Adventures in the Wild
A good canine camper is well-behaved around adults, children, and animals. Their owners understand camping etiquette, such as activity and quiet time, and everyone gets along beautifully. While a campsite may be lively during the day, it's time to settle down once evening falls. Your dog will need to understand when playtime is over and how to be quiet (no barking). If your dog has never been to dog school, consider enrolling them before you head into the great outdoors. The cost is minimal, and it will make you a better, more responsive dog owner and a better camper with a dog.
Preparations
Vaccinations and Licenses: It is essential that your dog's vaccinations be upto-date, as dogs can encounter unvaccinated animals while camping, even if they are leashed at all times. Dog licenses should also be current and can vary somewhat by state. Be sure you check in advance so you have minimal problems should you become separated from your dog. Get a vet check-up before camping season begins, and be sure to ask about the areas where you will be traveling, as some carry different health risks for dogs which may warrant additional precautions.
Chip Your Dog
Your dog needs to be micro-chipped, and you must ensure your contact information is up-to-date with your vet and in the manufacturer's database.
Know Your Dog
What excites your dog? What puts your dog "on guard?" What makes your dog bark, growl, or whimper? How does your dog deal with children? How does your dog deal with large, small, female, male, and certain breeds? Know your dog's language; know what sets him off and how to calm him down. Learn to read his tail, eyes, ears, and body posture. These are all good things to know about your dog during any social outing, and you may find more opportunities to experience these things with the growing number of dogs visiting campgrounds across the country.
Start with Short Day Trips
Dogs tend to stress out when their routine changes. Too much stress can lead to erratic, aggressive behavior or even illness. Getting your dog used to the many scenarios he'll encounter while camping in the weeks before your trip is easy and fun for both of you. Try to replicate the situations your dog will experience during a camping trip:
A long drive
Exploring a new area
Playing time and quiet time
Even having a meal away from home
If you're staying in a tent, put your tent in the backyard a week before you camp. If you have a camper, be sure your dog is familiar with it inside and out. They should have a meal in the camper and would benefit from the familiarity of a nap in the bed they will sleep in while traveling.
Packing For Your Dog
Leash: Be sure you have a leash, collar, and buckle that are in good condition. Old collars can break if the dog suddenly lunges. So carry an additional collar and leash, just in case. I suggest two leashes and collars per dog. One rugged style, such as a thick leather or rope leash. Use this one when your dog needs to be kept in absolute control, such as when there are lots of other strange dogs around. Then possibly a retractable leash if the opportunity presents itself to explore in a relaxed atmosphere.
Bedding: Bring bedding to keep your dog off the ground if you're sleeping in a tent. If it's a cloth bed, use something under it, such as a tarp, to keep the dampness from the ground coming up through the bedding and chilling your dog. This is particularly important if your dog is older.
Water: Because clean drinking water can be a concern, your dog should drink bottled water while camping. It's easy to carry, and you don't have to worry about contaminated streams, ponds, etc. If your dog is very particular about his drinking water, begin the change- over to bottled a week or so before you leave for your trip. By then, they will be familiar with the taste.
Dog Food: Take two extra days of dog meals beyond your planned stay, just in case. Whatever you use for food storage should be sturdy, waterproof, and critter-proof.
First-Aid kit: There are lots of commercial first-aid kits on the market. Ensure you have one on hand, especially if you plan to avoid "civilization." Also, be sure to pack any regular medications your pet may take, again, with a few extra days' worth in the event you extend your trip.