New to camping with a dog your advice?
So last month we were at the pound, we drop of supplies when they need them. So living behind the counter was a little pup. He was too small to go into the pens. You can figure the rest out. He cam...
Forum Discussion
Never ever let the dog out ahead of you. Never. You get out, you look around for hazards or temptations, then you call pup down. This is especially important with a small, or as Wile E. Coyote would say "snack size" dog, but should be a rule with all dogs in a campground. You just don't know who or what is around. Control your dog's contacts with other life-forms, and you will prevent problems before they start.
Bottled water is a good idea as different mineral levels between home and the campground can cause GI upsets which do not enhance the camping experience for anyone. If you have really hard water at home, that may not be an issue but it certainly won't hurt anything and for a small dog you shouldn't need much. I consider a couple of dollars for distilled water (zero minerals anywhere you buy it) VERY cheap insurance against GI drama.
Speaking of which, dogs that are new to travel may be a little "off" that way anyway, from nerves, or may not eat well at first. Generally this problem will fade as they become more experienced as travelers.
As far as leaving the dog alone in the trailer, don't do that until you've spent a night or two in the trailer and the dog is comfortable there. Leaving a dog in what to them is a strange place is apt to create a lot of anxiety, followed by destruction, noise, GI upsets and so on. A crate will keep your little one out of trouble and is highly recommended but the dog should be trained to be comfortable in it at home first. Being crated will prevent damage to the rig and also the dog getting into things that might be harmful... that can be an issue until you get to know a dog, and little ones can be REALLY bad that way sometimes, as they get into spaces a big dog could not.
Have a neighboring camper keep an ear peeled for barking when you leave the first few times, and tell them you want to know if the dog barks. If that's an issue, it needs to be dealt with and you need to not leave the dog alone until you do.... a barking dog will quickly make you unwelcome in any park. A good long (for the dog in question) walk before being left, and the radio or tv on to mask sounds will help a good deal. A stuffed kong or equivalent will occupy the mouth quietly.
Do be careful with the slides with a little one, you have to know where the dog is EVERY TIME you use them. Many people have lost cats and small dogs that got into the gap and were crushed when the button was pushed.
Bottled water is a good idea as different mineral levels between home and the campground can cause GI upsets which do not enhance the camping experience for anyone. If you have really hard water at home, that may not be an issue but it certainly won't hurt anything and for a small dog you shouldn't need much. I consider a couple of dollars for distilled water (zero minerals anywhere you buy it) VERY cheap insurance against GI drama.
Speaking of which, dogs that are new to travel may be a little "off" that way anyway, from nerves, or may not eat well at first. Generally this problem will fade as they become more experienced as travelers.
As far as leaving the dog alone in the trailer, don't do that until you've spent a night or two in the trailer and the dog is comfortable there. Leaving a dog in what to them is a strange place is apt to create a lot of anxiety, followed by destruction, noise, GI upsets and so on. A crate will keep your little one out of trouble and is highly recommended but the dog should be trained to be comfortable in it at home first. Being crated will prevent damage to the rig and also the dog getting into things that might be harmful... that can be an issue until you get to know a dog, and little ones can be REALLY bad that way sometimes, as they get into spaces a big dog could not.
Have a neighboring camper keep an ear peeled for barking when you leave the first few times, and tell them you want to know if the dog barks. If that's an issue, it needs to be dealt with and you need to not leave the dog alone until you do.... a barking dog will quickly make you unwelcome in any park. A good long (for the dog in question) walk before being left, and the radio or tv on to mask sounds will help a good deal. A stuffed kong or equivalent will occupy the mouth quietly.
Do be careful with the slides with a little one, you have to know where the dog is EVERY TIME you use them. Many people have lost cats and small dogs that got into the gap and were crushed when the button was pushed.
