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Packing the pooch; Camping is cool with man's best friend

By Christopher Nelson, Source: Tribune Media Services

You've got your tents and sleeping bags packed into the car. You're ready to go camping but you're not bringing the entire family. Looking at those big, innocent, soulful eyes as you close the door is one of the hardest things to do. They stare at you, wondering where it is you might be going.

Your whole family includes Fido. If you've brought a dog into your home then they've become a part of your life and should be treated that way. Luckily, a lot places you camp at are dog friendly. But there are a few things to keep in mind when taking the pooch along.

The planning process is very important. It's very similar to the way you'd get ready for your camping getaway. From first aid to clothing, you want your dog to be ready for anything that might come along. You don't want to be caught off guard or unprepared when you're in the middle of nowhere. First thing's first, take your dog to the veterinarian. Make sure that his or her shots and vaccinations are up-to-date. Other forest animals your four-legged friend might come into contact with can have all sorts of sicknesses. From lyme disease to rabies, you want to make sure your beloved canine is cared for. Still, to always be safe, keep a record of your dog's vaccinations with you on the trip. Try to find the number of a vet by where you're camping. This way, if something does happen, you're set.

Good dog?

Make sure your dog is well behaved. Everyone thinks his or her dog is the best dog in the world but you need to be realistic. Your pup is going to be in a new place, surrounded by strange people and smells. You can't expect them to be perfectly calm so you need to be ready. If you're hesitant at all, enroll your dog into local obedience classes. You also want to ease your dog into the idea of living in the great outdoors. Put your tent up in the backyard so he or she can get a feel for what it is. You want them to be comfortable with where you'll be sleeping. The last thing you want is to have an uneasy, wide-awake dog on your hands when you're trying to get some shuteye. You also want to think about where your pooch will be sleeping. A crate can be very helpful, creating a designated area for your pup to dream away. It might not be ideal for every dog but it is important to make sure your dog is comfortable sleeping before you hit the highway. If your pooch doesn't usually go for rides in the car, start taking them on short trips a few weeks before the trip. Otherwise, a sick or scared pup might just delay or ruin your whole vacation.

Last, but not least, get your dog an identification tag. Everyone wants to think that their little angel isn't going to take off on them. Why would they want to leave their loving family? But if, for one reason or another, Fido heads off without you, don't you want him to find his way home? An identification tag is a cheap and simple way to help you get back your loved one. Now what do you do with Fido's food? You want to bring snacks and food that you feed your dog from home. You don't want to throw them into an entirely different routine. Something familiar can be very comforting. Try to bring their everyday food and water bowls with you as well. Think about the activities that you'll be doing and buy supplies for your dog accordingly. Companies, like Ruff Country, offer all kinds of canine camping couture. If you'll be hiking, think of investing in a dog pack or dog boots.

Setting up

Once you make it to your campsite, you're not out of the woods yet. Pick a spot in the shade to set up shop. Look at your dog. They're covered in hair. Leaving them out to bake in the sun all day just isn't fair. Put Fido's food somewhere safe. Dog food, just like human food, has the ability to attract other animals if not properly cared for. Even if those obedience classes paid off, keep your dog on a leash. You might be totally confident in your dog but you never know how much training other camper's dogs might have. And always, always, clean up after your dog. Not only can it be bad for the environment, it's just not fair to the other campers.

Although taking Fido camping might call for some extra legwork, it will be worth it in the end. Instead of looking at those sad eyes as you close the door, you'll be looking at those flapping ears when he sticks his head out of the window on the highway.

© 2010, Tribune Media Services