Glamping With Your Dog

Hi there friends,

Have you ever spent a week locked in a cage, only seeing daylight when you run outside to pee? No? Well, I have and it’s not much fun.

Look, I get it. You’re going on vacation, but watching the camper pull out without me totally sucks. And sending me to the kennel is NOT a vacation for me. I don’t like being stuck in a cage, listening to dogs bark or whine all night, while you’re out roasting wienies over the fire. It’s just not fair!

So, on behalf of all the pets out there, we demand you take us with you on your next camping trip. It’s not hard, as long as you follow the rules.

1. Follow leash and confinement rules. A general rule at all campgrounds is that dogs are NOT allowed to run loose. Most require a short leash, but some will allow runners or pet fencing like this one my mom bought.

2. Make sure your pet is comfortable. Do some backyard practice camping trips. Go to nearby RV parks during the weekdays when they are less crowded. Have a plan in place for alone time, like a kennel or cage. I don’t like being locked up, but I’d be in real trouble if I tore up the inside of the camper. One thing I love is to have music or television in the background. And I always take my favorite toys, blankets, and pet beds. (I’d rather have my comfy chair to sleep on, but it won’t fit in the camper).
3. Teach a “No bark” command. Unfortunately, dogs like to bark. If I’m in the backyard barking at the deer, it’s okay. If I’m in the campground barking at every person who walks by, that’s not so good. We might even get kicked out of the campground. Mom and I practice the “no bark” command when we’re at home. AND…sometimes  will she will spy on me from the next campsite over to make sure I’m not barking when she is out of sight. I remember we had a Min Pin at our house one time that would yap for hours if nobody was home.

4. Socialize safely. Know how your dog will react to other dogs. Personally, I love to romp and play. BUT some dogs are grumpy and don’t like to play. Sometimes other dogs will try to come in our area and steal my toys. That makes my mom mad. The best rule is keep your dog within arm’s length at all times. Don’t approach other dogs at the campground.
5. Going potty. I already talked to you about cleaning up after your pet. Read that message again. And make sure your dog will potty on a leash. My sister will not. She will hold it for days.
6. In case of emergency — have a plan. If something happens to you or your pet, you need to have a plan. Know the location of the closest emergency vet. Bring vaccination records and medicines. Attach an AirTag to your pet’s collar and a key tag that has your name and phone number and your campsite number. These are nice ones to get because they don’t have that little piece of paper that can get wet and smear. LINK to keytags.

Other things to consider:

• Some campgrounds have breed restrictions in place. Some of my friends are Rottweilers or Boxers, and they aren’t bad; but check with the campground to be sure.
• Bring dog food and water from home so I don’t get a tummy ache. I might anyway just from the stress of being away from home, but a little medicine will fix me up. 🚙
• Be prepared to deal with fur, especially in the spring and summer. Shedding is going to happen. Just bring a broom, vacuum, and plenty of sticky lint rollers.

🐾 Happy Camping from Bear