How do I take my dog camping for the first time?
Alright, let’s get started with what you actually need to do before you bring your dog camping for the first time.
Familiarise your puppy with your surroundings
We hadn’t got Poppy’s stake to hand when we started to unpack the car (something we need to remember for next time) so Ben held her lead whilst Dave and I started to set up camp. She was quite unsettled by all the goings on and didn’t really know what to do with herself! I think next time I’d be inclined to take her for a short walk while Ben and Dave unloaded the car. Ben did suggest he could take her for a wander himself but we didn’t completely trust that he’d be able to keep hold of her if she decided to be silly! (Of course, I hope that next time she won’t be quite so bothered by us setting up the tent!)
Alongside this, don’t forget that your puppy won’t be used to going in the tent – because it was ridiculously hot when we set up camp (I’m talking 28 degrees) we didn’t take Pops into the tent until bedtime so she was really unsure about going in her crate. With hindsight she could have done with spending a little time in there during the day. Thankfully once she was in bed, she settled quickly and didn’t mind being in there at all (even when the wind picked up late one night!).
Step One: First Contact with the Tent
Put the tent up in the living room one evening, ideally at least one week before the day of the camping trip. Let me tell you that if you do several hours of driving, arduously set up your camp and then your dog has a morbid fear of the tent, you will not be happy at all!
No sooner said than done, the tent will be set up in the middle of your small Montreal apartment. Now leave both sides of the tent open, throw in a few treats or your dog’s favourite toy and let the magic happen. Well … if the magic does not happen, leave the tent open for a few days and go inside to serve your bait of choice. When your dog finally decides to step inside, give him some yummy treats!
Expert Tips for Camping With Your Dog
Do you love the outdoors and recently got yourself a dog? Then you’ve probably done a lot of research on where you can bring him along. And is there a better way to spend a night in nature than camping? I don’t think so!
So, what do you have to think of when taking dogs camping for the first time?
In this article I’m showing you everything you need to know and consider before taking your pup camping for the first time. You’ll find the answers to the most common questions, but also essentials to bring when camping with your dog for the first time.