FeatherSticks · Skills

Camping with Dogs: Rules, Gear and a Safe Night Routine

Camping with a dog? Plan the night before the trail.

Quick facts

Time: Weeks of day hikes first, then one easy overnight
Difficulty: Moderate: needs preparation and daily checks
Best for: Dog owners who camp, hike and want to stay on the right side of the rules
You need: Harness, short lead, extra water and bowl, dog mat, first aid kit, vet advice

1 Build up with day hikes

Increase distance and difficulty step by step. Practise recall, calm waiting and sleeping away from home before the first night out.
2 Check the rules

Leash duty, breeding season, nature reserve and campsite rules differ by country and region. Look them up for every trip.
3 Short lead near wildlife

Keep the dog close and leashed near wildlife, livestock and in rule zones. It protects the animals and your dog.
4 Shade, water, rest

Carry extra water and a bowl, rest in shade and plan the hot hours. Watch for signs of overheating and of getting too cold.
5 Check paws and coat

Every evening look at pads, toes and coat for cuts, seeds and ticks. Ask your vet about parasite prevention.
6 Secure place to sleep

Give the dog its own mat close to you and secure it on a short line. Keep food, fire and the door out of its reach.

Taking a dog on a long trip without any build-up. Fitness, calm nights and gear manners need weeks of practice.
Assuming that good recall replaces the lead. In forests, nature reserves, in spring, near livestock and at dusk the dog stays leashed or close.
Walking in the heat of the day and carrying too little water for the dog, or leaving the dog in a closed tent or car.
Never checking paws and coat, so that cuts, seeds and ticks are found days later.
Letting a dog drink from or swim in green, foamy or stagnant water.
Tying the dog to a thin peg or a collar only, or leaving it tied alone, where it can tangle or reach the fire.
Leaving dog food, treats or dog waste at camp, which attracts wildlife and spoils the site for others.