Dog Park events | Dog Training In Your Home Columbia

Looking for more fun things to do with your dog this summer?  If you like the great outdoors, more and more people are taking their dogs camping!  While it isn’t too hard to do, it does take some preparation and planning.

Scope out your campsite

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  Are dogs allowed? Call ahead or go to the park’s website to see if there are leash regulations, if dogs are allowed on/off the trails or only in the campsite.  Not all parks are created equal – some allow dogs in certain areas, some don’t allow them at all so make sure you know which ones will fit your needs.


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  Do you need a reservation? Especially good if the campsite you’ve chosen is a popular one.  If your first-choice is full, its not always easy to find an alternative if you have a dog with you, so its usually a good idea to go ahead and make a reservation if you will be bringing Fido with you.


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  Do you need health info? While it is always good to travel with shot records and any medicines your dog will need, some campsites actually require proof of a rabies vaccine.  So avoid the hassle of foraging for your paperwork or calling your vet last minute to get them – find out ahead of time if you will need to bring a copy with you to have when you check in.

Getting ready

Great! You’ve found your campsite, now what?  Be sure you pack the essentials:

• Leash


• Tie-out (a long cord that attaches to your dog’s collar on one end and a stake in the ground at the other; make sure it has a swivel of similar safety device so they don’t get tangled).  Needless to say, never leave your dog alone for long periods if they are tethered.


• Food bowl and food


• Water bowl (bring water if it will not be available at the campground; never use lake water for a dog’s water)


• Dog bed and/or crate


• Toys!


• Bags for “deposits”


• Flea/tick prevention if your dog isn’t already being treated


• Collar with ID tags.  Make sure your name, address, and phone number are legible.  A microchip ID is also a good idea just in case the collar comes loose.


• First aid kit for dogs.  This can either be bought or you can make your own:
  
  
  
  • Elastic bandage, gauze pads, first-aid tape, antiseptic wipes, triple antibiotic ointment, scissors, sterile eyewash, tweezers, cotton swabs, antihistamine, diarrhea remedy
  
  
  • Also a good idea to find out the the nearest veterinarian to your campsite and have their contact info handy in case if emergency.
  
  
  
  

At the site

• Get your dog settled. Take him on a walk to stretch his legs and relieve himself.


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  Other activities:
  
  
  
  • Hiking:  Vary your distance according to your dog’s fitness level and weather.  Bring baggies just in case your dog decides to add to nature’s trail.
  
  
  • Look for wildlife:  Your dog will be experiencing so many new sounds and smells, and he may key in on something before you see it.  Do NOT let them interact with the wildlife, though!  Most parks have regulations about harassment of wildlife, but they could also hurt your pet.
  
  
  • Sit by the fire:  Don’t let them get too close to flames, and try to give them a spot that won’t get smoke in their eyes.
  
  
  
  

Maintaining routine

• Try to stick to your dog’s normal routine as much as possible, which includes their regular diet.  ”Camping food” like marshmallows, hot dogs, etc. might not digest well with your dog’s stomach.  Remember to offer water many times throughout the day.  Try to bring something familiar for them to sleep on so they aren’t restless in the night.

Keep your fellow campers in mind and be considerate with your pets.  If you are traveling with multiple dogs, that may require more planning ahead and make sure they are all ready for the trip.  If you need help working with excessive barking or general manners, give Dog Training in Your Home a call to help!

Have fun with your pets this summer!