A GUIDE TO CAMPING WITH YOUR DOG

With holidays abroad seeming like a distant memory, there really is no place like home and many of us are resorting to UK holidays this year.

Camping may not appeal to all, but for those of us who love to feel more in touch with nature it’s not only a fabulous way to escape, but it’s incredibly inexpensive! With more dogs being treated like a family member, the idea of leaving them in a kennels is becoming increasingly less appealing.

The thought of taking your dog camping can be a little daunting at first, but with the right preparation and planning, the addition of your dog is guaranteed to make your trip that little bit more memorable!

Dogs are always willing to take on new adventures; camping allows you explore the world through their eyes and builds a bond like no other.

Having recently taken the plunge and braved our first camping trip with our monster - I mean puppy - I have compiled this guide to help you prepare for you own trips without having to leave your furry friend behind!

PREPARATION

So you’ve found yourself a nice, dog-friendly campsite and you’re booked in ready for your holiday. ‘What’s next?’, I hear you asking!

Familiarise your dog to the tent

Many dogs will have never seen a tent before and it can be quite overwhelming for their first time in a tent to be on the first night of your holiday in an unfamiliar location!

If you’re taking your own tent, it is a great idea to pitch up in the garden and allow your dog to explore. Plus, we all need that little practice run of tent erection - no one wants to be the family with the collapsing tent!

Practice settle worK

If you’re anything like me, there is nothing better than sitting around the campfire toasting marshmallows under the stars after a day of exploring.

Now I don’t know about you but when I’m at home I don’t expect Chutney to sit quietly at my feet whilst I’m watching the latest episode of ‘insert popular TV show here’ - so you can’t expect your dog to magically do this when you arrive at a campsite.

Practicing a settle command before your holiday is vital if you want a relaxing camping trip! I suggest practicing both at home and in new locations as the campsite is likely to be a stimulating environment for your dog.

Remember to reward your dog heavily when they switch off in a busy environment!

Find the number of a nearby vet

In the unlikely event that your dog gets injured or falls sick during your stay, it is useful to have the number of a nearby vet handy.

Build up to longer walks

If you usually take your dog around the local park for your daily walks but plan to climb a mountain or take a 3 hour hike on your camping trip - your dog is probably not ready for it!

It’s a good idea to build up your dog’s stamina beforehand by gradually taking them on longer hikes. This will prepare them for the longer walks on your trip and reduce their risk of injury.

Make a plan

When bringing your furry companion camping, it is important to have a plan!

Try and stick to some sort of a routine to help your dog feel more settled during your holiday. For example, always feed them at the same time each day - dogs love familiarity!

If you know the weather is going to be hot, you’ll need to walk early morning or late evening.Plan you walking routes and check that dogs are allowed. Different types of public land have different rules regarding dogs and, although most places allow dogs, a few have restrictions.

Make sure you check that the local area has dog friendly options if you plan on eating out during your stay.

PACKING FOR YOUR DOG

When going on holiday with Chutney, I sometimes feel like I am packing for a human baby, not a dog - sometimes her bag is as big as mine!

With camping you want to pack light as your car is likely to be full to the brim with camping gear! A dog’s basic needs are no different to our own but a few added luxuries might make your dogs stay more enjoyable.

My list of essential packing for your dog

Food - I would recommend weighing out enough food for the length of your trip and adding in a little extra as they are likely to be doing more exercise than normal.

Water - Although most campsites have drinking water on site, it is worth adding in a few bottles of water just in case.

Bowls - You can purchase collapsible bowls from so many places and these are ideal for camping because they take up hardly any space.

Bed - Even if your pooch, like mine, is lucky enough to be sharing the blow up mattress with you, it is worth having a bed for them to use when you are relaxing outside the tent in the evenings. If you have a raised outdoor bed, that’s even better as it keeps them off the cold ground.

The familiarity of their bed will also help them feel more relaxed in their new environment.

If you’re not sharing a bed, make sure you have a suitable sleeping set up for them. Tents are not the most secure place, so perhaps a crate would be useful.

Lead and collar - I’m sure you’ll be taking your dog on lots of adventures on your camping holiday, so it is important to have a good quality lead and collar (with ID tag).

Harness - Most campsites state that dogs must be kept on leads. A harness may be more comfortable for your dog to avoid them being attached and pulling at their neck.

A stake - Having a stake or something that can be anchored into the ground to secure your dog, gives you the freedom to cook and enjoy yourself without having to hold a lead. Most of these come with a lead that is fairly long and allows the dog some freedom to roam.

Poo bags - Most campsites have a rule that you ‘leave it as you find it’ and that means you will have to clean up after your dog!

First aid kit - you can purchase a dog first aid kit online or make up your own. You can find the PDSA recommended gear for your pets first aid kit here.

Blanket - Even on a warm day the evenings can get a bit nippy! Having a nice blanket for you and your dog to snuggle up in is a must!

Teddy - Having your dog’s favourite Teddy or toy adds familiarity and makes them feel more at home.

Towel - No one wants mucky paws in their pod!

Long lasting chews - The best way to keep Chutney occupied is to give her a big, stinky natural chew. Hooves, horns, antlers - you name it, anything she can get her teeth stuck into and she’ll be quiet for hours - perfect for those evenings around the campfire! I have a 10% off code for WoofClub Naturals which sells all the gruesome, natural treats - CHUT10 [AD/Brand rep].

I use the Lords and Labradors ‘Mobile Dog Gear - Weekender back pack’ which comes with collapsible food and water bowls, bags to contain your dogs food and treats and also a poo bag dispenser! It is the perfect bag for your weekends away and I could not live without it now. [AD - previously gifted]

I hope you’ve found this guide useful! Don’t forget your sense of humour and I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time camping and creating new memories with your beloved dog!