Camping with a dog
Whether it’s a motorhome, caravan or tent, one thing is certain: Camping is more popular with holidaymakers than ever before. But can you go on a camping holiday with your dog? How do I find dog-friendly campsites? How do I transport dogs in my motorhome and where does the four-legged friend sleep in the tent? Find out everything important about camping with your dog in this article!
Camping trends – also among dog owners
The opportunity to spend the night in the middle of untouched nature, breathe in lots of fresh air and thus feel the feeling of freedom – many dog owners would not miss that either. And rightly so, because there is hardly anything better for our furry friends than being outside with us all day, being able to go to the nearby beach as much as they want and feel the sand under their paws. And the owners don’t have to give up anything when they camp either.
The days when camping was only for scouts and passionate outdoor enthusiasts are long gone. Well-maintained sanitary facilities, a small supermarket, restaurants, playgrounds and a swimming pool are now standard at many European campsites. And those who don’t want to sleep in a tent can rent comfortable campers or small bungalows (Mobile Homes) on site.
Tips for your camping holiday with your dog
To make your camping holiday with your dog the dream holiday for all participants, you should be aware of a few points when planning your holiday, when you arrive and during your stay at the campsite.
Putting the tent in the trunk and heading south for good luck and godliness is certainly not recommended with a dog. For example, many dogs first have to get used to long car trips. When you arrive at your destination, completely exhausted from driving and calming the dog down, you discover that dogs are not allowed at all at the campsite you have driven to. This happens especially often during the main holidays, because dogs are not allowed at many campsites in the summer months of July and August. Fortunately, some campsite operators have recognized the problem for dog owners and now advertise explicitly with a “heart for dogs”.
Travel planning: What to consider when choosing a campsite
First of all, you should be clear about what you expect from a campsite. For example, there is a difference between dog-friendly campsites and campsites where dogs are only “allowed”.
Campsites where dogs are allowed usually offer nothing more for the four-legged friends than space for a camper van or tent. Dog-friendly campsites or campsites that promise a heart for dogs in their brochure or on their website, on the other hand, attract dog owners with a range of pet-related offers. Dog bag stations, dog food in the campsite supermarket, water bowls in front of the sanitary facilities and restaurants, dog showers, a fenced-in dog park or a dog play area to let off some energy – campsite operators come up with lots of ideas for their four-legged guests. Some campsites even have dog schools with their own obstacle courses and trainers.
- What is important to you when camping with a dog?
Take time to think about what is important to you on vacation.
If you simply want to be out in nature with your camper or tent and are you willing to accept certain “disadvantages” at the campsite, such as a lack of waste bins for dog bags or dog showers? Then a nature-friendly campsite where dogs are allowed is absolutely sufficient.
Or do you want the most comfort possible when camping with your dog? Are you going to spend a lot of time at the site and want to take care of as little as possible – except for your dog? In this case, a campsite where dogs are expressly welcome, with corresponding additional services for your four-legged friend, will probably be the better choice.
Camping with a dog: Choosing the right campsite
After choosing your destination, the search for a suitable campsite for you and your dog usually begins. As already mentioned, the definition of “dog-friendly” varies from place to place. Therefore, carefully read the description of the campsite on the internet or in travel guides and, if possible, also look at reviews from other visitors. Of course, every dog owner and every dog is different, and the idea of a perfect holiday also varies a lot. The following checklist can help you find the best campsite for you:
Access by car
Once the perfect campsite has been found, the question of the journey arises. Driving in a camper van or your own car with a camper is new to some dogs. For example, if your four-legged friend has only driven so far to the vet and has never had to “serve” long distances in the car or camper, you should practice this well in advance of your departure.
The method of transportation in the car should also be carefully considered. Does your dog feel safer in a dog crate or would they rather have a clear view out the window during the car ride?
In the latter case, there are special safety belts with harnesses that protect your dog and the other passengers in the event of an accident. When choosing a transport box, there are portable boxes (also for small to medium-sized dogs) as well as safe built-in boxes.
How to make a successful car trip to your camping holiday with your dog:
Plan enough breaks along the way
Make your journey in your campervan or car as varied as possible. The motto “close your eyes and get it over with” and covering a distance of 1000 km as quickly as possible is not suitable for a camping holiday with a dog.
The motto here is: “The journey is the destination!” The great thing about camping with your dog is that there are many campsites on the way to the resort where you and your dog can find overnight accommodation. Plan on driving no more than four to five hours per day and take regular breaks where your dog can exercise.
Bring enough drinking water
When packing ID, camera, camping gear and beach gear, the most important thing is often forgotten: Water! Bring your dog’s regular water bowl in the car and fill it at every break so that your dog can drink enough during the journey. During the car ride, chewing on dog bones or chew toys helps your dog relax.
Be careful with direct sunlight through the car window
It can quickly get very hot in a car or camper. Protect your dog from direct sunlight, as there is a risk of sunstroke on a long drive, for example in a traffic jam. A comfortable air temperature, for example from the air conditioning, does not protect your dog from overheating. Cool air in the car cannot compensate for direct sunlight on the dog’s head.
End the car trip on a positive note
To make your dog feel comfortable in the car or camper and happy to join you again, you should end each drive with something positive, such as a nice walk, lots of patting or a reward in the form of a special treat.
Camping with a dog: Rules and tips on site
Finally there! Experienced campers know what that means: finding the right parking position on the pitch, setting up the tent if necessary, setting up the camping table and chairs, pulling out the awning or hanging up the sunshade.
But before you start, you should first take care of your dog. Put a leash on it and lead it calmly around the campsite, explore the hiking options and show your four-legged companion where his “place” is for the next few days of your vacation.
To help you get used to the place, it helps to bring the familiar dog blanket or basket from home. In a caravan or motorhome, space is of course limited. For a place for your dog to lie down and a permanent place for the dog blanket or basket, there is, for example, space under the table, on a seat or in the bed. Since life on the campsite takes place a lot outside, in front of the caravan or motorhome, you should also set up a nice place for your dog here.
Camping with a dog: How to avoid stress
There is a lot going on at campsites – especially during the high season. Children play around the tents, neighbours’ dogs bark and tantalising food smells rise from the surrounding cooking stations. Some dogs feel stressed by this and therefore need a place to retreat. If your dog is acting very restless or barks a lot, it may be necessary to take him inside the motorhome or caravan. A removable visor, which can shield him from the hustle and bustle, also helps many dogs.
Be considerate of your camping neighbors
Not only at home, but also when camping with your dog, mutual consideration is essential for a harmonious community. After all, not only you but also the other camping visitors want to have a great holiday.
For example, when your four-legged friend needs to pee, you should not run to the nearest tree, but leave the campsite or – if there is one – go to the area designated for this purpose. Of course, you should also immediately clean up any feces left by your dog on the site.
Staying at a dog-friendly campsite doesn’t mean that the neighbours on your pitch will enjoy having your dog around as much as you do. Maybe they don’t like it when your dog keeps coming up to their table begging for something to eat? So always keep your dog under control and call him back immediately if he strays too far from your pitch.
Please be sure to follow the leash regulations that apply at many campsites. It is best to bring a leash with you., which you attach to a tree or using a special ground anchor and which gives the dog great freedom of movement despite being on a leash. A metal plate with hooks or eyelets for the leash that you place under the deck of your camper has also proven to be an attachment option.
And now: Time to relax!
In addition to being considerate and following the rules on site, you should of course not forget one thing: relax! You are on vacation and should first and foremost use it to relax and enjoy time with your dog.
Whether it’s best for you to go for a walk, go sightseeing, swim at the beach or stay at the campsite is up to you. It’s important that you relax and don’t let your dog’s little “accidents” upset you.
A dog is not a machine that always works exactly the way we might want it to. But the more relaxed you are when camping with your dog, the faster your four-legged friend will get used to the new environment and enjoy the camping trip with you all the more.