| Have you ever taken your dog on a camping trip? | | | | 6.Keep him hydrated. Dogs and heat do not go well |
| Have you ever spent a lazy afternoon floating down | | | | together. Be sure to carry plenty of water, and water |
| the river with Fido by your side? How about an | | | | him often. We have found out that the backpacks that |
| overnight hiking and camping trip? I have three dogs | | | | carry water (sold at bicycle shops) work very well for |
| that seem to know long before we even start bringing | | | | us. You will have to train your dog to drink from the |
| the camping bags out that we are going somewhere. | | | | reservoir, which does not take much if they are thirsty! |
| They pace and follow us from room to room as we | | | | 7. Learn about your surroundings and prepare for it. |
| begin our packing adventure; it definitely is not a quiet | | | | Make sure you are aware of the dangerous wildlife, |
| moment. I would never think of leaving them behind. | | | | treacherous plants, weather conditions, and any other |
| Our dogs absolutely love the outdoors! | | | | challenges that you may encounter. If you do not |
| If you are planning to take your dog on any outdoor | | | | know what you are doing, you might inadvertently be |
| adventure, prior planning is essential! Taking your pooch | | | | putting yourself and your dog in danger. Use common |
| with you is much like taking children, you must prepare | | | | sense, if your dog is long haired and gets hot easily; do |
| for them to insure their safety as well as yours and | | | | not take him to the desert. He would be much happier |
| others. | | | | going somewhere cooler. |
| Here are a few tips: | | | | 8. If you are renting a canoe, or using an outdoor guide, |
| 1. Keep your dog leashed, or if allowed; under voice | | | | please abide by all of the rules and take responsibility |
| control at all times! Dogs are asked to be leashed for | | | | for your pets. Most businesses expect you to be a |
| their own safety as much as for the wildlife and other | | | | responsible dog owner, and they are giving you the |
| humans. He should have his id tag on his collar at all | | | | privilege to use their services. If your dog is trying an |
| times. Be familiar with basic animal first-aid for ticks, | | | | adventure for the first time, please let the owner of |
| scrapes or poison ivy and any other emergencies that | | | | the company know, they may be able to help you and |
| may come up. | | | | your dog feel more comfortable. |
| 2. Bring some essentials from home, the unfamiliar | | | | 9. Camping? Find a dog-friendly campground - do lots |
| scents, people, objects and spaces can make the best | | | | of research. Make sure that if pets are allowed, what |
| of dogs nervous. Comfort him by packing a bag with | | | | are the size limits. Are there any restrictions? Do they |
| his favorite things from home: blanket/bed, snacks and | | | | have a dog run? Are you required to bring and show |
| toys. Anything that makes him comfortable works well. | | | | your dog's rabies certification? Once there; do not |
| I have one dog that wants to hold on to his stuffed toy | | | | leave her alone in the tent, keep her in sight at all times, |
| the whole time while traveling in the car, and another | | | | and refer to section 4-dog manners. Nothing is more |
| one that does much better away from home if he has | | | | annoying to campers than a dog left barking all day |
| his tennis ball with him. | | | | and night. |
| 3. Pick up after your dog - bring lots of plastic bags | | | | 10. Note that some businesses will ask that you show |
| and scoop it up just as you would at home. Some | | | | proof of vaccinations, it is always a good idea to carry |
| campgrounds have banned dogs because of the | | | | a copy of them with you at all times. This is also a |
| negligence of a few dog owners. | | | | good idea in case you have an emergency and you |
| 4. Dog manners - your dog should at least have | | | | have to take your dog to the local veterinarian. If your |
| acquired basic training - such as not jumping on people, | | | | dog has special medications, always bring them with |
| coming when called and not barking at strangers - | | | | you. |
| even weird strangers, which you are bound to | | | | 11. Last, but not least...if your dog is especially excited, |
| encounter at some time. | | | | our suggestion is to take them somewhere to let them |
| 5. Plan ahead for everything. Even though no one ever | | | | get some excessive energy released before reaching |
| wants to think about having an accident on the road, it | | | | your final destination. Even a nice stroll in a park will do |
| does happen. Have a plan (for your dogs) in case of a | | | | them good, (and you too!) Your dog will be much more |
| flat tire, a serious accident, or any other emergency | | | | welcomed if he or she is in a calm state of mind. |
| that could happen while you are out. I suggest that you | | | | And most of all....have a great time! Dogs love the |
| use a dog seat belt; or better yet, have them travel in | | | | outdoors, love exercise and love being with you. Take |
| a carrier. Your dog(s) are depending on you to help | | | | some lessons from them and enjoy every minute you |
| them if you can. | | | | have with them. |