‘Pup’ tent is a dog’s home away from home
It’s the perfect time of year to hit the open road, stick your head out the window and let your ears flap in the breeze.
Dog lovers around the world know how an open vehicle window is irresistible to pooches. Who knew dogs also loved “pup” tents?
Mighty Mite Dog Tent
“After a Border collie called Rip tried it out, we made some changes,” says Rena Barnett, president of U.S.based Mighty Mite Dog Gear, about her company’s dog tents. “A lot of sports-dog people use it for their dogs.”
A colourful number in bright red and blue comes in three sizes, including petite and jumbo. The tent weighs less than two kilograms, takes 10 seconds to assemble, is ventilated and has an internal Velcro waterbowl holder.
Anna Neumon of Meriden, Conn., bought the tent for Jazz, her Labrador retriever rescue from Louisiana. “He loves his tent when a storm is approaching. We take the tent on vacation and he loves to sleep in it.”
Great Dane Dino loves his Mighty Mite tent, says owner Denise Lewandowski from Northbrook, Ill. “We use it for dog trials, as he does obedience and rally. It’s so much more convenient than dragging his crate to events. I love it and now I hear they are going to make a jumbo version — which of course I will need.” Materials: Heavy-duty denier nylon fabric which prevents damage from nails and teeth. Sizes: Small, for corgi and smaller, $95 (all prices Canadian); medium, for Border collie/wheaten terrier, $103.50; large, for Labrador retriever/standard poodle, $113.50.
Snooze for Pooch Tents
An array of fabrics and designs is offered by Singapore-based Snooze for Pooch offers an array of fabrics and designs. The company ships everywhere in the world and its tents are work for both small and large dogs. West Highland terrier Ocha (@ocha_boy on Instagram) loves his — the Vega Starry model. Jasmine Goh says, “Ocha likes to hide things inside and enjoys it very much with his friendly toys. We can take the tent outside, because it’s made of fabric so it’s not that difficult to wash. All we need to do is to take out the five poles with the rope tying it on top and we can just wash it in the washing machine.”
The website offers a range of tents, including:
Vega Starry: with a pentagon base, made of 100 per cent natural, washable cotton canvas with solid wood poles. Best for small dogs (toy and small breeds), $63.50. Medium (French bulldog, cocker spaniel), $81.50.
Lemon Stripes tent: Made of 100per-cent natural, washable cotton canvas with solid wood poles and a pentagon base. Best for small and toy breeds $81.50.
London tent: On a square or pentagon base with 100-per-cent natural, washable cotton canvas, solid wood poles. Small and toy breeds, $72.50; medium, $90.75; large (for breeds 25 kilograms or less) $125.50
Khyam K9 Tent
The Khyam K9 tent has mesh on all sides to provide good air flow on hot days. It also offers waterproof blinds for when the rain or cold arrive. Manufacturers say it works great for travel because it’s made from hightensile materials for a strong, warm, waterproof house and wraps up to about the size of a sleeping bag. Owners say their dogs love their tents, and they’re easy to assemble. Materials: Flysheet of rip-proof wo- ven polyester and poles made of fibreglass/duralumin. Size: 43 by 35 by 31 inches; $110.22
Lavish Tails Deluxe Dog Field Tent
Atten-HUT! Lavish Tails, in Melbourne, Australia, offers a tent created by New York designer Peter Pracilio that is inspired by the geometric simplicity of vintage military field tents. It ships to Canada and owners have given it rave reviews. Materials: Shelter-weight waxed canvas with sewn-in, heavy-duty duck-canvas floor, brass grommet vents and removable wooden rods. It also comes with a muslin stuff sack for storage and a vintage military patch for styling. Size: 30-by-34 inches, six-panel construction, best for smaller breeds, $410