by troubleScottie » Sun May 17, 2015 6:10 am
Although I have never camped with a dog, I have traveled around the world with dogs -- car trips, planes, etc. We attend a lot of dog shows. Depending on the show, we have a various setups indoors and outdoors with easy-up(s), pens, generators, etc. One might consider this a form of day camping. We travel with anywhere from 1 to 5 dogs.
As to where the dog rides, a size appropriate crate is the best place. Safe and contained. Yes, I have ridden with them on my lap. But much safer in a crate. Crates can be plastic, aluminum, wood and metal grate. The crate provides a reasonable secure place to put the dog when you are away from your setup. At least our experience is the dog are less active when in their crates.
Most dogs do not enjoy the first road trips especially puppies. But they do get used to it. Especially if the destination is enjoyable. The big issue is stopping every 3-6 hours to allow them some leg stretching time. Given very long flights, the dogs have done well even on trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific flights (6 -18 hr). I sometimes think they get a better ride in their crates than I do in the cabin.
Foods as stated numerous times before should be same as at home and preferably the same time of day. We generally take 1 gallon zip-lock bags of kibble. In a pinch, go for similar quality food where you are at. Turkey patties (cooked) [low fat] as well as cooked chicken are a good replacements if nothing else is available. Our dogs are not picky eaters -- generally only concerned with getting feed. I have never seen issues with the local municipal water. Obviously they do not drink from streams or lakes. We do carry bottled water most of the time.
For when you are "camped", dog pens are really great. They come in different lengths (usually 16', so a 4' x 4' box ) and heights ( 24",30",36",48"). They can be combined to make bigger area. They fold reasonably flat. There are fabric covers for the sides and straw(?) mats for the base. You can get tops and elevated floors for the pens ( look for cocker pens ) to keep the escape artists in and the dogs off the ground. Pens do offer a potty area especially on rainy days. They are available in most national chains or via mail order or at a dog shows. There is generally a vendor or two with most of this.
The biggest concern is heat. Dogs need to be keep cool. We often bring box fans to cool them on hot days. There are battery powered crate fans. You can also use various covers to shade the dog(s). Easyup with side panels are a good starting point. There are vented and reflective covers which provide a better shade. You might look at dog shows for custom covers. Cars are generally the worst place as they overheat quickly in hot weather. Most dogs do well down to freezing if they can be off the ground and out of the wind.
We have Scottish Terriers who would eat the local critters and generally defend us (read bark at ) any dog that approaches. Generally we have to remind the other dog owners that although their dogs may not bite, ours can. One should always presume a strange dog will not behave. Since our dogs are not necessarily under voice command, they are always on a leash when walking. The flexi-leads are the best idea. Allows for some ranging yet can be retracted to at your side. I have heard other rave about the harnesses rather than a collar. I personally have never tried a harness.
Michael Krolewski
Scottish Terrier Fancier