Just been to buy the dog a new coat and saw a beautiful 3 peaks bed, lovely and soft made from some sort of wipe clean nylon material so it won't matter if he is wet. Will save up for that one I think!
He will get plenty of walks/runs my DH usually takes him out first thing, so hopefully if he does the same, he will have run most of his energy off then, and will enjoy some more gentle strolls during the day.
We did take him camping with us once before when he was a puppy. Sorry to any UKCampsite member who was at Bala Lake with a bounding red setter pup. Especially sorry if it was your toast he stole. He barked constantly whilst tied up, so we ended up letting him off the lead, breaking the campsite rules (although I have to say there were lots of dogs off the lead). However, I think most campers were so relieved that he shut up that no-one complained, not even the owners.
The dog had a fabulous time, and he was usually asleep before the kids, but because of the barking we felt that it was unfair on other campers and we haven't taken him again - until now. We have worked hard in getting his barking under control, and feel his is now ready for a second try! We are going to a site that has areas where he can be off the lead, which he definitely needs. There is also a lake that he will be allowed to swim in, so even if the weather is lovely - he will still be wet through!
Quote: Originally posted by samtheman on 04/8/2011
We have 2 Labs and they have always camped with us. We have a Delta tether for outside and their lines are long enough so they can get in the tent if they wish. We have a Dog bag which they travel in and we peg it down just in front of the tent so they know they have a home. At night we usually stick it in the car as both dogs sleep with us! Our oldest dog is terrified of wasps and flies - so the Dogbag is a godsend as he can go in and have the front ziupped up to keep the "buzzies" away! We have a couple of collapsible dog bowls which we keep fastened to the dogs leads along with poo bags and we usually have a 5 litre water bottle in the car. We have to be careful storing food as they manage to get their noses in very tiny spaces so all zips need to be left at the top when closed! Our main problem with them is first hing in the morning! They are getting older now - 11 and 8 - and they need to go as soon as they wake up so getting their leads on without them barking excitedly can be fun!!
Hi, sorry to hijack but I googled those dog bags and they look really good. could you tell me where you got them from and which size you got for your lab please? We have a lab too that currently sleeps in a wire cage when on site and wanders in or out at will during the day but the cage is heavy to pack and a pain to put up and down. We also have a rottie cross with a lab and she sleeps in her normal bed (plastic bed with lots of bedding) and some sort of canvas rigging around her to stop drafts, she is also very car sick. I was thinking that the dog bag would be great for travel for her too (at the very least it could contain the sick!) and also we may get her to sleep in it. Neither would bother to escape at night so not worried about that at all.
we actually have 2 of them - got them from the Roofbox Co - a medium is ok for one lab but we got the large and both our boys fit inquite happily. They are pricey but we picked ours up from the Bargains area - they are classed as seconds but have usually just been used to demonstrate at shows ,etc . The other brilliant thing is of the dogs are wet - ours go to Hydrotherapy - any wet and doggy smells saty in the bag and you dont have any problems with hair getting everywhere. We also have a Barjo crate which will soon be appearing on Ebay!
Quote: Originally posted by samtheman on 04/8/2011
HI Andcow
we actually have 2 of them - got them from the Roofbox Co - a medium is ok for one lab but we got the large and both our boys fit inquite happily. They are pricey but we picked ours up from the Bargains area - they are classed as seconds but have usually just been used to demonstrate at shows ,etc . The other brilliant thing is of the dogs are wet - ours go to Hydrotherapy - any wet and doggy smells saty in the bag and you dont have any problems with hair getting everywhere. We also have a Barjo crate which will soon be appearing on Ebay!
whilst both dogs would possibly sleep together (but not totally sure with current two) I don't think the full lab would be too happy in there in the car when the other one is sick lol. Last time we arrived on campsite the other dog was sick as we were parking up (she usually waits until arriving) so the lab forced his way through the dog guard and jumped straight out the back window!!! (NB window only open that far as oh was backing up the car with FC attached and needed to hear my directions)
I will keep a look out for a couple of seconds then
If you're worried about them getting cold, I can heartily recommend Equafleeces. They may seem a bit dear, but are incredibly well made, keep them dry unless you're out in a heavy, prolonged downpour and dry really quickly.
My two sleep on the bed with us, and I keep their leads on as OH sometimes forgets to leave the opening of the door out of their reach and they can both open the zip then.
I ring pubs local to where we want to go before we book and check if they're allowed in. I also take the details of the nearest vet in case of emergencies and try and find a kennels that will take them for a day if we fancy a trip to a stately home or something.
Mine bark like mad at home, but are far less territorial when camping. They also get absolutely shattered and take themselves off to bed voluntarily.
Run his legs off and he will settle well enough. Dogs are pack animals, so he'll just love being with you. Try not to worry (doesn't seem like you are anyway) as Dogs pick up the vibes.
He won't get cold unless you plan to camp in Winter.
Well we have been really busy since we got back - so it's been a while but just to let you know... the dog was totally soooo well behaved. I am so proud of him!! if i knew how to add pics i would.
He absolutely loved camping, in fact he was depressed for quite a few days after we got back.
He bagged his place as close to the campfire as he could every night, and would not be shifted!
I will not hesitate taking him again. Thanks for all the help - and yes he did take himself to bed voluntarily, he was shattered every night!
i'm so glad of this thread. i am planning on taking my, also demented, lab x collie away camping next week. he is nuts and thinks he is a 7 stone yorkie or similar and like to give lots of love.
all the advise is coming in very handy!!
------------- Sea View International, St Austell. Jul 2012
Home Farm, Radnage. Aug 2012
Marlie Farm, Kent. Aug 2011
Roundhill New Forest. Aug 2011
I go camping with my Rottweiler who is always very well behaved and easy to manage. I sometimes get a few disapproving / concerned stares on arrival, but Prince soon proves them wrong when he shows people his big brown eyes and gets a good old fuss.
We now have to leave our Springer and Lab behind because the Lab doesn't tolerate the car so we leave the Springer with her for company. Our Cavalier adores camping. She is good as gold and apart from nearly strangling herself between her stake and the guy ropes a few times we have no problems. She sleeps in the pod which us which she adores because she sleeps in the kitchen at home. Our Springer wasn't such a settled camper and last time he came managed to escape in the middle of the night and take himself off for a walk!
For the roof bars and scared of loosing windbreaks source out small holed cargo nets, you do get them, then make sure you use a decent long luggage webbing strap and criss cross it around to secure it then add a few bungees for peace of mind. My windbreaks I got in aldi do actually fit under the roof bars in their bags either side of the box so I still have room to get a few other things on the top. Im getting good at car tetris. You could probably hook a cage up same way if it folds flat enough, under the roof box.
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Special Needs Mum, Overprotective With Serious attitude!
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Tips for taking dog camping
