wish your companion to tag along. Some dogs, such as my own, are a little older and are not up for long walks. Truck camping is when you drive down old roads winding a mountain side or far into the woods, pull up to a clearing off the road and set up camp. These sites are far from people and allow for you to bring more items than just what can fit in a backpack. This way of tenting is my personal favorite because it allows for me to have an easier clean up while packing up at the end of my trip and I can bring my girl Molly along without worrying if she can keep up. Just a quick hop out of the truck and you’re already there.
Camp grounds are great for family outings while giving some amenities of home. Some sites offer a community bath house for showering and rest rooms, whereas others offer a rec house with pools and other activities which can be great for the kids. Many people love taking their pets with them ranging in sizes from small Chihuahuas to large Sheppard’s and camp grounds offer a safe environment for that outdoor experience. Be sure to check with the camp ground of your choice to ensure they allow family pets before showing up.
Some of the more extreme ways to camp are with those people who like to climb mountain sides, wade across rivers, and carry a minimal amount of supplies with them. Many of these places are not suitable for canines. If you are into rock climbing to get to your site than this may not be the trip to bring your dog on. GearUpTactics recommends you take a solo trip and search for a way to bring your dog to the location of your choice next time. Many places will have zero accommodations for them while others may have a side trial or easier means to reach this desired spot.
Keeping Them Close
There are dangers in the wilderness due to wild animals and the terrain. Make sure to bring a leash or lead for you companion. Some dogs are well trained enough that one may not be necessary, however GearUpTactics recommends bringing one just in case. Dogs like to stay near their human and many will sit right next to you without the fear of them wandering off into the woods at night over the first sound they hear, while others are energetic and still in training causing them to run off. Wild animals are new smells and sounds that will cause your dogs curiosity to perk up. Many animals are dangerous from a bear to a skunk. While wild creatures may be just as curious and approach or attack domesticated dogs, keeping them close by can prevent many mishaps or emergency trips to the vet.
Terrain is another reason to carry a leash with you. If the landscape is to rough and dangerous for them to run alone, then the lead is just a good way to help guide them and make sure they stay close by. New smells can also distract our pet and out of pure curiosity, they could step out of site or even eat something that is not good for them. Again, a leash is just going to help keep them nearby and out of all the new smells around. Last thing we want is for our dogs to get sprayed by a skunk or eat something that’s poisonous. Be it wild animals getting their attention, new smells, or just knowing that they need a little more training are all good reasons to keep a lead rope on hand. Tell us in the comments below if you agree or not and why you do or don’t take a leash with you.
Beds and Shelters
You want a tent, sleeping bag and other amenities while on your trip. Our loving furry friends want the same. Bring a tent big enough for them to sleep in with you. This will prevent them from getting loose in the night or being eaten by bugs. They will also hear noises in the night and alert you if necessary. Some people who truck camp like to bring a light weight dog bed with them adding comfort to your canines’ experience while they curl up next to your sleeping bag. If camping in an area or time of year that particularly cold, GearUpTactics would like to encourage you to bring a small blanket for them. This is easy with truck camping, however, if taking a hike to your site is preferred for you, there are dog style back packs that are made just for this occasion. These backpacks come in an array of sizes and designs best suitable for your pet and the trip you’re going on. These can be found through some of our affiliates, such as Amazon, so take some time to look for one that best suits your four-legged friend.
Food, Water and Medication
Food, water and medication are all part of surviving in the wilderness. We tend to bring the things we need that will sustain us for the duration of our adventure. Some folks choose to feed their dog the same foods they have while out and others would rather bring their dogs normal diet along. My girl Molly has allergies so I personally bring enough of her normal food to keep her well-fed. Water is also something I make sure to have enough of. Many people like to find a stream to set up camp next to, though this is not always available for some. Think about the amount of time you are going to be away, how much do you and your dog drink on average, and then have some extra on hand just in case.
Medication is something that can be accidently forgotten at home. The packing and planning for your journey can sometimes be hectic and things may get left behind. Some individuals are more organized than I am so for them, planning involves a list of things to bring. This checklist ensures everything is gathered and ready. Your animal’s medication is an important factor to not be left behind. Molly has her allergy medication that if not taken will cause her to break out in sweats, itch terribly and loose her fur. Other dogs have similar of more severe reactions to what they are allergic to. I have to ensure she always has enough to last the trip.
Conclusion
Though we want them by our side all the time, we need to stop and think about the best way for our dogs to join us in our adventures. Dogs are protective, loving, curious, and have needs just as we do. Remember to plan the right type of trip, bring a shelter or bed, food, water, medication, and keep them close. These are the main factors to prepare you for a successful expedition into nature with your dog. If you have any other items or ideas that were left out of this blog, please let us know in the comments below. Every experience, be it good or bad, can help another person learn and be prepared for their journey.