Many people prefer bringing their pooches along whenever they go out for hammock camping. The whole camping experience can be a delightful memory for pet owners with just a little preparation to start with. This article covers all that you need to know about hammock camping with your canines.
Is Your Dog Suitable For Hammock Camping?
Not all dogs may particularly be suitable for overnight hammock camping. This may depend on factors such as breed, size, and overall temperament. For example, larger dogs like camping more than smaller dogs. On the other hand, smaller dogs might be more feasible as they fit in hammocks quite easily. An external factor to look out for is the weather forecast at your campsite. If your dog has a heavy coat of fur, like that of a husky, it would obviously prefer colder temperatures and would be panting uncomfortably on a warm summer night. Owners must also bear this in mind that some dogs may also not be used to being outdoors for long periods of time.
How Can You Make Your Dog Comfortable?
Unfamiliar situations can intimidate dogs, and they generally need time to get accustomed to new surroundings and achieve a level of comfort. Owners should go for a night out in a backyard or garden with their pets. Set up your hammock around your dog and let it get accustomed to the whiff and the surroundings. Make sure that you are present in it so that they know it is not a harmful piece of fabric. Using doggy treats has proven to be an effective method of coaxing pets and getting them to do things they might be reluctant to do. Filing your dog’s nails may be useful before allowing them to jump in, as they may involuntarily shred the hammock material while moving around.
You can bring your dog over the hammock to see if it is comfortable sleeping with you. Hammocks come in large sizes, so this doesn’t have to be thronged nor packed. If you still feel that this is not ideal, you can always bring a separate hammock. It shouldn’t take a long while to figure out what your pet prefers. A snort might indicate something unfavorable. Owners will find that some dogs even prefer sleeping on the ground underneath them. It is recommended to sleep in the hammock for a few hours with your dog alongside (or below) to allow your pet to develop a sense of familiarity. If your dog dislikes hammocks, you can always bring along lightweight, portable dog beds with your camping gear.
What Precautions Do You Need To Take At The Campsite?
It goes without saying that the actual campsite is not the same as your backyard. Keeping this in mind, there are a few things to remember when camping with your companion. In some areas, it is also illegal to take your dog for camping without some of the equipment mentioned below. Here are the precautions that you should take:
- You must choose a dog-friendly campsite. Not all campsites allow dogs, and many put restrictions on their movements.
- When setting up your hammock, select two trees that seem sturdy and have no dead branches precariously placed above your campsite.
- The ground where you set up your equipment must be leveled, without sharp objects like rocks and sticks. This is for your dog, who will occasionally jump in and out of the hammock.
- If your dog is sleeping separately, ensure that the hammock is low-lying, so the chances of injury are reduced when your dog jumps out. Keep your hammocks close, so your dog is never out of your sight.
- You can also use a leash (extendable, if desired), which can be attached to their hand or wrapped around their stomach. This is a fool-proof system. It also prevents your dog from disturbing the local fauna and causing an uproar. If you do not have your dog on a leash, you can consider using a tracker collar.
- Choose a camping area far away from hazards like cliffs and precipices. If your dog decides to go for a walk, you wouldn’t want it to encounter a nasty surprise at night.
What Precautions Do You Need To Take With The Campaign Gear?
- Bring along a hammock that is comfortable and sturdy. You will be spending an entire night in it.
- As mentioned before, if your dog is comfortable sharing a hammock, purchase a spacious one.
- The Mock One hammock comes with a built-in stand. If you don’t buy this model, you will need to get hammock straps or learn how to tie knots with rope. If you use straps, ensure that it can hold the combined weight of you and your pet if you are planning to share. Most hammocks are designed to hold a minimum of 250 pounds.
- Rain Flies and bug nets are two crucial pieces of gear for a camper. Rainflies help protect against annoyances like rain and hail, while bug nets, as the name suggests, help keep pesky mosquitoes and other creepy-crawlies at bay. An alternative to this is a tarpaulin. It is necessary to train your dog to use the bug net well, or it might tear the material when entering or exiting.
- It is vital to stock up on food, water, towels, and blankets. When going on an excursion or hiking, it is always suggested to be well equipped.
- Finally, owners must be prepared for contingencies. They must be well informed about dog first-aid and must carry a kit.
- Your pet must have a collar with contact details on it. This, of course, is important for a pet whether you’re taking it camping or not.
Dogs like being outdoors. Moreover, camping with your pet is a great way to spend time together and get some exercise. Dogs are also a safe company to have along when camping in the wilderness because they guard their owners against any unwanted adventure or animal. With a little preparation and training, you can have a couple of days out in the wilderness. Keep in mind that an owner must simply pay heed to the regulations of campsites and ensure that his/her dog is well looked after during the excursion.