Description

This article is from the Canine Activities: Camping with Your Dog, by Jayne Cravens with numerous contributions by others.

01 Who Can Participate?

Most people who can go camping without a dog can go camping with one.
The additional constraints are that you must be (1) physically able to
restrain your dog (or dogs) in the presence of distractions, such
deer, squirrels, and rabbits, and (2) responsible enough to prevent
the dog from being a nuisance to other campers or animals. This
includes picking up after your pet -- many a campsite is made
disgusting because of inconsiderate dog owners.

If you are going to camp with a dog (or dogs), it is important that
the dog(s) is(are) well-behaved around other people (both adults and
children) and animals. Camping is a relaxing time - fellow campers may
have just finished a long day of hiking or driving. While a campsite
may be lively during the day, once night falls, it's time to settle
down. Your dog will need to understand when playtime is over, and how
to be quiet (no barking!). If your dog has never been to dog school,
it's never too late to start. The cost is minimal and it will make you
a better, more responsive dog owner, as well as a better camper with a
dog.

On her Hiking/Backpacking with Canines page, Terri Watson makes this
excellent point: "Good canine manners will go a long way towards
creating good will and increased tolerance of canine presence. Know
your dog. Be aware of what situations may make him act strangely or
provoke an aggressive or defensive reaction. Then prevent these
situations or, if unavoidable, be prepared to deal appropriately with
them. You should never take a dog out on the trail if you feel there
is any chance of someone being injured by him."

_Dog-Aggressive Dogs_
I have a lovely Australian shepherd mix, Wiley, as well as a cuddly
Beagle/Basset Hound mix, Buster. Both dogs have great affection for
people, particularly children, but Wiley hates most dogs with a
passion, and will usually attack another dog upon sight. It's not easy
camping with such a dog, but it can be done, through a great deal of
caution, sensitivity to surroundings and responsibility on the part of
the owner. I'll have notes throughout this guide on how I do it. If
you have a dog-aggressive dog and don't think you can do all of the
precautions I mention, I strongly urge you NOT to go camping with your
dog.

 

Continue to:

• Index
• next: 02 Preparations

Share and Enjoy

Tags

dog, canine, camping