Hey there, I’m Jake, and I’m excited to share my latest camping adventure with you! My furry friend, Pippin, is joining me.
As a passionate camper, I can confidently say that including our furry friend in our outdoor escapades transforms the entire experience.
I’d love to share our top tips for spending time outdoors with your furry friend.
Table of Contents
Prioritize Obedience
Before hitting the moors, it’s essential that Pippin is well-trained in obedience. I need to be confident she will come when called, especially if she’s off-lead.
Commands like “lie down” and “stay” are crucial for her safety, allowing me to manage her behavior in potentially risky situations, such as encountering wildlife or other hikers.
A reliable “leave it” command is also vital, particularly when faced with out-of-date food or animal waste.
Trust me, knowing she can ignore other animals (like the occasional adder) puts my mind at ease!
Research Campground Regulations
When planning a camping trip with your dog, the first step is to research campground regulations.
It can be disheartening to arrive at a campsite only to find out that dogs aren’t allowed. For instance, many nearby canyons in our area are watersheds where dogs are prohibited.
Always check the park’s website for pet policies and confirm any restrictions during the reservation process.
Some parks might allow dogs in the campground but not on the beach, so stay informed!
The Basics of Packing
When I decided to hit the road, I tossed my essentials into the car and set off without a hitch. It’s important for me to have everything I need for my pups and myself.
First up, I packed my Chaos Two Backpacking Tent from Mountaineer.
While it’s not the lightest tent out there, it comfortably fits me and my three dogs, giving us enough space to stretch out.
I like to bring a variety of blankets, too. For myself, I have a Rumble blanket that’s fantastic because it doesn’t trap dog hair, plus it’s easy to shake off.
I also packed a cotton blanket from Pendleton, which I can toss in the wash after the trip.
Setting Up Camp
After a brief exploration, Pippin seemed fascinated by the tent. I showed him where we would be sleeping, trying to make him feel at ease in this new space.
We prepared a little mat for him and a dog sleeping bag, both meant to keep him warm.
Camping with a puppy has its challenges, especially when it comes to keeping him contained. Pippin is still learning recall, so I had to be extra cautious.
To help with this, we set up a cord attached to a tree to give him some freedom while keeping him safe.
Familiarize Your Dog with the Tent
Before settling down for the night, it’s important to help Pippin get used to the tent and its surroundings.
I always make sure to introduce her to our campsite ahead of time. Familiarizing her with the space makes her feel secure and comfortable.
Using the bubble wrap mat as her designated sleeping area helps establish that this is her spot. For dogs not accustomed to tents, this preparation can make a significant difference in their comfort level.
Prepare for Obstacles
As we navigate the moors, we often face natural obstacles like rivers, stepping stones, and styles. It’s best if Petra has encountered these before our trip.
Through training, I’ve ensured she can leap up and down safely from styles. This preparation is crucial, especially with a larger dog like her, weighing in at 35 kilograms.
If I were handling a smaller dog, the task would be much easier! Training her on various obstacles beforehand has made our adventure much smoother.
Air Pads and Camping Chair
I packed two different air pads. One is for me, while the other provides a cozy spot for the dogs, especially when they tend to steal my space at night.
My tiny backpacking chair, which I can clip onto my backpack, is a lifesaver for comfort without the bulk. I got it on Amazon in a two-pack, so it’s lightweight and easy to transport.
Essential Dog Gear
When it comes to my dogs, I usually don’t bring their full-sized dog bed, but this time I had one in my car, so I decided to bring it along.
It provides a comfortable resting place for them. I also packed a Carlson pet product cot, which comfortably fits two dogs and keeps them off the damp ground.
For their meals, I use collapsible bowls since they’re light and easy to carry. I’ve got three on hand—one for water and two for food.
A long line is a must, just in case the dogs get a little too rowdy. I’m all about safety, so I have a rough wear line system for emergencies, but sadly, there are no trees here to hang it.
Dog Clothing and Bug Protection
Depending on the weather, I pack dog clothes too. I have several outfits from Herta, including rain gear to keep them dry.
Gumbo is particularly sensitive to bug bites, so I brought a natural bug blocker just for him. I always like to keep them clean, especially since I want them snuggling with me in the tent later!
Safety Essentials
Safety is paramount for me, especially as a solo traveler. I bring bear spray for protection—there are bears in this area, and it’s good to be prepared. I also carry an axe for firewood and safety purposes.
One of my new favorite items is the Jakhary Porter Portable Power Station.
It can charge my phone, iPad, and even my laptop, which is a lifesaver when I want to edit videos while on the road. It has been a game changer for my camping trips!
Packing for Comfort and Convenience
I have a dedicated bag for my clothes and toiletries, along with my medications. All my electronics, including my camera, laptop, and iPad, fit neatly inside too.
Food is always a big part of my packing list. I bring a couple of gallon jugs of water for my dogs and me, plus two water bottles filled with ice water for our hikes. I also carry a GSI collapsible bowl, which is great for measuring out food.
For meals, I prefer Mountain House freeze-dried meals. They’re tasty and easy to prepare—perfect for a camping trip!
Hydration is Key
One crucial aspect of camping with your dog is ensuring he stays hydrated. Heat exhaustion can be dangerous, and dehydration can be fatal.
I always pack plenty of water for Pippin, and I’ve found collapsible water bottles that attach to his collar incredibly useful for hikes.
Just remember, avoid letting him drink from standing water sources, as they can harbor harmful bacteria like giardia.
Bring Extra Food
In addition to water, don’t forget to pack extra food. This comes in handy if your camping trip extends longer than planned.When it’s time to feed Pippin, I ensure that the food is stored safely to avoid attracting critters to our campsite.
Dinner and Evening Activities
For dinner, we had delicious Smokies that I planned to cook over our propane fire pit. It was essentially like a barbecue, making it easy to prepare food while enjoying the outdoors.
As we got things ready, Pippin discovered a stick and was busy gnawing on it—typical puppy behavior!
I also brought along my fanny pack, filled with treats and equipped with a slot for poop bags.
It was a lifesaver for our walks, allowing me to keep Pippin engaged and distracted from all the things he would normally try to munch on.
As the sun began to set, we took a walk around the campground. Pippin was eager, but true to his puppy nature, he often paused to sniff everything in sight.
His curiosity was infectious, and I loved watching him explore.
Clean Up After Your Dog
One common courtesy at any campsite is to clean up after your dog. I can’t stress how important this is—just last week, we encountered a campsite littered with dog waste, which required me to spend the first 15 minutes cleaning up before we could relax.
Let’s all practice Leave No Trace principles!
First Aid Essentials
Adding a few dog-specific items to your first aid kit is a wise move. I keep iodine for cleaning wounds, a tick remover, and some liquid bandages on hand.
It’s also important to protect their paws from extreme temperatures; dog booties can help with this, even if they take some getting used to.
Water Safety
If your dog is a water enthusiast like Murphy, ensure he wears a life jacket when near water.
Even the best swimmers can face unexpected challenges, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Conclusion: Embracing Adventure
Overall, I was thrilled with how Pippin’s camping trip turned out. He was an absolute champ! From settling down at night to exploring the campground during the day, he exhibited a natural curiosity and resilience that made the experience enjoyable for all of us.As we packed up to head home, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for this little adventure. It not only gave Pippin a chance to experience the great outdoors but also helped strengthen the bond between us.
If you’re considering taking your puppy camping, just remember to plan for their comfort and keep a close eye on them, especially in a new environment.
Remember, successful wild camping with your dog is all about preparation and safety. If you have any additional tips or experiences you’d like to share, please drop a comment below.
