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Camping with Dogs: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE
Dogs are often more than just dogs, they’re family. And when folks go camping, many canines go along for the adventure. We answer the most popular questions campers have when it comes to camping with dogs.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF
BRINGING THE DOG?
Just like with people, spending quality time with your dog can strengthen the bond and sense of trust you share. Your dog develops good people skills and trail etiquette over time, effectively becoming a Canine Good Citizen in the process, which is a dog that is a joy for all to be around. Then, there are the benefits to you and your dog’s mind and body when you spend time outdoors and living an active lifestyle. It’s a winning scenario all around.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY
DOG CAN COME TO THE
CAMPGROUND?
You know your dog the best. You know his or her personality, quirks, buttons, and history. If you think your dog would thrive with camping, then make the effort to make it happen.
Most state parks, national parks, wildlife areas, and campgrounds are friendly to dogs as long as some basic rules are followed, but it’s a good idea to check the house rules with any campgrounds you plan to stay at.
These basic rules or requirements will most likely include keeping your dog on a leash no longer than six feet while
outside the RV. Some campgrounds may not allow retractable leashes, preferring a standard leash. Barking is a nuisance
for everyone, and even though all dogs bark at some time or another, if your dog tends to bark a lot – i.e., doesn’t like to be left out of the activities and is stuck inside – then you may be asked to relocate.
Along with incessant barking, any dog with an aggressive streak should simply be left at home, because of the potential risk to people and other dogs at the campground. If you can’t bear the thought of leaving your dog at home, then think in advance and sign up for obedience classes to help tame those negative behaviors.
If you have a relatively well-behaved canine who minds (or is learning to mind) the leash and can handle new situations, then bring him along. Every time you go camping together, the expectations will become more solidified in the dog’s mind and the skills of being a good camping buddy will further develop.
WHAT CAN I DO TO PRACTICE
BEFORE EMBARKING ON THE
REAL THING?
It’s important to work your way up, not just bring your dog and think he or she can handle it or that you can handle him or
her when you get there. Start by taking longer walks to work on leash manners and basic obedience. Walk once or twice
a day. Mix up where you walk so that your dog encounters new people, sights, smells, and creatures... but keep the expectations the same. Commands on which your dog should be reliable include a recall command (i.e., come or here) and the leave it command. Practice these commands during
your walks.
Another thing you can do is invite your dog to hang out outside with you. If your dog tends to wander, then keep a six- foot leash on them and let it drag so that you can step on it if they start going too far. Reward your dog for good behavior.
Take your dog on some play dates so that they better understand how to interact with other dogs. These play dates could be with a neighbor or a family member who owns dogs, or visiting a dog park.
And, practice makes perfect. If you’re still unsure or want to be super prepared, then have a backyard campout with your dog. Assess your dog’s behavior as you go about as though you’re
at a real campsite. There will be fewer surprises for your dog when you reach the campground.
SHOULD I VISIT A VET BEFORE
GOING CAMPING?
Yes. If your dog’s annual appointment was close enough to your camping schedule, then this will be sufficient. However, you may need to schedule a check-up if you missed last year’s annual physical or wish to utilize some other services, such as
14 • 2023 MICHIGAN RV & CAMPGROUNDS
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