Long summer nights are great for hanging out with your pooch and camping under the twinkling stars. Read our top five camping tips before you pitch your tent!
- Pick a pet-friendly location
Whether you’re camping at an established campground with facilities or in the bush making do without creature comforts, you need to make sure the location is pet-friendly. If you are allowed to camp in a particular national park for example, ensure they allow pets, as some national parks do not. - Brush up on your training before you go
It’s important that your dog understands that you are in charge when you go camping. Uncontrollable barking and not sitting and staying can be very problematic when you’re out at night. If you don’t feel comfortable with your dog’s ability to listen, it’s probably not best to take them along. But practice makes perfect so don’t give up! - Have a wildlife encounter plan
If you’re not sure how your dog will react to wildlife, keep them on a leash. Doing this will help your dog avoid a nasty snakebite or a run-in with a kangaroo, and equally protect other wildlife from your dog. Carrying a large stick with you will help scare wildlife away and keep them at a distance if you’re planning on doing any bush walks. If the wildlife comes to you, consider putting your dog inside your tent and sealing it most of the way up until the animal moves away on its own accord. - Bury your dog’s poop
Just as you would your own, your dog’s poop should be buried to keep it out of the way of other campers and wildlife unfamiliar with your pet. - Consider your sleeping arrangements
It’s safest if your dog shares your tent with you. This will prevent them walking off into the dark, and they also won’t have to spend the night without shelter. Even the most obedient dogs can be tempted to leave their post, especially if their master is asleep and not there to tell them not to.
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