Ah, spring. I’ve lived in Western New York long enough to know that it might not be here to stay, but the balmy days we’ve had this week have left me anticipating summer and everything that comes with it. Cookouts, concerts, camping — it can’t come fast enough.
My fellow weather-savvy Western New Yorkers might be thinking I’m getting ahead of myself, but if you plan on bringing your dog along on your summer activities this year, now’s the perfect time to prepare!
Camping is a common, relatively easy way to make a vacation dog-friendly. In fact, it’s so common that many people think dogs naturally habituate to everything involved, only to find their vacation far from relaxing when they realize their dog is stressed, barking, whining, and unable to settle. In order to make sure your dog is as ready to chill by the campfire as you are (and ensure everyone has the vacation they wanted), we have a few (comparatively) easy suggestions for you.
Our first suggestion is to have a dress rehearsal (or two, or three, or as many as you can). “A dress rehearsal for vacation?” you might be thinking. Why not? You certainly have a specific outcome you want from your vacation (namely relaxation), so doing a little practice with your dog only makes sense. Try:
Doing an overnight in the tent: Can your dog comfortably fit? Is she able to settle and relax? Can she communicate that she needs to go potty if she can’t tell where the door is?
Taking trips around the block in the RV: How does your dog react when the “house” starts moving? Does he bark out the windows? How does he handle all the noise that goes along with an RV?
Short stays alone in the camper: Your dog probably won’t be able to come with you when you stop for gas or pop into McDonald’s, so make sure she can handle being alone for short periods!
Practicing your entrances and exits: Does your dog have a doggy door at home (or is just accustomed to bulling his way past you into the backyard)? You can see how that habit could turn into a horror story on the side of a highway, so nail down an exit routine and stick to it! Does your dog have a secure harness and leash? Is the leash long enough to allow him to exit without yanking you down the stairs? Do you have a way to secure him if he won’t be exiting with you?
Brushing up on your camping etiquette: You may see a lot of loose dogs at the campground, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea for your dog or a considerate way to treat your fellow campers. Some people may be afraid of dogs, children may not know how to interact safely or respectfully, and the other dogs at the campground may or may not be friendly. Ensure your dog is under control and you have an exit strategy if you encounter an unfriendly dog.
On a similar note, do you have specific gear for your dog to use while camping? A new bed or harness? A separate set of food and water bowls? It might be tempting to bust them out all shiny and new when you get to the campground, but you’re far better served acclimating your dog to everything you possibly can beforehand. While we’re at it, here are a few other things we think you’ll need:
A long line: This is invaluable while you’re traveling with a dog! It’s great for making sure your dog can explore all the fun places you’ll be visiting while remaining safe — even if your dog has fantastic recall at home, the new sights and smells may be too much to resist, and there may be dangerous plants and wildlife to contend with.
An exercise pen: A travel-friendly option since it folds up, an exercise pen is a perfect way to set your dog up with their own space at the campsite. Unlike a line or chain, it won’t get tangled around your chairs or tables, and it provides a measure of protection against other loose dogs.
Tarps or other visual blockers: Does your dog bark at people going by your house? That won’t magically go away at the campground! Tarps, sheets, and screens will come in handy to line your x-pen and block their view of people and other dogs.
Long-lasting chews: If your dog doesn’t naturally take to putting their feet up by the fire, a long-lasting chew is the next best thing! Yak cheese, bully sticks, and marrow bones are all great options for keeping your dog occupied for an extended time (and supporting their dental health).
Of course, you know your dog, and you may or may not feel that all of these suggestions apply. However, know that your goals should be in line with the effort you put in, so if you skimp on prep, adjust your expectations for your dog’s behavior accordingly!
On the other hand, you might be looking at your dog and thinking these suggestions might not cover it.
Either way, if you want help developing a vacation training and management plan, Paws Perrydise is here to help! Click here to book a private training session, or stop into the store and stock up on those long-lasting chews while you’re there!