The Codyman
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The joys of camping can be greatly enhanced by bringing along your dog. However, it can also lose much of its pleasure if your dog becomes an annoyance to you or others. Plan ahead. Campgrounds: 1. Make sure the campground allows dogs.Call ahead or search the Internet. 2. Choose a campground and site which gives you sufficient room for your dog to wander on a long rope without entering another site. 3. Choose a site which will have shade on sunny days. 4. Carry proof of your dog's vaccinations.Some campgrounds will require this before they allow you to enter. Etiquette: 1. Always keep your dog tied up on your site. It is not worth the chance you will take that he may be injured by another camper who does not like dogs, or that he runs into a dog-aggressive dog. Even dogs you think will not wander off can be enticed by new sounds, sights and smells.There are many portable pens, which are suitable for small dogs. These are excellent for dogs whoare not use to being tied up, and they eliminate the hassle of tangled rope. 2. Keep your dog leashed when walking. Reel him in when passing other campers, dogs or cyclists. 3. Keep your dog quiet. There is nothing more annoying than the persistent barking of a dog.( a squirt gun works wonders to curtail barking) 4. Clean up after your dog. Cheap sandwich bags can be purchased from a grocery store. Preparing a new dog for camping: 1. Your dog should walk comfortably on a lead. You must be in control not your dog. He should walk beside you and sit on command. If he can not do this then the first step isdog training classes- no matter how old he is. 2. Familiarize your dog to the great outdoors. He will encounter many sites and sounds that arenot found in his own backyard. Local nature parks are a great help. They provide walking trails with other people and dogs. Hopefully you will have a few encounters with squirrels and other wild life. This will allow for invaluable training. 3. Make sure your dog is comfortable with your camping accommodations This may require setting up your tent or camper, and allowing the dog to become familiar with it. If he has special bedding, place this inside and spend some time inside with him. 4. If your dog has never been tied up or put in a portable pen then he should become use to this. Tie your dog up, in the back yard then sit within his reach. When he is comfortable with this, walk away where he can not follow but still see you. Come back and sit with him again. He will soon learn that he is limited to the length of his rope and he need not fear that you are leaving him. The same process can be followed using a portable pen. Reward all positive responses verbally and with a treat. Equipment: 1. Dog travel bag- pack one bag which will store all your dog supplies. This will include food, dishes, toys, medications and immunization records, clean up bags, leash, tie up rope. 2. Bedding: if your dog is use to sleeping on a special pad take this along. If you are tenting it might be a good idea to get something comfortable for him to sleep on. This might also help keep him off your bedding. 3. ID Tag: no one expects to lose their dog but accidents happen. A small plastic tag can be attached to your dog’s collar. This should include the dogs name, your name, the campground, site number and the dates of your stay. If your home address info cannot be obtained from his regular tag you can also include this information. If you are traveling with a cell phone include this number. 4. First Aid Kit: You should always have a standard first aid kit for your family. A few extra items just for your dog can be added (extra bandages and swaps). Vet Wrap sticks to fur better without pulling out hair) Remember to check your dog for ticks. 5. Life Jacket: If you are planning any boating, and your dog is not a swimmer or does not have experiencein the water, it is worthwhile to buy him a life jacket. These are made especially for dogs with a handle on the back. This is very useful when trying to get a panicked dog out of the water. With a little planning your camping experience can be wonderful for both you and your dog.I can't imagine camping in the great outdoors knowing my dog is stuck in a kennel.Sometimes I think he enjoys it more than I do. At least that's what he tells me. Happy camping.
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