Camping with Dogs - 5 Commands You Must Know
- Blog
Heading off for a day of shared adventures followed by a night under the stars may sound like a dream come true for your four-legged friend, however, it’s essential that they’re prepared for the situation. With an array of new smells and areas to explore, it’s easy for them to become distracted. Before heading out on your overnight adventure, putting in a little groundwork at home can help make your camping trip as enjoyable as possible, while keeping your dog safe. Here are a few obvious but essential commands every dog should know before a camping trip.
“Come” – A strong recall is one of the most important commands for camping. When your dog is off lead, you need to be able to call them back instantly. This ensures they don’t get into unsafe situations like approaching wildlife or other campers.
“Stay” and/ or “Wait” – Having a reliable “stay” command keeps your dog safely in one spot which is ideal for setting up camp, cooking or even dealing with an unexpected situation. “Wait” is useful for keeping your dog from running out of the tent or car. It’s similar to “stay” but is usually used for shorter pauses rather than long durations.
“Leave It” – Camping is full of tempting (and potentially dangerous) distractions - dropped food, wild plants and even wildlife. Teaching your dog to “leave it” helps prevent them from picking up or eating something they shouldn’t.
“Quiet” - A barking dog at a peaceful campsite can be disruptive for both you and other campers. Whether it’s a reaction to wildlife, unfamiliar noises or excitement, teaching your dog a “quiet” command helps maintain a peaceful environment for everyone.
“Settle” - Camping can be an exciting experience for your dog but sometimes they’ll need to know it’s time to wind down. A command like “go to bed” or “settle” teaches them to relax in their designated space, such as their dog bed or a mat.
Mountain Paws Tip! - Richard from our Product Development team loves taking a Changing Robe out with him when he goes camping with Bruno. Not only does it keep you super warm, but the fleece-lining is perfect for a make shift dog bed!
Having these commands mastered will make for a pleasant and safe trip. By reinforcing these essential commands before your adventure, you’ll have peace of mind that your furry friend is prepared for a night in the great outdoors. Where’s the first place you’ll be camping with your dog?
