{"id":33726,"date":"2022-08-26T09:00:43","date_gmt":"2022-08-25T23:30:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/?p=33726"},"modified":"2022-11-07T15:27:01","modified_gmt":"2022-11-07T04:57:01","slug":"tips-for-camping-with-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/tips-for-camping-with-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Taking Your Dog on a Camping Adventure"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Camping is a family affair, but one member is overlooked a little too often\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It doesn\u2019t have to be this way though \u2013 camping with a dog can be both a fantastic and rewarding experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of our favourite trips would have to be when we went to Cape York along the Old Tele Track, with our kelpie. It was a blast swimming in the creeks with him and jumping off ledges into crystal clear water. He was a bit of a celebrity amongst the other campers along the track who were missing their own dogs. They all knew his name and wanted a pat!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Managing a photo with the whole family at the tip of Australia is something we will always cherish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Family<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Along the Birdsville Track. A quick stop to stretch the legs and have a play.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Canal<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Splashing around in Canal Creek on Cape York\u2019s Old Telegraph Track.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a Dog’s Life<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Bringing the family dog along on holiday has so many positives. Taking a walk, going kayaking, or swimming with your four-legged friend is a great way for everybody to get some exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Playing games like \u2018Chasey\u2019, or \u2018Fetch\u2019 with their favourite ball, Frisbee, or even a stick is good entertainment \u2013 and doesn\u2019t require plugging into a power socket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking your dog camping is especially positive when there is a strong family bond. Plus, it eradicates the sad, guilty feeling after leaving them at home!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Kids<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

He just wants that ball. Having a play is better than looking at a screen.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Young<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A bond is formed forever. Cooper’s first camping trip with our daughter.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Best Parts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Meeting New Friends<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Firstly, camping with your dog is a great way to make new friends \u2013 both canine and human varieties! Everyone loves to pat a dog \u2013 and it\u2019s without a doubt they\u2019ll be at the campsite next door making friends too! A dog is an easy way to break the ice, and makes your stay at the campground more enjoyable. Plus, there\u2019s no need to organise for someone to watch your dog at home while you\u2019re away. Pet motels or dog kennels can be expensive long-term, and probably not as enjoyable for your dog as a camping trip with the family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That said, consider the extent to which you can include your dog in all aspects of your adventure. It\u2019s not always fair to your pup or to others if you leave them at base camp while you’re out exploring. Consider your pet\u2019s behaviour and temperament when left alone (even if with close family members or friends) – or leave them at home altogether, with a sitter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leftovers<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Bringing your dog camping makes disposing food scraps easy too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Security<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Another big benefit is not only the companionship but the added element of safety that a dog brings \u2013 especially when travelling solo. Dogs have a great sense of hearing, smell, and night vision. This is excellent for indicating early warning against crocs<\/a>, dingos, feral pigs, and snakes \u2013 as well as whatever goes bump in the night (mainly other people who shouldn\u2019t be so close to your camp!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Woman<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Waiting for leftovers (he eats better than us sometimes!)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Family<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Dogs provide both safety and companionship.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018Dog-gone-it\u2019: The Cons and How to Manage Them<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Vehicle Space<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Depending on their size, your dog can take up a fair amount of the limited room inside the car. To make up for that lost storage space for your gear, roof racks and trailers are an option. On that note, keep your dog safe when you’re driving. We keep Cooper secure in the rear of our car, behind a cargo barrier and beside the fridge slide. Other options include car hammocks<\/a> and backseat bridges<\/a>. When he was small enough to be in the back seat, we used a harness<\/a> through the seat belts<\/a>. For more details on safe travelling with dogs, check out this resource here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Campsite Limitations<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Having a dog can also limit where you can stay. While some state forests, private campgrounds, and lots of free camping spots are dog-friendly \u2013 national parks and nature reserves are out of the question. Some national parks allow you to take your pup for walks only, as long as they stick to the trails and remain on a leash at all times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A dog’s scent can disrupt the wildlife, deterring some animals from their own habitat. Often, baiting systems are in place to control feral species – and these can be fatal if ingested by your dog. At the campsite, both the smell and sight of food or scraps is a magnet for scavenging birds and animals \u2013 including dogs from neighbouring campsites. Keep all<\/em> food locked in your car or tightly sealed in a container. Mice are notorious for nibbling holes in plastic bags \u2013 and dog food isn\u2019t the natural diet of native birds and animals. In fact, in could be harmful to their health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be aware of your own dog’s scavenging habits too, and nip it in the bud immediately; as soon as your dog discovers treats at other campsites, they become difficult to control!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Your Doggo Goes Rogue-go<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

One of the biggest fears is losing your best friend. It\u2019s a must <\/em>to have them microchipped, with a tag on their collar displaying your contact details \u2013 but keeping treats<\/a> in your pocket should also be enough to keep your dog from wandering too far. Ensuring they come back to you when called is a command you should have mastered, and enables your dog a little more freedom around camp. Depending on both your dog and the campground, you may also need to attach a lead<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tangled Tethering<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

When your dog becomes tangled up with guy ropes, it can be so frustrating \u2013 the moment you manage to untangle them, they\u2019re stuck around three poles and intertwined with more rope again. A screw<\/a> or Hex peg<\/a> is the perfect solution: your dog can be tethered out of reach of awnings and tents, always with water and shade. Having a guy rope trace spring<\/a> on the peg should also stop your dog from hurting themselves and pulling the peg from the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Waste Maintenance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Picking up their waste also isn\u2019t pleasant, but it\u2019s something you have to do. Otherwise, sites will ban dogs entirely. Always keep biodegradable bags<\/a> with you, and do the right thing in keeping the campgrounds clean. A trowel<\/a> is also handy for burying your dog’s number twos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Cooper<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cooper gets a thick foam mattress for trips in the car!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Walking<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Going for a walk around camp at Bigriggan. A long lead gives Cooper a bit more freedom.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

10 Doggy Essentials for Camping<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n