Summer breaks are looking very different... especially for the army of new dog owners.
Because many foreign trips were shelved, camping is on the cards – with Fido coming away for the first time.
So here are the Dogs Trust’s ten tips for a happy holiday under canvas.
1. Pitching the tent
If your dog has never been camping, put the tent up in your garden while they watch. Reward them with praise and treats for calm behaviour around it.
2. Inside the tent
Encourage your dog inside the tent with more praise and calmly sit next to them. Leaving the tent up all day and going in and out in short bursts will help too.
3. Sleeping in the tent
Dogs are often not used to a confined space and the lack of windows may worry them. You need to get them used to sleeping inside it, so have a practice night in the back garden.
4. Downtime
When we are camping, normal routines go out the window, which can interrupt doggy sleeping habits. Give them time to sleep in the day too.
5. Bonfires
Have them on a lead around the fire pit and always keep a close eye on them. Make sure the fire is put out before you head to your tent for the night. Do not let your dog walk near the fire area until it is cool. Their paws are very sensitive and the ground can stay hot for hours.
6. Livestock
A lot of UK campsites are based on or near farmland. Be careful around livestock and keep your dog on a lead. It is a criminal offence to allow your dog to chase or attack livestock. Farmers can shoot dogs they believe are worrying livestock on their land.
7. Hot weather
Dogs often struggle in the heat. Find a camping spot in a shaded area and never leave your pet in a hot tent on their own. A tent can act like a greenhouse and heat up really quickly.
8. Swimming
Think about ways to keep them cool. If there is a river, lake or dog-friendly beach nearby, treat your dog to a nice dip.
9 Equipment
Be prepared. Take bed and blankets, treats and chews, food, a deep water bowl, a long line, a harness, a tie out stake and a towel for muddy paws.
10. Barking.
A dog yapping should not be a soundtrack to anyone’s weekend away camping. If you cannot control your dog and they are not well behaved around people and animals, do not take them.
