We have recently bought a puppy - so are considering whether we switch our 2 bookings we have with campsites to a doggy pitch (not allowed dogs on our current pitches) or whether we take our dog to the kennels instead.
I just wondered if anyone has done similar - suddenly started camping with a dog? How was the change?
We have visions of no sleep at all - if we're just surrounded by tents also full of dogs?! (barking at night etc etc)
I took my recently acquired rescue Collie to a 'Colliefest' rally w/e organised by the rescue charity I got her from when she was only about 14 months old (Collies don't 'grow up' until 2 or 3 years old!), I did so with great trepidation as she was an unknown at camping and we were in a private camping field with about 40 other dogs - my vision was just constant barking as one set off another and the domino effect having them all going at it day and night!
Couldn't have been more wrong, she settled down like an old hand at it, all the dogs were brilliant (but to qualify that, VERY experienced and highly responsible owners!).
6 years on, we're now very experienced campers, albeit moving from tent to caravan 3 years back, we still go to the annual 'Colliefest' every year and we've caravanned all over the country on other holidays. Never a moments problem, good as gold, and I know plenty of other people who will tell the same story with their dogs.
Every dog is an individual, but in principle, you have nothing to fear. Kennels on the other hand, many things to consider, Kennel Cough is often a risk, and may require prior vaccination, and some dogs do not cope at all well with the Kennel environment, and it leaves them with mental scars as they find it traumatising, others are of course fine, there's a slight empirical correlation between how well they cope and the intelligence of the breed, the more intelligent (Collie, GS, etc.) the worse they often fair!
You've got a puppy to be part of your family - take them with you, they will enjoy the change of scenery just as much as you. You just need to adapt your ways and I find crate training them so they have their own 'safe place' invaluable.
Plenty of threads on here about camping with dogs.
I would suggest to take the dog on a short local trip first to see how he behaves on site amongst people and other dogs.
Dogs do get startled by noise late at light, however, they may bark a little and then go back to sleep again after being reassured by their owners.
I have not come across any site that would allow persistent barking from dogs, not on the sites where I had stayed with live-in staff on site 24/7.
DK
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Exactly the correct time to start training it to camping life. When we had our dog, she loved camping with us. She even learnt she must "do nothing" until she was outside the campsite gates. It is the reason most of us have a dog, to be a part of the family.
We took our 12 week (jags done) Springer pup to Ireland with a tent. Didn’t prepare, no problem, she just wanted to be with us. And she added so much fun to the trip, everyone wanted to talk to her: it’s a relaxed way to meet people.
To be sure, if you have a garden, put the tent up & introduce the pup to it. Maybe have meal there, go in & close the zip & reward with a tennis ball. And stay out overnight - that’s the key aspect to plan. A soft collapsible crate is probably a good idea, or the pup will be in your sleeping bag in no time; that way the crate in the car stays put. A car crate is safest for the dog and makes for easy packing too. When the pup needs time out to snooze, pop it in the car crate but leave the boot open. Nip any barking in site in the bud - praise when it’s quiet when people pass, or distract with a toy or tennis ball. But no, don’t put the dog into kennels.
Camped with our dog many many times and she just loved it, sadly she is no longer with us but my daghter has just got a puppy at Christmas and hopefully will be going this August with her.
Quote: Originally posted by Monty15 on 02/2/2021
I took my recently acquired rescue Collie to a 'Colliefest' rally w/e organised by the rescue charity I got her from when she was only about 14 months old (Collies don't 'grow up' until 2 or 3 years old!), I did so with great trepidation as she was an unknown at camping and we were in a private camping field with about 40 other dogs - my vision was just constant barking as one set off another and the domino effect having them all going at it day and night!
Couldn't have been more wrong, she settled down like an old hand at it, all the dogs were brilliant (but to qualify that, VERY experienced and highly responsible owners!).
6 years on, we're now very experienced campers, albeit moving from tent to caravan 3 years back, we still go to the annual 'Colliefest' every year and we've caravanned all over the country on other holidays. Never a moments problem, good as gold, and I know plenty of other people who will tell the same story with their dogs.
Every dog is an individual, but in principle, you have nothing to fear. Kennels on the other hand, many things to consider, Kennel Cough is often a risk, and may require prior vaccination, and some dogs do not cope at all well with the Kennel environment, and it leaves them with mental scars as they find it traumatising, others are of course fine, there's a slight empirical correlation between how well they cope and the intelligence of the breed, the more intelligent (Collie, GS, etc.) the worse they often fair!
Where can I find out info about collie fest? Sounds like my idea of fun
------------- Good cakes aren't cheap. Cheap cakes aren't good
Quote: Originally posted by miss baritone on 17/2/2021
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Where can I find out info about collie fest? Sounds like my idea of fun
miss baritone, sadly (for you) it's a private event only for registered adopters of dogs from PPBC rescue charity, not a public event.
As the organiser for this year's event, herding (pun intended, border collies, herding, get it - SORRY!!!! ) about 30 people and 40 or so dogs from within the charity is challenging enough, don't think I'd want to be the one organising it if the public were invited as well, already feel like I'm herding cats, and these are people I've known for years! NEVER volunteer to organise anything!
Start 'em young! Dogs just want to be with you, wherever you are. Daughter's border collie took to camping well, apart from being a bit tense when he couldn't see all his pack at once; the boys ran off to play a lot and he'd watch them very carefully from a distance. Some people find a windbreak creates a 'safe space' behind which a dog can relax a bit more. He's not a 'barky' dog anyway, which helps. He's quiet as a mouse at night. The car is his safe space too. He is a klutz with guy ropes, though!
They would worry if they had to put him in kennels - in fact they never have, because I can look after him if they go anywhere that's not dog-friendly, an occasional cottage etc. Do get your new pup used to it and relaxed about adapting to different environments, it'll really pay off in the long run.
------------- Always edited for sloppy typing - when I spot it!
Quote: Originally posted by miss baritone on 17/2/2021
.........
Where can I find out info about collie fest? Sounds like my idea of fun
miss baritone, sadly (for you) it's a private event only for registered adopters of dogs from PPBC rescue charity, not a public event.
As the organiser for this year's event, herding (pun intended, border collies, herding, get it - SORRY!!!! ) about 30 people and 40 or so dogs from within the charity is challenging enough, don't think I'd want to be the one organising it if the public were invited as well, already feel like I'm herding cats, and these are people I've known for years! NEVER volunteer to organise anything!
What a shame. One of our local gsd rescues organisers shepfest every year and they welcome anyone who wants to join in ( even when my collies pinch all the agility and fastest recall prizes). It all helps make extra money for the charity as well
------------- Good cakes aren't cheap. Cheap cakes aren't good
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Anyone started camping with a dog?
via mobile 02/2/2021 at 6:37pm
) about 30 people and 40 or so dogs from within the charity is challenging enough, don't think I'd want to be the one organising it if the public were invited as well, already feel like I'm herding cats, and these are people I've known for years! NEVER volunteer to organise anything! 
