Friday afternoon rolls around and you’ve never been more ready for a weekend camping adventure. It’s time to hit pause on work projects and enjoy the open air, campfires, and morning swims with your furry adventure bud.
This is the whole point: uninterrupted days outside to hike, paddle, lounge, and catch the sunset with your dog. But, in romanticizing these adventures, let’s not lose sight of the realities of camping with our four-legged—and at times mischievous—friends. You know your dog best, and you know that from the time you get to the camp spot, you might be dealing with anything from tent zoomies, to unappealing forest finds, to the good old carcass role (the grossest).
Because let’s face it: your dog can be unhinged, especially when they're in their happy place. We’ll meet you where you’re at. Here, some equally unhinged camping advice.
Bring a carcass role cleanup kit
Your dog has some really gross tendencies and finding—and rolling in—a rotting animal carcass is probably one of them. If there’s a dead seal, he’ll find it. Decaying fish? That’s his idea of a great day at the beach. Yes, just reading this is probably enough to churn your stomach but it might be a good idea to pack rubber gloves, shampoo, extra towels, and something to mask the smells.
Accept (and embrace) your pup’s feral side
A weekend in the woods is as much your pup’s heaven as it is yours. Because of that, they might act a little… rowdy at times. Or, depending on what working dog breed you decided was good for apartment living, straight-up feral. You’ve seen this before. You turn your back to pitch the tent, inflate your sleeping pad, or get the fire going. Before you know it, there’s a bone excavation happening. Or, your pup has a tail full of pine needles and has located a previous jerk of a camper’s garbage. Your dog’s a dirtbag… and to an extent, you just have to accept it.
Give your dog a bed fit for a queen
Rustic stays and roughing it might be great for you, but you only have to do that so many times before you realize how much of a drama queen you’ve got on tow. Yes, you’ll probably always have to deal with the odd late-night raccoon showdown but being woken up at 3 a.m. to a dog pacing all over the tent? Preventable. A proper spot to sleep will ensure they settle down better. Truthfully, the comfy waterproof blankets and dog sleeping bags are kind of about your dog… but it’s mostly about you. Also, you know you don’t want to share your sleeping bag with that bed hog of yours.
Bring double the treats
And bring the good ones. (Bacon and peanut butter treats, we’re looking at you!) Going stingy with treats is a Monday to Friday deal. Once you’re set up at the campsite, it’s about ample snacks around the campfire for both of you. Plus, there’s going to be a lot of distractions—animals, smells, the neighbors’ grill—and it’s wise to bribe your adventure pup with a new peanut butter (and dirt) covered bone. Be sure to pack them in a Stasher Bag, and of course, your dog requests that you TRIPLE CHECK the Doggie Bag is packed in the trunk.
Train your adventure buddy on campground specifics
They’re most definitely allowed to bark at a midnight bear visitor, but no one wants nonstopping woofing at the kids in the RV next to you at the KOA. Camping adventures are also great times to reinforce recall and “leave it!” (both poisonous plants and skunks are no joke). If you are at an established campground, and said campground has a leash law, but doesn’t specify a leash LENGTH… we’ve got just the 30’ long lead for you. After that, you’ve got time to teach your best friend how to fetch cold brews from the cooler. You know, the important stuff.
Get backcountry-ready gear. Make it jingle
A simple backcountry bell is a dog owner hack for pups that like to wander or lag behind during a hike. It lets you know where they are and it gives people (and animals) a head’s up that they’re coming. Other than that, bandanas and jackets are your way to spot your buddy in wooded or snowy terrain in the event they wander a little too far. And, you don’t need a fearful first-time hiker thinking your black German Shepherd mix is a bear. (Trust us on this one; it has happened.)
Capture the expectation-versus-reality chaos
Our dogs put their own spin on every outdoor adventure… sometimes chaotically so. But, these are the plot twists and moments that really *make* the trip. Snap a shot, you won’t want to forget those unhinged moments.
Got some camping trips with your dog planned for the near future? We *get* the crazy moments as much as the adorable ones. That’s why we’ve got your dog covered from head to muddy paw. Check out our camping gear… or just hit us up with your own unhinged camping advice.
