TheCampingGuy.com Blog | Camping Tips

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Growing up with a Veterinarian Dad we always had lots of pets around the house to play with. During my Dad’s career he got into breeding and training Golden Retrievers for hunting. At any one time we’d have 4, 5 or 6 “Goldens” in our extended family. Can you imagine trying to take all of them camping with us? Not possible. So, we would take 2 of them at a time and leave the rest in the kennel for next time, giving them all a chance to eventually come with us.

It was always a different kind of outing with the dogs. They would love to swim for hours with us. Retrievers are strong swimmers so we would hold onto their tails and they would tow us through the water. They would spend countless hours doing what they do best…retrieving. Sticks, tennis balls, Frisbees…you name it, they would retrieve it. One of our dogs would even fetch rocks! By mid-afternoon your throwing arm and shoulder was aching from throwing objects for them to retrieve.

When you take your dogs camping make sure you have enough food and water. Dogs will be tearing around, swimming, fetching and burning up more calories than usual and will be hungry often. We also brought kennel crates so when we’re cooking a meal or need a break from them, into their kennels they would go. If left unsupervised they will get into trouble or wander off. We would bring long leashes with stakes so we could restrict their movement, but still give them some freedom. If you can, put the stakes in an area where your dog can get shade and sunlight and place a full water bowl near them.

Things to watch out for are rattlesnakes, skunks and porcupines. That’s why the stakes and kennels are a good idea. Even when we were on a hike, we would carry a leash to ‘reel’ in any wandering dog. And, always on a leash when you’re walking around the campground near other campers. Not all campers are dog lovers! Hopefully, with these tips you can safely bring your dog along to enjoy the campout.