Dog Camp Label

1) Always keep your dog on a leash:

This sounds so trite and as a dog owner you have heard it over and over again. But it is one of the most common problems. There are a number of problems associated with leaving your dog off leash at camp. First, they could get lost while running after a rabbit, deer, or coyote. Second, there could be a larger, more aggressive dog tied to a dog at the next camp that could eat your dog for lunch. Third, you’re giving the rest of us a bad rap and the camp might decide to ban the dogs. Enough said, I hope.

2) Call ahead:

Although the camp guides may tell you that the camp accepts dogs. Be sure to call ahead, because many of them only accept dogs under 25 pounds or charge per pet. Look in our guide to camping with dogs here or look in the Travel Life directory here.

3) Clean up your dog’s litter:

We have found that dog bags are very expensive in pet stores. Instead, we used simple food storage bags from the grocery store. Not the kind with zip closures, but the old gallon size food storage bags with twist ties. These are slightly larger than pet store bags at less than half the price. The only downside is that they are clear rather than colored, but you will get used to it!

4) Make sure your dogs don’t bark too much:

Many dog ​​guides recommend that you stay home if you have a dog that barks too much. This is not fair, all dogs should go camping. If you have a dog that barks at its head when a pin is dropped, you probably better spend some time training it. Try to give him treats every time he stops barking on command, he will eventually notice.

5) Aggressive dog or aggressive dog with people:

Again, everything I have read recommends that you keep these types of dogs at home. I do not agree. Aggression from dogs and aggression from people are often natural behaviors for dogs. The trick is to keep these dogs under ABSOLUTE control at all times. You must be diligent in this case, or someone or some dog could be seriously injured. This is what I have learned from my dog ​​who is afraid of strangers and weighs 130 pounds.

a) Get a restraint collar that provides total control of your dog.

b) If you tie them up outdoors at camp, always be outside with them.

c) Do not take them to walk on trails, this is looking for problems.

d) Find a camp with ample spaces; Look in Fodor’s Best Camps Guide at http://www.fodors.com for the site’s privacy and comprehensiveness factor.

e) If you must wear them in crowded situations, wear a muzzle (but only wear a muzzle in moderation).

f) Be vigilant at all times, I camped full time for two years throughout the country without incident. However, I am always with my dog ​​and have him under my complete control (not always easy with such a large dog).

Following these five simple rules will allow you and your dogs to enjoy camping, without generating complaints from other campers. If you receive a complaint for any reason, try to be bigger than the complainant – act calm and address the problem. After all, you are going camping to enjoy life!