When you go camping with your dogs for the first time it can be hard to know what to bring with you. Below is a list of items that I have found helpful when I camped with my dog.

Ground Tie Out

Use a metal tie out that screws into the ground if you are going to be in an area where it’s not very rocky. If the soil is rocky use a tie out that you are able to wrap around a tree or another large object.

Airline Wire Tie Out Leash

When I got my first dog I bought a plastic/nylon leash that was 50 feet long. I tied one end of it around a tree and hooked Terra (my dog) to the other end. I then proceeded to start to walk to the house. I noticed after a couple minutes that Terra was still following me and I didn’t think the leash was that long. I looked at her and the leash and she had taken a couple bites at the leash and cut through it in a few seconds. If you use airline cable your dog can’t bit through the tie out cord.

Favorite Toys

Since you are going to be in an area that is not familiar to your dog make sure to bring some toys that they love playing with. This gives them something that smells like home while also providing them with entertainment.

Crate

A crate is especially important when tent camping. This allows you to leave for a short time to take a shower or use the bathroom while ensuring that your dog is safe. I learned the hard way that I crate is essential.

I was talking to someone outside of my tent and Terra was barking like crazy. She eventually stopped which I thought great she gave up. I was wrong very wrong. She decided to take matters into her own paws. It was dark out and I saw something large flying past me. Yes, she escaped the tent. On my way back to the tent I thought oh no she ripped my door now what am I going to do. It turns out she didn’t. She unzipped the tent and let herself out. Never underestimate the intelligence of a determined dog.

Portable Water Container

Since it is likely that you will be hiking and or walking with your dog it is very handy to have a container that you can easily pour water out of into your dogs dish. I use a portable Coleman that has a spicket for drinking out of. It works well for filling your dogs bowl up as well as the dog can drink from the spicket if you pour the water from the container.