Caravan and Camping Guide

Guides and Tips

The Ultimate Guide to Camping with Dogs

Camping Border Collie

Proper preparation, a little advanced training, and the right camping accessories can make your camping trip with your dog a breeze.

Find a Dog-Friendly Caravan Park

Unfortunately, not all caravan parks allow dogs, and even some of the ones that do allow them, aren’t necessarily all that dog friendly. Especially those near national parks where dogs aren’t allowed.

Once you find a camping spot that allows dogs, you need to dig a little deeper and look for amenities that are important to your dog. Check the campsite map, for things like a dog beach and dog exercise areas. These are good indicators the camp is truly dog-friendly and not just “Dog Tolerant.”

Also checking the satellite terrain around the caravan park on Google Maps. Zoom in to see if there are nearby hiking trails, parks or bike paths to give your dog a long walk. These areas are preferable for morning and evening walks, as the caravan park is bound to be full of distractions and other barking dogs.

Training and Socialisation Tips

Camping with dogIf your dog is out of control or reactive while you’re camping, the caravan park may exercise their right to remove you from their grounds. Even if your dog is a perfect angel walking around your neighbourhood, refresh their socialisation and training with a few key skills in mind.

Practicing important skills in a new environment, with all kinds of distractions helps prepare your dog to adjust to camping. It’s especially important if you’re camping in a crowded caravan park, where everyone might not be a dog lover.

Key dog training skills to focus on include:

      • Stay with distractions
      • Stay at a distance
      • Sit with distractions
      • Come with distractions
      • Settle
      • Leave it

    If your dog struggles with any of these at a busy neighbourhood park, they’ll have an even harder time at a busy caravan park.

    Zak George uses a non-aversive dog training technique that is perfect for sharpening up your four-legged friend’s skills.

    Carry a Copy of Vaccination Records

    Some caravan parks require you to present up-to-date vaccination records. Be sure to pack them or take a photo of them on your phone so you always have a copy of the records with you.

    Update Your Dog’s ID Information

    If the worst happens and your dog gets lost, you want to make sure anyone who finds your dog can bring them back to you as soon as possible. The last thing you want is animal control or the RSPCA taking custody of your dog if it happens to get loose while you’re away from camp.

    Mandatory microchipping isn’t enough when camping with your dog. You should have your name, address and phone number on your dog’s tag as well as your phone number written on the collar band with permanent marker.

    Remember the Basics

    A checklist of the basic camping equipment your dog will need camping ensures that you don’t forget the simple things. This includes:

        • Food & water bowls + food
        • A 2-meter walking lead
        • Harness
        • Medications
        • Dog towels
        • Outdoor safe dog toys
        • Dog waste bags
        • Compact water bottle and bowl for adventure days
        • Dog bed

      Dog Camping Accessories

      Depending on your camping style there are a lot of other accessories to consider:

      A Long Dog Lead

      If your dog is reasonably docile, a longer 5-meter or 10-meter lead can give them some freedom to roam around your caravan site. You can easily tie the lead to the car or a pole which will keep your dog in the site, without you having to hold onto him constantly.

      The Loutep Reflective Training Lead, lynxking Check Cord Long Dog Training Leash Tracking Line and the Fida Retractable Dog Leash are perfect options for camping.

      A Portable Dog Fence

      A portable dog fence is a good alternative to a long lead for small and medium dogs. You can set up the fence around your tent or caravan to give your dog a little extra freedom. Just make sure it’s high enough that your dog can’t jump over it.

      I also recommend only using a portable dog fence with rounded or protected stakes at the joints and corners. This prevents pinches and puncture wounds from your dog standing on the edge of the fence.

      The FXW Decorative Garden Metal Fence is a great lightweight option for travelling.

      Dog Bed or Cot

      Camoing dog bedA dog bed that you can put near your caravan is a great way to give your pooch a place to nap outside without having to worry about him bringing a bunch of dirt inside. Some great outdoor foam beds are waterproof and washable.

      You might want to also look at an elevated dog bed, which is easier to keep clean, and less prone to wearing out in the long run. Most of these dog beds are collapsible for easy storage.

      The following are great, durable camping beds idea for camping:

        Dog Wash & Stink Dip

        Dogs love to roll in stinky stuff and get messy. That doesn’t change when they’re on a camping holiday. If your dog does roll in something foul, you want to have the supplies on hand to clean him up before he gets into the tent or caravan.

        Arm & Hammer Super Deoderizing Shampoo and the Silicones Rubber Shampoo Dispenser are a must have for camping with your dog.

        If you are not prepared, the old-fashioned stink dip recipe that works the best is to wash the dog with warm water and dish soap. Then scrub in some baking soda. Give the dog a rinse with hydrogen peroxide and then a final rinse-off with warm water.

        Climatising Your Dog to Camping

        The very first thing you need to do when you get to your camping site before setting up is to take your dog for a walk. Put your dog first. They’re already anxious, in a new place with new sights and smells. Give them tons of reassurance and rewards along the way.

        Start by letting them sniff around the campsite and get familiar with the boundaries. When the dog is comfortable, take them for a longer walk around the main paths, and any side trails.

        This helps them understand where they are, and what’s around them. It also helps burn off some of that nervous energy they’ve been building up on the long car ride.

        Tips for Making Your Dog a Happy Camper

        Campfire dogA camp site is full of temptations and new rules your dog needs to learn. Especially if they aren’t used to camping.

        Ideally, you want your dog to live at your side 24 hours a day. At least for the first day or two. This gives them the sense that the camp site is their new home for now. You’re also there to gently help them understand all the new rules.

        If you need to go somewhere, try to leave at least one family member at the campsite with the dog. You might also be able to find a local dog sitter or dog walker that can look after them for a few hours while you tour local attractions.

        Start each day with a long walk to help your dog burn off some energy. If possible, take your dog on nearby hiking trails or bike paths, rather than past other caravan sites. Before bed, take your dog on another long walk to help them settle down to sleep. This will also reduce the risk of them waking up to a strange noise and barking in the night.

        Conclusion

        Taking your dog camping does require some special consideration and planning. We hope this guide will help to you to make your next camping trip away with your furry friend a breeze.

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