Camping with pets

My husband and I just adopted two rescue puppies...corgi, Jack Russell, and beagle mix. They are delightful, affectionate, and very inquisitive at 11 weeks of age. I've tent camped with a dog once; but she was about 13 years old and very mellow, so there were really no worries. Neither of us has camped with puppies, let alone in our Camp Inn! We want them to be a part of our camping trips. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated. Our first trip with the girls, Maisie and Tess, is in two weeks! Thank you, in advance, for the wisdom you impart.

 

Well behaved pets are enjoyed and accepted. Dog obedience training! Teaches humans how to manage dogs. Establish first that you are the pack leader, not the puppies. Puppies need exercise, great opportunities to exercise you legs as well. Invest in premium dog food, less fillers, less doggy droppings! Kennel train all dogs. The kennel becomes a safe zone, comfort zone.

Good luck

 

Jean and George, thank you for your advice. It is appreciated! We'll let you know how it goes!

 

Our 6 mos. old Sheltie Jack has adapted very well from our large home to a 33 ft 5th wheel that we now live in. I trained him to a crate while traveling, and I watched The Dog Whisperer on Nat'l Geographic channel faithfully and trained Jack using Caesar Milan's calm assertive way. I highly recommend it. Everyone is amazed that Jack is so obedient at his age. He's all pup and all dog when I need him to be. I got him specifically to be a front line of protection while lying prone inthe Camp Inn Raindrop ( when we can get it!)

 

Deb,
we have a 5 year old sheltie (Bella). Before we got our camp-inn we got a colaspable cloth material crate and used it at home for times when she gets upset with thunder or fire works. Each time we put her in we matter of factly say: "go in your box" and 3 Charlie Bear treats go in first and she follows. She has learned that her box is a safe secure place and never barks in it. So when we camp the first thing out of our camp-in is her box. And in go the Charlie Bears and in she goes while we set up. We ignored her short protest the first time we set up camp and now she knows the routine and does not protest. After we are set up we show her around the site and take a walk in the campground and for the most part she is very settled and attentive to us. Once in a while a particular dog will set her off - we just sit her and get her attention and then move on.

We were next to a part pit bull on our last overnight and she was edgy so I sat on the ground and brushed her for a while and that settled her down and she was fine.

She loves the walks to the restrooms as one of us stays with her while the other uses the facilities. She watches everything and most people just go about their business while other will ask if she is friendly and I say yes but watch your bear legs as she sometimes jumps. She gets lot of friendly pets and compliments from children and adults. I am careful to help her be polite with people and never let her get her face near children's faces - just in case.

She loves our camp-inn sleeps at the foot of the bed in the center between us. We taught her that that is her place so that she is not at the windows looking for squirles, etc. At 30#'s she is no problem. Her favorite is the fantastic fan. If she wants it on she sits and looks at it. During the night she often sleeps with feet in the air and nose to the end of the bed.

Another thing I do is bring the same dishes she uses at home for her food - this seems to be good for her.

 

My last Sheltie Zack and this one, Jack have been trained to not bark when I don't want them to. I just point at them and say "No Bark!" and they stop immediately. But I started very young. But I think old dogs can learn new tricks! I'd love to see a pic of Bella! I love Shelties!

 

Linda, I can not figure out how to add a picture to a reply so I will put one in the photo gallery.

 

Pat and Linda, I really appreciate everything you shared with me. I'll let you know how the weekend goes!