1. Respect Other Campers
I love dogs. Many people do. But many people might not love hearing your dog bark all night as they’re trying to have a relaxing vacation sleeping under the stars. While we’re entitled to enjoy camping with our dogs, we’re not entitled to ruin the experience for other people. If your dog might bark at noises or passersby, bring their favorite toy to play with and block the view of the road with your car. Make sure to clean up after your dog and keep your camping experience your own without being a major disruption to others.
2. Leash Your Dog
Most campgrounds state it explicitly when booking, but dogs should always be leashed. The new sights, smells, and furry animals of the great outdoors can be enticing for dogs with even the best recall in other settings. Not to mention other campers and dogs in the area who don’t want to be disrupted or won’t react well to another dog coming into their space. Leashing your dog is the best way to prevent ensure a safe camping trip.
3. Pick Up After Your Dog
Leave no trace doesn’t just apply to humans, so make sure to pick up after your dog. While dog waste may seem harmless and tempting to just leave in the woods, it can be harmful to the environment by contaminating soil and water. Pack poop bags to throw into campground trash bins. If you’re in an area without trash disposal, put your filled poop bags into a sealable container to contain the smell and then dispose of them later.
4. Never Leave Your Dog Unattended
Your dog should never be left unattended at a campsite, whether in a tent or tied up. Not only could your dog cause a possible disruption to other campers while you’re gone, but there’s also a serious safety risk. Wildlife can wander into your site and hurt your dog who doesn’t have an ability escape. Passing wildlife could cause your dog to break free and chase after them. Unexpected severe weather or any other unexpected occurrence can leave your dog in a vulnerable position without you there to help. In short, always stay with your dog when camping.
5. Make Camping Enjoyable For Your Dog
Camping should be a fun experience for both you and your dog. If your dog might be reactive to dogs or wildlife, hang tarps by clothesline to block the view. If your dog is anxious in a new environment, bring familiar puzzle toys or Kongs to keep them busy, and bring their favorite blanket to snuggle in. Camping should be as pleasurable for your dog as it is for you.