Camping With Your Dog: 5 Expert Tips
After spending a lot of time at home lately, we’re betting the call of the wild is stronger than ever. And what better way to escape than to head out to the mountains with your best friend?
You can picture it now – trekking new trails with Toby by your side, romping in the sparkling lake, and warming up by the crackling fire. It just seems like camping and dogs go together like chocolate and marshmallows.
We want to make sure you are geared up to create some amazing camping memories with your dog this summer so we’ve rounded up 5 expert camping tips to help you make it happen.
1. Gear Up!
Your dog’s packing list won’t be nearly as long as yours but there are a few essentials you’ll need to keep them safe and happy. Of course, you’ll want to make sure you pack the obvious like water, food, collars, and leashes, but here are some items you might not think of when camping with your dog:
- Pet First Aid Kit – Packed with pet-specific tools, this is an important must-have in case of a scuffed paw, twisted ankle, or emergency situation.
- Collar Light – Stargazing is one of the best parts of being in the open wilderness but it’s awfully dark out there. Protect your dog from wandering off and getting lost with a rechargeable, LED collar light. Purchase one here.
- Collapsible Dog Bowl – You’ll want to pack a regular dog bowl but when you’re out on the trail in the hot summer sun, you’ll want to make sure to keep your dog hydrated. A collapsible dog bowl is lightweight, packs down flat, and makes it easy to keep your dog hydrated on those long trail hikes. Check it out here.
2. Make Sure Your Site is Pet-Friendly!
Not all camping sites are dog-friendly. Some have strict requirements and don’t allow dogs, or only allow small dogs. Make sure to double-check your camping destination of choice to make sure you don’t get turned around for having your pup in tow.
Some Local Sites that allow camping with your dog:
- Washoe Lake State Park
- Frenchman’s Lake
- Stampede Reservoir
- Boca Campground
- Lohatan State Recreation Area
- Fallen Leaf Campground
- Tahoe Valley Campground
3. Apply a Flea and Tick Preventative
Depending on where you’re headed, this may be more or less of a concern. However, you don’t want to be caught off guard when it comes to protecting your dog. We recommend talking to your vet about what flea and tick preventatives they recommend. When camping with your dog, be sure to check their fur thoroughly each day and that your pet first aid kit contains tweezers or a tick key just in case.
4. Practice Your Campsite Manners
Since camping with your dog is most likely a seasonal activity, it’s always a good idea to take some time to brush up on the skills they’ll need to be at their best. If you don’t work on your recall skills often, consider practicing recall frequently before your trip. It may also be helpful to practice in public settings and work with your dog to stay calm. The last important skill to practice is the “off” command. When you’re out camping there will be a lot of new things to discover, but that could also mean wild animals and things that could harm your dog. Practice new environments and the “off” command frequently to be sure your dog knows how to listen and avoid danger.
5. Get Recall Training!
When camping with your dog, the most important thing your dog needs to stay safe in nature is a reliable recall. Whether you plan to keep your dog on a leash the whole time or not, the possibility of being spooked and getting loose become far riskier than normal. If your dog has not been trained for recall or off-leash training, enroll in training before your trip. You can join us for a complete training program if you’re new to DGA, or if you’re a DGA alum – enroll for some brush-up lessons.
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We hope these tips will help you make the most of your camping adventures this summer. Be safe out there and make some amazing memories with your best friend.
DOG GONE AMAZING IS HERE TO HELP!
If you want camping with your dog to be a breeze, we are happy to help. Dog Gone Amazing can help you teach your dog how to stay calm, how to have a reliable recall, how to not bark at every neighbor passing by, and more!
If you would like a more immersive, quick-learn style where a professional dog trainer teaches the dog obedience training for you, learn more about our Board and Train programs.
We also offer In-Home Dog Training that can be a great match for teaching your dog the skills they need outdoors. We can meet you at a public park or other outdoor space to help your dog learn the crucial skills to make camping with your dog a reality.
We are always here to help, call 775-800-1011 or email info@doggoneamazing.com