Camping?????

Rio · #1 14-08-11, 09:21 PM

Hi all,

Ok, so we've decided to give Camping a go and I was wondering if anyone had any tips?!! I've got 2 main questions really...

1) Rio is absolutely great in the car now. She has a crate which has a lovely comfy bed in it and is keen to get in the car each time we go out. Now, the furthest distance she's travelled is probably about 10 miles! Do you think she'll be cool with 80 miles if we stop half way to walk her? She used to be sick in the car until she was about 4 months old but she hasn't been sick for about 3 plus months now - she's 7 and a half months old now. I know we'll have to try it to see but I just wondered if anyone else on here was in the same boat?

2) We've bought one of thise ground spikes and a 6ft lead thing so that she can be tied up to it while were at our tent as dogs have to be on their lead at all times at the camp site. Have any of you used these and how did you get on?

I really hope Rio likes camping!!! Fingers crossed, I'll let you know after the bank holiday weekend!

Tedsmum · #2 14-08-11, 09:25 PM

We have done a little camping with Ted but not much.
It is hard to say how Rio will be with a longer journey but there really is only one way to find out. As you say, I suggest you stop frequently and giver her plenty or air via an open window.
I used one of those spikes with Ted and it worked out fine.
We also too a couple of wind breaks with us and used them to shield the front of the tent, sort of creating a front garden. This was because Ted tends to guard and will bard at passers by if we don't obscure his view.
Have a lovely time. x

nisbreagha · #3 14-08-11, 09:31 PM

As you said you'll need to just try and see how Rio gets on with the journey. I've also used a spike and line and they are fine. A wind break is a great idea, you'll have a great time remember and take plenty pics for us.

Have fun

Mazz · #4 14-08-11, 09:50 PM

You'll have a great time.
Windbreakers are good, plus we always put a waste bin or upside down flower pot over the spike thing.
just incase our dog got exited and she landed on it.(hurting her chest or stomach.
We always worry, what if she barks at everyone passing.
She never does and is very quite at night,(animal noises)
some how they just chill with you.
Dont worry just have a great time.
Dont forget to get 'away' disc just in case.
Mazz

Stuart · #5 14-08-11, 10:05 PM

Most dogs will grow out of travel sickness, and the chances are that is what has happened here.
The twist spikes are great, and will hold well if they are twisted into the ground properly

I am sure that Rio will be great,.. dont forget your camera,.... Rio`s fans expect...

Rio · #6 14-08-11, 10:07 PM

Fantastic! Thank you very much, I think I'll get some wind breaks as I like that idea of a bit more privacy! Oh the camera is fully charged so watch this space for some pics!! Thanks all :-)))

lauraburns · #7 14-08-11, 10:42 PM

Windbreaks are an absolute must! If you get a ground spike, make sure you get one strong enough to hold a lunging gsd! I have had one break in the past, and it was a scary experience! Another thing I would suggest is an understanding campsite owner! explain to them it is your first time and you telly don't know how he will react!

Caryll · #8 14-08-11, 11:02 PM

If you get a strong spike it'll be fine - it'll hold a lungeing full grown BT, so I'm sure it'll do ok for a GSD pup! We have one for outside the tent, and one for inside (our tent has a small hole in the ground sheet that you use to peg down the bedroom compartments) and it's ideal.

Tedsmum · #9 15-08-11, 07:28 AM

Oh just remembered.
On our first camping trip we tethered Ted to the spike using a flat, nylon long line.
FAIL!
He chewed through it in minutes. So we replaced it with a metal cord which has a nylon sleeve over it. They are designed for dog tethering and still very flexible. I think it was from PAH.

lauraburns · #10 15-08-11, 08:05 AM

You might want invest in a decent windbreak, those beach ones that you hammer into the ground, Ozzie ran straight through one of those to get to me! We bought some Gelert ones, and they are brilliant. We make a sort of enclosure with them, so the dogs don't need to be tied up all the time!

Another thing I did, with the ground spike, I bought a bungee with "D" clips on the end and put that between the wire rope and the spike. That way, if the dog does lunge a bit, it doesn't come to a sudden sharp stop, there is a bit of give!

Take plenty of towels for rubbing down too!