Going camping is one of the best ways to spend time with our pets. Sunny days spent exploring nature are followed by quiet, starry nights by the campfire. It’s wired into our DNA … we’re meant to share a marshmallow and savor these moments of togetherness! But we also have a responsibility to follow proper camping etiquette with our pets. Not just for the benefit of our fellow campers, but also for all of those hoping to use pet friendly camping facilities in the future.
Irresponsible behavior by a few pet owners can cause campground owners to prohibit pets entirely. So we must be considerate guests, to ensure we’re all able to go camping with our best friends in the future.
Camping Etiquette for Pets & Their People
We all want to be considerate campers, but how exactly can we do that? It’s not as hard as you think. In fact, after camping a few times, it’s really just common sense. These are our tips:
- Follow the Rules – This should go without saying, but make to read and then follow the rules. Restrictions vary widely, covering everything from acceptable leash length, to areas where pets can’t go. At some campgrounds, pets can’t be left unattended (even inside your camper or motorhome). So it’s important to ask for the campground’s pet policy before making your reservation.
- Leash Up – Nearly every campground requires pets to be leashed, for everyone’s safety and happiness. Even if your dog is perfectly behaved off-leash, while you’re camping is not the time or place to show off your skills. Some people and pets in campgrounds could be afraid of dogs, and subjecting them to the sight of a dog without a visible restraint is inconsiderate and unfair.
- Always, Always, ALWAYS Pick Up – Abandoned dog waste is a major consideration when parks, beaches, and campgrounds decide whether to allow pets. You might think that your dog’s droppings don’t have an impact, but multiply that waste by hundreds or thousands of dogs over time, and it’s easy to imagine things piling up!
You can even go out of your way to make things better. When picking up after your dog, if you happen to see abandoned waste, pick that up, too. You’ll be helping to preserve the reputation of all dog owners. - Mind the Noise – Camping is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature. And nothing will disturb the peace faster than the ear-splitting, prolonged grievances of a dog. So do your best to keep your pets quiet. Having treats handy will help distract your dog from squirrels, other dogs, or anything that might incite a barking jag.
READ MORE ⇒ Beginners Guide to Camping with Dogs
Leaving Your Dog Alone
One of the biggest complaints people have about dogs in campgrounds is that they cause a disturbance when they’re left alone. So, as much as possible, take your pets with you when you leave the campground.
If you do need to leave your pet alone for a bit, make sure he’s comfortable before you go. Here’s a quick way to gauge your dog’s reaction before leaving him alone:
- Start by providing your pup with a puzzle or food-stuffed toy to keep him busy
- Turn on some calming music and pull all the shades in your camper or RV
- Go out like you’re leaving and move your car to other side of the campground. Then sneak back to your campsite to see what happens.
If you hear your dog barking, you have some work to do before he can be left alone! Training your dog to remain calm while increasing the intervals that you’re away takes a lot of patience. But in the end, you’ll both be happy campers.
Think Twice About Tethering
Many campgrounds do not allow you to leave your dog tied outside – and for good reason! Pets left tethered can become prey for wild predators in the area. Sometimes stray children wander in and surprise them. Or they could tangled themselves up and get hurt. It’s best to stay outside with your dog.
Good camping etiquette with pets also means making sure he tied far enough away from any walking paths to avoid approaching people and dogs passing by.
Finally, making a doggy zip line is a better solution than a tether for keeping your pooch safe and happy.
Allow Others Their Space
Camping is an opportunity to relax and get away from it all. That might mean that some people and their pets would prefer not to interact. Always ask before approaching another dog. And be understanding if your social advances aren’t reciprocated.
Take Time to Train
Every new environment or experience provides a wonderful opportunity to expand your dog’s training. And old dogs definitely can learn new tricks!
Camping provides countless opportunities to practice commands like come, sit, and leave it. And the time you spend training your dog builds his confidence and strengthens your relationship.
Don’t Spread Bugs
Some campgrounds will ask for your pet’s vaccination records. But even if they don’t, it’s best to make sure your pal is healthy and up-to-date on his shots before taking him to an area with a high concentration of pets.
Before heading out, talk to your vet about the area you’ll be visiting and discuss any health concerns. Specifically, ask whether you need to consider flea or tick preventative. Also talk to your vet about contagious diseases that might be present, like canine influenza.
Watch Where You Walk
Some campgrounds provide a designated “pet walk” area for dogs to relieve themselves. It’s not always possible to get your pet there (especially first thing in the morning) unless you carry or drive them, but do your best.
Whether there’s a specific pet walk area or not, never allow your dog to explore someone else’s campsite, or relieve himself on their tires, chairs, or other belongings. Retractible leashes seem to be most problematic in this situation, so pay close attention to your dog’s whereabouts if that’s the type of leash you use.
Know When To Leave
Dogs can have bad days. Or your pup may just not be ready for his first big camping trip. But you can’t know unless you try! So start out by planning short stays. And be ready to leave if things aren’t working out.
This is meant to be fun. So if you and you’re dog aren’t enjoying it, don’t suffer through – just try again another day.
Following camping etiquette with your pets takes a bit of effort. But you’ll leave behind a great impression of all pet travelers as considerate, responsible guests. Thank you for doing your part to ensure that we all have opportunities to camp with our pets in the future!
Not only should these rules apply to dogs but these rules should also apply to kids! People need to teach their children about other campers spaces! Strange children should not be allowed to run thru and just help themselves to other campers properties and spaces! Some dogs may be in their proper camping spaces, with leashes on, but yet strangers are allowing their children to disrespect the dogs space. Alot of dogs are not children friendly, most retired campers dogs are only around adults, never children. So if other campers are given rules for their pets and are abiding by those rules but yet then strangers children are disrespectful and running a muck into others camping spaces, I believe people with children should also be provided with rules for their children!!!
I completely agree — all campers should be respectful of each other. It makes everyone’s time more enjoyable. Thanks for your note!