Our pets are our sons and daughters, a part of the family. If you're heading out to camp with them, leaving them at home can be super difficult as you look into their eyes and read their minds, "Take me with you!".
Well, now you can, and they can live the elevated camping experience that you enjoy so much!
Camping with Pets Tips
Pets in a Tentsile
Pets can hop into your Tentsile Tree Tent or Hammock with you, but there are a few things you need to know.
Our Tents floors are color coded: Blue = NO and Green = YES. Our blue floored tree tents are designed with a tinner material to save weight, and the standard green or safari tent floors are suitable for pets.
Their claws can be a key worry for your trusty Tentsile, so lay down a layer of protection before they hop in, such as a blanket or couple of towels. It's also handy to keep some wee pads on you in case of any accidents.
We'd recommend ensuring your pet is happy and comfortable in your tree tent, so pitch up in your backyard or a local park to save time and effort when you're out there in the sticks.
Pack the proper gear
Before heading out into the great outdoors, make sure you pack the basics. Leash, collar with your contact details, a way to deal with poop. But there are others that may make your life a bit easier. A dedicated pet water bottle, harness, coat, pet sleeping bag and pad, and a collar light for late nights. For those with pups, there are dog backpacks for light items (such as doggy bags), and it may be wise to invest in some doggy boots for rough terrain. And always have a pet first aid kit nearby! We highly recommend you give Camping With Dogs: Backpacking with Dogs Top 10 Essentials a read, there is a lot of invaluable information in here for those who want to camp with their pets.
Training and behaviour
You know your pet; you know their little mannerisms from every bark and meow to every little side-eye. Before you take your pet out, consider their behaviour and if it's suitable for the outdoors. Do they listen to you? Are they ever aggressive toward wildlife or other people? Do they have a tendency to get lost in their own little world and wander off? In preparation for your trip, practice simple commands and come to a point where you are confident that you can count on them being well-behaved. And of course, ensure they are fully vaccinated before heading out!
Outdoor Etiquette
When you're outside among the trees and bushes, sound can travel far due to the lack of background noises. A dog's bark can travel a very long way, so training a dog to control their bark can be super beneficial. Also, when passing other hikers on the trail, step off and let them past before you continue your walk. Let them know you're in control, both the dog and the passers-by.
And of course, poo poo. Pet waste can take over a year to decompose, so keep trails and campsites clean and pick up your doggie’s poo! If you're out on a day trip, hold onto it until you find a dog waste bin. On longer treks, the general rule is to bury the poop at least 5 inches deep into the soil and away from water sources. Leave No Trace and The Dog People have all you need to know on this!
There you go, a lot of great tips for those wanting to head out with their best little pal. We hope you didn't get too fooled by our post!
