Tips for Camping with Your Dog
Camping season is upon us! Here are some things to think about as your bring your canine buddies with you on your overnight outdoor adventures.
Long lines, tethers or ex-pens are great ways to keep them close to you and from wandering. Make sure they have a comfy place to lie down nearby like their bed or even just a towel that they know is their spot. It is not appropriate for dogs to wander into other people’s campsites or to chase off wildlife.
There are lots of smells and novelty to check out around a campsite of any kind. Give your dog the opportunity to sniff around camp to both help them feel oriented and to provide some mental enrichment
Bring stuffable toys or long lasting chews to keep them entertained. These can also help build positive associations with camping!
If they can be territorial or alert bark to noises or strangers approaching give them the above chews and toys strategically when they hear or see these stimuli. You can hand feed them their dinner little by little at these moments too. Increase the value of the treat if they are especially spooked or when it gets dark. Many dogs are not used to hanging outside after dark.
If they are concerned about noises or smells that are outside of your tent once you crawl in for the night have treats ready to feed them the moment they lift their head up and notice them. This can head off alert barking. If it is hard for them to settle, playing quiet music, white noise or a “nature sounds” playlist (the irony huh?!) can also help mask some of the noises that may bother your dog. Just be sure it is low volume enough that your neighbors cannot hear it.
Remember that if your dog has never been camping before there are a lot of new things to get used to and the routine is different from what they know. This can be a great opportunity for socialization at any age- be ready to build lots of good associations and be patient with what they may not know yet.
Ensure that while you are enjoying camping too your dog is still receiving a good amount of exercise and enrichment so that they are not restless and can settle in better.
Putting them “to bed” in the tent or car before you may be ready to go to bed (if they are comfortable being apart from you) can also help them turn off and settle in for a good sleep rather than feeling they need to be alert next to the campfire.
Lastly, be sure that you are diligent about practicing Leave No Trace camping principles.
