SKILLS: CAMPING WITH DOGS

Camping is for the whole family – including the four-legged members. Follow our tips for trouble-free camping with your pooch

Top tips for camping with a furry friend

1

Do your research carefully, not only for dog-friendly campsites, but for dogfriendly attractions, places to eat and visitor areas, too.

2

Pitch your tent in the garden to get your dog used to it. He will then be more relaxed staying in one on the campsite.

3

Pack dry food instead of wet – it’s not as messy or smelly.

4

Take food and drink for the journey and have regular comfort breaks – your dog will enjoy a short walk to stretch the legs.

5

Bring wet wipes or antibacterial hand gel so it’s easy to clean your hands after picking up waste.

6

Take a spare towel to dry your dog after swims or heavy rain.

7

Check your dog daily for ticks and bites. If you’re near to woodland, then also check his foot pads for splinters and needles.

8

Tents can become very hot so do not leave your dog unattended (in fact, a dog should never be left unattended, period), and watch out for overheating (rapid panting and a bright red tongue).

9

Always provide plenty of fresh water – especially if the weather is hot and you are feeding dry foods.

10

If your dog is disobedient, excessively noisy or nervous and aggressive around strangers, then it would be a good idea to try some obedience training before you go.

11

Even the most dog-friendly campsites insist on dogs being on leads around the site, so consider a flexible, retractable lead if you haven’t already got one.

12

A tether (a giant corkscrew-shaped contraption that is twisted into the grass and the dog’s lead is clipped or tied to the top) lets you keep your pet secured while you pitch the tent or whenever you need both hands free, such as at mealtimes. They are widely available in camping shops.

13

Bringing your dog’s own bed from home will mean that he is in comfortable and familiar sleeping surroundings. A plastic-backed blanket to put under the bed is essential to ensure damp and cold don’t seep through the groundsheet.

14

It’s good etiquette to control barking and noise, especially late at night and early morning and don’t let your dog stray and disturb other campers. It’s easy to forget that there are some people who dislike dogs.

15

When it comes to bedtime, opinions vary as to whether your dog should be inside the tent with you, outside in the porch (if you have one) or even in the car. This may well be dictated by the size of your tent.