We got a rescue dog in November and he's now approx 15 months old. He's the first dog we've had,so we still have a lot to learn.
We have already had to change our lives so much (no regrets though), but I am hoping that we will still be able to go camping.
Does anyone have any advice about how to make our first trip with him a success?
He's medium size / 23kg and doesn't like being crated.
I camp with 2 dogs, I don't take crates because I don't have room to pack them, I take tethers that corkscrew into the ground and long leads also take a windbreak to use as a screen as 1 dog reacts to others walking past. Both dog know how to get out of the tent by pushing open the zips, annoying in the middle of the night, so now they sleep in my bedroom.
Expect the occasional visit from someone else's dog, always happens and they have always been friendly.
I plan around taking the dogs with us everywhere as you can't leave dog in tent on its own. Good dog towels are essential!
As long as they get a good walk everyday they love it!
I took my dog when solo camping and I have a soft cage. Basically a canvas type material with mesh windows and a zipped door a one end. It also folds down flat and has its own bag.
I use it to transport the dog in the car, you can still plug her harness into the seatbelt through a slot in the cage.We use it a lot when caravanning.
I also used it at night time in the tent bedroom pod with the zipped door open, to give her a quiet space if she wanted it and she has her own sleeping bag.
I also popped her in the cage, in the car when going for a shower.
My dog is a Border Terrier and I prefer the soft cage to a metal one. Not sure what sizes they go up to though.
------------- It is a wise man who has something to say.
It is a fool who has to say something.
I used one of those ground peg things once but once the dog saw rabbits off she went with the lead and peg in tow! Since then we always try and tie them to a tree or fence post. When that wasn't practical we used about 5 tent pegs hammered through a spare lead at different angles. We take a couple of spare leads so that we have extra length.
I also found that mine could open the zips on cupboards, especially if they contained food, so had to remember to close zips at the top.
Ours love camping though! When we went at October half term I took some jumpers for them to wear overnight as it was frosty.
Thanks for your comments folks. I had looked at the spiral ground pegs but wondered if he might be too strong. I'll fasten his 8m lead to the fence instead!
I was worried about him being cold on a night, I might take his fleece jacket with us.
We will probably have a test night in May or June before things get busy. Wish us luck!!
We have a Delta Dog Tether secured by three pegs angled inwards so no ammount of force will shift it. They are not cheap to buy but we have used it for years now and has kept current dog and our previous dog (very active border collie) secure. Try to keep lead length so the dog stays within your pitch so passing children won't be frightened by a dog than can get to close to them.
Quote: Originally posted by Kavs on 21/2/2017
We have a Delta Dog Tether secured by three pegs angled inwards so no amount of force will shift it. They are not cheap to buy but we have used it for years now and has kept current dog and our previous dog (very active border collie) secure. Try to keep lead length so the dog stays within your pitch so passing children won't be frightened by a dog than can get to close to them.
A definite vote here for the Delta dog tether as opposed to one of the corkscrew types. I've had my Delta for years, it holds my two lively JRTs with no problem and being flat to the ground you can't trip over it like you can with a screw in one.
------------- Tigermouse
I have a very temperamental personality - 50% temper and 50% mental
Quote: Originally posted by Mr+Mrs H on 21/2/2017
Thanks for your comments folks. I had looked at the spiral ground pegs but wondered if he might be too strong. I'll fasten his 8m lead to the fence instead!
Many camp sites state a maximum length of 10ft when tethering a dog on a pitch so 8m will be far too long. As Kavs said, you need to keep your dog within the boundary of your pitch; you don't say what breed of dog you have but even a small dog could frighten a passing child if it was able to get too close.
------------- Tigermouse
I have a very temperamental personality - 50% temper and 50% mental
Hi, he's classed as a lurcher, but the vet thinks there's some mastiff in there too. He's big and overly friendly with everyone he meets, so we will definitely be shortening his line and choosing our pitch carefully.
I'm just praying he doesn't bark much!
Im sure your heart is in the right place Mr and Mrs H. but please remember that not all campers like dogs--even friendly ones.I , personally like a well-behaved and quiet dog---BUT--I dont want them jumping all over me,nicking my grub or inside my tent.And I definitely dont want to see or stand in any dogs**t! Sorry to be the grump on the thread-I really do like dogs--I dont like owners who cant or wont control them.Nothing personal--just showing the other side of the coin! Respect to you for taking on a rescue dog
He sounds lovely. Agree with others though on keeping him on a short lead. My 13 year old looks big and strong but is terrified of dogs, well until he gets to know them anyway. Having a dog jumping up at him as he passed by would really ruin his trip.