Whether you’re a pro-level hiker with your own trail name or a newbie camper with a tent fresh out of the box, your pup will love to join your adventures! Taking your dog brings so much joy to the trip—who can resist a tongue-out, trail-happy pup? Plus, it also strengthens the bond with your best mate.
Before you lace up your boots and clip on that leash, however, there are a few things to consider. Here’s how to prep for a camping trip with your dog:
Before You Go
Get your dog used to their gear. If they are going to wear a harness or be clipped to a line, practice at home. If you need your dog to carry their backpack, strap it on, weigh it down with some cans to approximate their gear weight and stroll the neighbourhood. Test leashes, harnesses, tie-outs— whatever you plan to use on your trip to help your dog feel comfy with her gear.
Finally, before you go, check for any specific pet-related requirements like leash length or trail restrictions to make sure you have a solid plan that follows the rules. Plus, you want to find out if any specific hazards might affect your dog.
What to Bring
The packing list for backpackers vs. tent campers differs a ton, especially if you’re at a campground that allows you to park nearby. For instance, you might just stow your pup’s regular food in a kibble carrier and be good to go at your campsite. For backpackers, you need something lighter, to carry dehydrated food, that you or your dog can haul without much-added weight, and a light collapsible bowl to keep your pup hydrated.
Otherwise, everyone needs enough food and water for the duration, plus a little extra to be safe. Your dog’s gear should be practical and safety-focused: a harness and versatile leash, a zip line, a water-resistant bed for your pup to be comfy on campsite, pickup bags (yep, leave no trace!), and something for your dog to do to play with. Anything else needs to be terrain and weather-dependent, like life jackets, or cooling vests, and so on.
Would highly recommend a to-go dog shower to get all that mud, dirt or sand out of your dog's paws before hopping in the tent to sleep.
Behaviours to Focus On
The last thing you want is a rambunctious pup chewing a hole through your tent! Or eating random trail poop (it happens on every trail), picking up sticks to chomp, chasing wildlife, or any number of other unsafe behaviours…
Teach a solid “leave it” cue to your dog that can be used as an all-purpose way of saying, “Stop that dangerous behaviour!” Practice with all kinds of distractions like trash, food, noises, your camping gear, or anything else that might help “trail-proof” the leave it.
If there are any approved off-leash areas and your dog does well without a leash, you want a rock-solid “come” cue that your dog reliably responds to, even with big-time outdoor distractions.
Safety Tips
You should both wear reflective gear and tote more water than you both expect to drink. Follow leash laws, of course, and stay on marked trails--for your safety, your dog’s safety, and for the wildlife.