When it's right, you just know it.
That's how I felt when I stepped out of my truck and looked around at the rolling foothills of southwestern Alberta. It had been several years since I ventured into that neck of the woods and I had forgotten the extreme beauty of the place. The westward view of the Rockies and the eastern view of the prairies are simply breathtaking. I know that part of the world isn't for everyone, but for me, standing there in my Wrangler jeans, dusty cowboy boots and cowboy hat with two horses in a trailer and three dogs in a truck, it was a little piece of heaven.
It had been several years since I had gone camping with the dogs for more than a weekend, and to an area much more remote than the busy provincial campsites ventured to by weekend warriors eager to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Camping with dogs, regardless of the time away, can be a bit challenging if you don't prepare yourself ahead of time.
For the most part, dogs are OK with change. As long as they are with you - their human - they can cope with whatever adventure you toss their way. But you do want to make that adventure as enjoyable for everyone, including other campers, as you can.
The very first thing I got for my camping trip was an exercise pen. This is an invaluable, flexible and compact portable containment system that I could not go camping without and I am so grateful for the inventors of this product. Once unfolded, the dogs can be contained safely. You can attach two or more together and create an entire fencing system around your campsite if you wish, allowing your dogs the freedom to move about safely and securely without the restrictions of a tether. I abhor tie-outs for dogs because so many things can go wrong when tethering a dog on a long cable with little supervision in an unfamiliar setting.
I bring along my dogs' beds, even though they seem to prefer sleeping on the dirt or in grassy area right beside their beds.
I always have at least a five-litre container of fresh and replenish it at a reliable source.
Of course, I bring their food. My dogs are fed a raw diet and it isn't convenient at all to carry 40 pounds of raw meat and vegetables for a 10-day trip, so I switch them to a grain-free, low-starch high-quality kibble. I introduce the kibble at least five days before the trip so that I can guarantee there will not be any upset stomachs needing emergency pit stops every 20 minutes. And I always bring more than enough, because if you run out of food and have to improvise with another type of food, your dog could be in for a case of the trots.
A first aid kit is essential. Trust me, you will need it. There have been times my dogs have done the craziest things because they were excited to be hiking in a new area and a first aid kit was required.
Bug spray that repels mosquitoes, gnats, ticks and deer flies is also important. I personally use a horsefly spray on my dogs because it repels a broad spectrum of biting insects and is safe to use every day, even on myself.
If you plan on hiking with your dogs, be aware of the wildlife in the area and keep your dog leashed at all times. I never risk letting my dogs off leash in an unfamiliar place, regardless of how well-behaved they are. You may not be in an area frequented by bears or cougars, but deer, rabbits or other furry animals can easily distract your dog and send it into the unknown wilderness on a chase if it is unleashed.
I also have a sun shade for my dogs, which is a small portable canopy, just in case the camping spot is not well shaded. Extra towels and wet wipes are good to bring along, especially if you have a dog that likes to roll in stinky stuff like mine does. Sigh.
Finally, bring a good attitude and expect lots of fun. If you prepare ahead of time, camping with your dog really is a wonderful experience.
Joan Klucha has been working with dogs for more than 15 years. k9kinship.com.
