Camping, Doggy Style

Advice straight from the hound's mouth.

Oh boy, it’s camping season! There’s hardly anything more exciting then when you take me to the woods—as long as you follow the important rules that help me have fun and stay safe.

When we’re on a long hike or backpacking trip, I see that you usually carry a backpack with most of the things we’ll need for the trip. But I can’t let you take all the weight. Plus, I like having a job, and showing how strong and capable I am.

It takes several tries to find packs that fit me just right and won’t flop all over the place. Talk about annoying! Having a pack with all the weight on one side is more frustrating than trying to doggy-paddle upstream. A properly-fitted and weighted pack makes all the difference.

These are the things I’ll need: a collapsible bowl, water bottle, rope for a tie-out or leash, poop bags (yep, really), a sleeping blanket or pad, medications just in case, a frisbee or ball (my favorite pastime), a first-aid kit, and food. I don’t want the bears eating my food—or me. I mean, dogs are tough, but not that tough. We used to be, when we were wolves, but those days are long gone. Can you say, “memory-foam dog bed?”

Since eating is one of my favorite things, make sure to ration my food so it doesn’t run out early. Please bring a little extra. Remember all those breaks you take to refuel? Well, I burn just as much, or more, energy than you and I need good nutrition. Pack some trail treats.

Every time I see water along the way, I realize how thirsty I am. Scummy standing water will do in a pinch, but clear flowing water is music to my ears. If we’re going on a hike with limited drinking opportunities, please pack some extra water that I can drink out of that collapsible bowl you remembered to bring. When it’s hot out, I need lots.

Speaking of getting hot, I’m always on the lookout for a dip to cool down. If there’s no water around, maybe bring one of those swamp-cooling vests to help keep me cool? Also, if you can track down that fancy balm called Musher’s Secret, my paws will thank you for it. Seriously, it’s like having new tires on a vehicle. Get me some of that and I promise not to track mud in the house anymore.

This trail etiquette thing, that’s a tough one. Even though it’s half the fun, you won’t let me chase wildlife! Fine, go ahead and put the leash on; sometimes I just can’t control myself.

After reaching the campsite, I like to sniff out all the good smells. How about that lake? Or the river? You did bring us to a place where I can swim, right? If I look scared or there’s a swift current, a well-fitting life jacket makes things better—for both of us.

For a good night’s rest, can I please sleep with you in the tent? I make a great cuddle companion. Plus, you wouldn’t want me to take off after those critters I love chasing, would you?

One last thing: before we leave on this grand adventure, how about a trip to the doctor for a check-up? Not that I don’t trust you, but the doc may recommend things like heartworm meds and flea-and-tick prevention. Let’s do whatever he says before hoofing it deep into the wilderness. And, if you want to take it a step further and really cover all the bases, take one of those dog-specific first-aid courses.

So, when’s the next trip? Much more important than where we go is that we have a fun time together. You have no idea how much that means to me. And by the way you scratch under my ears, it seems to mean a lot to you, too.

Jon Springer is the owner of Invisible Fence of the Big Sky and Bozeman Dog Company; Courtney Horning is the company trainer.