Saturday, July 3, 2010

Camping with Dogs this Summer?

 Vixen helping to set up the tent.
Photo © Melanie Jolicoeur

The following tips are from Happy Dog, Happy You by Arden Moore.

Camping with dogs is pleasurable whether it's an overnight stay or a two week adventure in the back country. This activity traces its roots back centuries to when humans and dogs hunted for food together and shared campfires. Fresh air and new sighs, sounds, and smells await your pooch, not to mention swimming and splashing in lakes and rivers. Consider your dog's size, age, health, and attitude when deciding on a camping adventure so it is fun for both of you.

A Pack for Your Pooch
In-shape dogs can sport canine-style backpacks to lessen your load during daylong or overnight hikes. A properly fitted backpack places the weight over the dog's shoulders, not in the middle of the back.

Select a model that is lightweight and waterproof, offers padding to prevent rubbing, and features adjustable straps and quick-snap buckles.

Go for color by choosing a backpack that is bright red, orange, or yellow so it can easily be spotted in the woods if your dog is off-leash and runs ahead of you.


Try it out near home to check for chafing or slipping before heading out for any long hikes.

Summer Camp has Gone to the Dogs
Did you love summer camp as a kid? What about going back to camp but bringing your best friend with you? There are dozens of canine camps around the country that provide the opportunity to spend some real quality time with your dog. Some camps offer specific programs while others just let you hang out with your pal and other like-minded dog lovers.

You can learn new training techniques (ever tried clicker training?), investigate new activities (what's agility all about, anyway?), or hone an existing skill (take hour hound for a tracking tune-up).

Getting There, Safely
Don't forget to buckle up your basset hound and secure your Sheltie for a car trip. An unrestrained 60-pound dog in a 30-mph crash can generate an impact force of 1,200 pounds against the windshield, seat back, or people! Use a harness with a dog seat belt, keep your dog in a crate, or secure him in the back of the car behind a floor-to-ceiling metal frame. These options ensure a safer ride your you and your dog.

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

— Melanie Jolicoeur, Associate Director of Marketing

3 comments:

Kristy Rustay said...

My dog Lily went camping with us this weekend. For her, camping is a love/hate situation. She LOVES that she gets to go for several walks all day long with lots of new things to sniff, but she misses the comforts of home at the same time. After being at our campsite for only a few hours, she barked at the tent door for me to let her in, and she curled up on our air mattress and took a comfy nap.

Julies said...

Dogs like camping as much as we do. So it is nice to bring them with us sometimes. But we have to consider some areas since dogs are restricted in most campsites due to security and health reasons. Actually, I prefer not to bring dogs along because although some sites allow dogs they require owners to tie them up. It is definitely sad to see your dog that way.

Analise said...

I agree with you Kristy... I'm sure dogs like and hate to go camping. It’s a mixed feeling. Like because it's a new experience and many site seeing. Dogs I believe appreciate the nature too. Hate because they will be tied up on the whole duration of the camping trip. Of course dogs wanted to get free and maximize their tour around the beautiful nature but we don’t what our dogs to get loss in the forest, right?

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