Dogs and camping

[Pender]

In addition to our elderly labs, we adopted a young Dutch Shepard (tons of energy). Due to the campground leash rules, we initially used the 30 ft. nylon ‘long lines’ to comply with this. Not sure how they do it, but within minutes the three lines are tangled and the water dish is upside down. The Shepard takes her toy to the end of the line and it is either pushed just out of reach or rolls out of reach. Then the barking starts… Also, the expense of replacing the lines that have not faired well when wrapped around a hot metal fire pit is not to be trifled with.

Lately, upon arriving at a campsite, we use the remaining bits of the long lines to keep the hounds from roaming and provide marrow bones to occupy them while we set things up. This has been a game changer! Our 12 ft. Cabellas clam shelter does offer a familiar area for the dogs that puts them at ease.

The last trip, I strung up a 50 ft.x4ft high plastic snow fence from the trailer tongue, around the table and fire pit, and back to the trailer bumper. I did make a plywood panel gate near the tongue. This worked ok, but hammering metal ‘T’ posts every 8ft. into the packed gravel base was not ideal (tho’ I did build up a thirst). At subsequent campsites, being lazy, I strung up the snow fence across the entrance to the campsite, using the trees on either side and the truck front for support. The labs settled down and the Shepard finally got with the program. The park operators, for the most part, were satisfied with the intent.

Any suggestions or alternate approaches? We are going to look at portable badminton nets that are free standing and pack up into a reasonable size.

 

[GinoandLinda]

We camp with a dog. She is pretty well behaved but we keep her on leash per campground rules. Probably the best solution we have seen for travelers with multiple pooches is rigid pens, constructed from kennel panels.

 

[WillyB]

Granted our dog is small so the sections are smaller but this fencing is easy to set up and take down.

 

[occer]

I second WillyB recommendations .

 

[Bobbie54]

That's what I do, too, but the pens I use don't pack that small. I had to switch types because my younger corgi knocks down the metal ones. I've also at times used tie-outs but as you found, the dogs quickly tangle themselves. Mine would also go through a plastic fence. I have heard of people using sheep fencing (the electric kind but once the dogs know what it is it doesn't need to be plugged in in most cases.)

 

[Jim Bennett]

Any suggestions or alternate approaches? We are going to look at portable badminton nets that are free standing and pack up into a reasonable size.

I have almost always had a dog along while traveling with whatever trailer we have had for the last 35 years. I have never used a pen of any kind, and would never use one of those super long leads that most places don't allow, they often have signs saying 5-6' maximum.

I instead opt for having a well trained dog. When heeling, whether on or off lead, they are right by my side unless I release them. Simple things like not going through an exit door or leaving our campsite without permission are just a couple other things.

I have used a tie out at a campsite where required, usually attached a short lead to a line that is relatively taut. This helps reduce the lead getting tangled up.

Sure, a pen can work good, but for me it is a no go. As noted, I prefer other methods of keeping a dog around, like training or a fixed lead. The biggest reason is I just would not want to lug something like that around and have to deal with set up and tear down.

Basically, having a well trained dog results in a great relationship with them along with the ability to take them lots of places. It only takes but a small amount of time to enjoy the many years of companionship.

Just one crazy guys way of dealing with our fur friend. My wife is still working on training me.

Many Escape owners over the years met our Aussie, Jasper, either at the Escape Rally of travelling elsewhere. He was a great dog and everyone's friend.

 

[occer]

Basically, having a well trained dog results in a great relationship with them along with the ability to take them lots of places. It only takes but a small amount of time to enjoy the many years of companionship.

OMG thats the funniest.

My dog is well trained and we do almost the same as you do. Roo does not go in or out of a door unless given premission. On or off leader he is always within about 3 feet of my hip. It may look like he is not being trained all the time, but in truth, he is never not being trained. He is a pleasrue to be around because he is well trained.

I still think that a fence for most people and thier dog is a good idea. Peace of mind that your dog is safe.

 

[Ron in BC]

Just one crazy guys way of dealing with our fur friend. My wife is still working on training me.

Definitely her life's work.

He is a pleasrue to be around because he is well trained.

We've had many very small dogs. Our least favorite thing to hear, as an uncontrolled large dog bounds toward our little dog on a leash is, don't worry he's friendly. Always nice to see an approaching dog, heeling, and obviously well trained.

One person, with a large out of control dog bounding towards my little dog, got all bent out of shape when I scooped her up. I told him it costs $5,000 to repair a broken leg and if that doesn't work then it has to be amputated. That kind of shut him up.

Ron

 

[iamunique127]

Our dogs are always well trained too, but at times they require to be tied up. We find dogs do like to wander and explore as much as we do.
We have a long rope with a stainless steel quick release on one end. We found the rope on a beach and it had apparently washed off a sailboat. It is non-tangling, which is really nice.
We don't tied the rope to any specific place in our campsites, we tie it to whatever makes sense in that site so the dog doesn't get tangled up. Sometimes it's tied short and other times can be longer.

We were in a campground in North Dakota last year and another group of campers had a tall fence surrounding their site. When their two Rotweillers noticed our dog they both bounded right over the fence. Luckily they were friendly but what if they werent? I don't place a lot of trust in fences. Dogs still need to be supervised.

 

[BravoDeltaRomeo]

Train your dogs better when you aren't camping. Never leave them unattended. Include them in your activities. Wear them out with walks, swimming etc so they want to relax when you are relaxing.

Badminton nets or my other soft mesh net won't hold your dog in or others out. As mentioned above, never leave them unattended or locked in your trailer alone. Nothing worse then hearing a dog bark for hours on end as the owners have headed into town or our boating. I feel bad for the neglected dog and it's super annoying to listen to.

We leash Martha up on a super long Princess Auto dog line (30'?), to where she can reach us, not the road or interfer with others. If we head to the water on our site we move the attachment point. If we do an activity she wants to do (walk, paddleboard (loves it), hike, run, she is included. If she can't do an activity for whatever reason (fishing from canoe), someone stays back with her or takes her on an extra walk/hike).

 

[GinoandLinda]

Our dog is well behaved as well. Great with humans and other dogs, but has taken on a life mission of ridding the world of squirrels and chipmunks (picture below), so she is never left unattended outside.

As mentioned above, never leave them unattended or locked in your trailer alone.

During our last camping trip to Zion in February, a dog was left unattended, locked in a camper and was howling up a strom. The camp host took notice and soon a Park Ranger was there, leaving a note on the camper. Later that day, he Ranger was back having a conversation with the campers.