Tails from the trail and tips on training your human

Being a dog parent is one of the most fulfilling experiences of one’s life. Dogs are not only great pets but they’re wonderful companions in all our adventures. Whether it is a hike, road trip, or camping excursion, having our furry friend by our side doubles the fun. Not only this but these activities are a great way to bond and make memories with our pets.

However, these adventures are challenging, and therefore, they need to be planned well. Since our pets can always create a ruckus especially canines, it may be difficult to handle them when you’re away from home. Thus, whether it’s camping or hiking, there are some tips you should follow at each stage of the adventure.

This article will particularly deal with camping with dogs. If it’s your first time camping with your dog, then this article can help you plan and get a few steps ahead.

Camping With Dogs

Preparation

The first important step when it comes to camping with dogs is making sure you know campsite rules and regulations. Even though some camping sites are dog-friendly, they may still have some rules concerning pets. For dogs, they may require you to put a leash around your dog. Not only this, but they may also have certain rules which, if not followed, may force you to face consequences.

These restrictions may vary from place to place, depending on the locality. For example, some camping sites allow dogs only in those areas where there are fewer chances of wildlife appearances.

Once you have made sure your local camping site is dog-friendly, the next step pertains to your canine’s health. To rule out health issues such as infections, parasites, or skin troubles, make sure you schedule a vet’s appointment before you go camping with your dog. This way you can also get your pet vaccinated, making sure they’re well-protected.

To get your dog acclimated to a camping environment, pitch a camping tent in your backyard (if you have one) or a park/open space. This way your pet can get used to staying and sleeping in a tent.

What To Pack

One of the most important steps when camping with dogs is packing important items that your pet will need. Here are some of them:

Sleeping Bag

Pack a sleeping bag for your dog so it can rest comfortably. You can place the sleeping bag inside your tent too. However, if it’s cold, you may want to bring a sleeping bag attachment so your dog is cozy and cold-proof. Another way you can ensure your pet is comfortable at night times or during breaks is by having a separate dog tent. This is useful for large-sized dogs that may need their own space. However, keep an eye out and don’t leave the campsite unattended for too long.

Tent

You will need a tent for yourself too, so make sure you pack one. If your dog is a medium-sized pet or a small breed, then you can share the tent space too. Make sure to bring along a blanket or a cover so you can have extra cushioning along with the tent floor.

Dog Clothes

One of the basic clothing items you should get for your pooch is a reflective jacket. If you camp at night, you should ensure your dog wears one so you can find it from a distance. However, if it’s hot, make sure your dog has a cooling jacket to ward off heat. For the winter season, get a fleece jacket so your pet is safe from the cold.

Food and Water

Make sure you bring cooked food in tins or bags so you don’t have to light a fire on the campsite. Bring a water bottle with an attachable cup to keep your pet well-hydrated. Ideally, you should overpack water, food, and snacks.

Other Items

Other important items contain toys and first-aid kids. To keep your pet entertained as you do other things, make sure you bring along your pet’s favorite toys. Not only this but a first-aid kit is also a must-have while camping with dogs. It should have medicine, gauze, tweezers, band-aid, and other items your dog’s vet prescribes.

During Camping

When you’re camping with dogs, there are certain tips you should follow no matter what. You should be concerned about not just your dog’s safety, but also the environment, wildlife, and other campers. Therefore, make sure your dog does not inflict any damage on plants and animals as they are part of the local ecosystem. This is not to say your dog will not be curious about flora and fauna but that you should be prepared. Moreover, your pet might also be a threat to other campers or vice versa. One way to be prepared for this is by having your pet on a leash at all times so you can control them.

During the time you don’t have a leash on, make sure the pet is in your sight. You should also use command words so your pet is able to listen to you and stop, even if it’s far away.

Finally, make sure your camping dog and its camping accessories do not pollute the environment. So, if you have plastic bags, bottles, or even dog food, make sure you take it back with you instead of throwing it at the campsite.

Post Camping Care

After you return from your camping trip, make sure your pet gets enough time to rest in its comfort zone. It could either be your dog’s kennel or its favorite place, but make sure they are well-rested before any physical activity. Moreover, make sure your pet is hydrated and sipping on water continuously, especially if you have camped during the summer season or at a site with a lot of sunlight. Finally, make sure you schedule a vet visit for your camping dog so you can eliminate all chances of health issues.

The Bottom Line

This guide can be useful for those camping with dogs for the first time. However, if you’re an avid camper, these tips can surely help you too. Ultimately, whatever stage of camping you are at, it is always better to be prepared when you’re camping you’re your dog. You don’t want a great experience turning sour because of a lack of planning and negligence.

by Maria A Davidson

We are in business to provide great products for the outdoorsy hikers, campers and their dogs; and to help clean our parks, rivers and oceans for a better planet earth for hikers and their dogs.

Parks Clean

Parks are high-traffic areas in most cities. This means that trash is bound to show up in and around your park and playground.

When discussing ways your family can help clean your local park, don’t overlook a literal cleanup! Picking up trash will make a huge difference in the appearance and vibe of your park. A clean area will encourage others to keep the park pristine. When picking up trash and debris, make sure to wear gloves to protect yourself, and put trash in appropriate receptacles or lawn bags. You can also contact your local trash company to schedule a pickup when you are finished.

Rivers Clean

The storm drain on your street collects the water from your roof, driveway, and sidewalk and funnels it directly in your local lake or river. Nutrients from grass and leaves, pet waste, and fertilizers “enrich” our lakes and streams — feeding algae blooms and harming fish. Chemicals from washing your car in the drive and household chemical spills add up, taking a nasty toll on our favorite swimming areas and fishing spots. Soil can also be picked up by runoff, reducing the clarity of water and hurting fish.

So as you prepare your lawn and garden, here are a few helpful tips to keep our lakes and rivers beautiful and safe for all of us.

Use mulch and vegetation to keep soil from washing away.
Sweep or rake grass and leaves away from street curbs.
Mulch and compost grass clippings and leaves.
Keep paved surfaces to a minimum.
Capture water runoff with a rain garden and rain barrels.
Wash your car on the grass, where the water will get filtered.
Keep chemicals away from storm drains.
Collect your pet’s waste.
Aim your rain-gutter downspouts onto grass.

Beaches Clean (do it for the ocean)

In 2007, the United States Senate and House of Representatives passed the National Clean Beaches Week Resolution to recognize the value of beaches to the American way of life and the important contributions of beaches to the economy, recreation, and natural environment of the United States.

Clean Beaches Week, celebrated annually July 1-7, offers the perfect opportunity to encourage stewardship and volunteerism along our coastlines. But where do you even begin? Follow these tips to get started.

Identify a clean-up site. Choose a place that needs some TLC, making sure that volunteers can safely access the site. Get permission, if needed, for your clean-up event, perhaps from the local parks agency.
Choose a site coordinator. (That might be you!) A beach clean-up takes a lot of work and needs an organized person to keep everything on track before, during, and after the event.
Visit the site in advance. The coordinator will need to know where to set up a volunteer check-in station, where to leave trash and recyclables, and what area(s) volunteers will clean.
Gather supplies. Depending on your location, you’ll need supplies such as trash bags, a first aid kit, hand sanitizer, wipes, and large coolers of water. You should also provide (or ask volunteers to bring) items such as reusable work/garden gloves, reusable water bottles, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Plan how to handle the recyclables. Reach out to recyclers in your area (and perhaps your community’s solid waste departments) to make arrangements for accepting any glass, plastic, and aluminum that you collect.
Line up event partners. Contact local businesses for donations of drinks, food, and supplies. Ask a local solid waste hauler to donate their services for trash removal.
Plan for handling hazardous waste. Determine how you’ll dispose of any medical and sewage waste you might find. One solution: A wide-mouth container with a tight-fitting lid, such as an empty laundry detergent bottle. Clearly label that it contains hazardous waste.
Get volunteers to help. Recruit friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors. Create an event on Facebook and ask volunteers to sign up online. This will give you an idea of how many people to expect and will help communicate event details.
Stay safe. Be prepared for a variety of health emergencies, from minor cuts and scrapes to heat stroke.
Take photos! Post pics online to share the success of your event and recognize volunteers for their hard work.