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The Ultimate Checklist for Camping with Your Dog (With Tips)

Camping can be an exciting experience for everyone involved, and a dog helps to make the occasion even more enjoyable. They have a way of reminding us to take things one minute at a time and to really investigate our surroundings. Some planning must go into camping with a dog safely, but the work is always well worth it.

Here is the ultimate checklist for camping with your dog and some tips to make sure that the experience goes smoothly:

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The Ultimate Checklist for Camping with Your Dog

1. License and Identification

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One of the most important things to do when preparing for your camping trip is to ensure that your dog is outfitted with a license (if required in your county) and identification. These things will help ensure that you will be reunited if you lose track of your furry friend at some point during your camping trip.

The license and the identification should be in the form of tags so they can be attached to your dog’s collar. The license tag should include your dog’s license number and the name of the county they are licensed in, and their identification tag should include their name and your phone number at the very least. It’s also a good idea to check your dog’s microchip before your camping trip.

2. Harness and Leash

Chai's Choice Premium Outdoor Adventure 3M Polyester Reflective Front Clip Dog Harness

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Even if your dog has excellent recall and sticks by your side while exploring the outdoors, it is imperative that you bring a leash along at the very least. If you run into a wild animal or another dog that isn’t very friendly, you can ensure that you maintain control over your dog no matter what happens. It might also be a good idea to bring along a harness if your dog likes to chase wildlife. This will help keep them from injuring their neck when they pull on the leash to go on a chase.

3. Nourishment

Purina Beyond Simple Ingredient Farm Raised Chicken & Whole Barley Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food

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Packing food for your dog is a given, but it is easy to underestimate how much should be brought on a camping trip. Remember, your pal will burn out more energy than usual just like you will. Therefore, bringing more food than they would normally need might be necessary. If you will be camping for 3 days, bring extra food than what your dog would normally eat at home. This should help ensure that they have the energy they need to keep up on the hiking trails.

4. Food and Water Containers

Frisco Travel Collapsible Silicone Dog & Cat Bowl, Gray

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There is no need to bring your dog’s regular food and water dishes on your camping trip, but you’ll need something to provide them their nourishment in.  Collapsible food and water dishes can be reused, and they won’t take up much room in your camp pack.

5. Plenty of Waste Bags

Earth Rated Dog Poop Bags, Refill Rolls, Unscented

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A couple of plastic bags likely won’t do the trick when cleaning up after yourself during your camping trip. Even though you will be in the wild, leaving your dog’s waste on the ground is never acceptable—even in the middle of the woods. Their waste can harm wildlife due to the possible transmission of bacteria to wildlife.

Other hikers can also step on it in the area, which is never any fun. So, it is important to bring along a whole package of doggy waste bags and several large garbage bags to hold the litter waste bags and any other trash you accumulate during your camping experience.

6. A Towel

Frisco Microfiber Dog & Cat Bath Towel, Gray

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You can bet on the fact that your dog will get wet and/or dirty during your camping trip. Letting them in your tent without being able to clean them off can make for an uncomfortable overall experience. You can get a new doggy towel for the trip or you can use an old towel to clean your furry family member off before bedtime. Just hang the towel up after use, and it will be ready for the next night.

7. Some Reflective Accessories

SafetyPUP XD Reflective Dog Vest

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Although you’ll likely stick by your dog’s side at all times, it can get extremely dark and hard to see anything at night when you’re camping in the woods. Even if your dog gets a few feet away from you, it might be impossible to see them unless they are wearing something reflective for you to focus on. A reflective vest or collar can help ensure that you never lose track of your beloved furry friend.

8. Bug Repellent

Vet's Best Natural Mosquito Repellent Spray for Dogs & Cats

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Dogs should never wear bug repellent made for humans, as the chemicals in them can cause problems like vomiting. However, there are some dog-friendly bug repellents on the market to consider grabbing before your upcoming camping trip. Mosquitoes can bug dogs just as much as us, so the extra protection will help ensure your dog’s comfort while you’re living under the open skies. Some products come in a spray form, while others come in clothing form, like this cool bandana.

9. A Life Preserver

Outward Hound Granby Splash Dog Life Jacket

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If your dog is like most adventurous dogs, they know how to swim, and they enjoy jumping in a river or lake just as much as a human would. No matter how strong of a swimmer your dog is, it’s a good idea to make sure that they are outfitted with a life preserver whenever you will be around any body of water during your camping trip. Ones like this life preserver are easy to put on and include handles so that you can easily and effectively grab your dog if they ever get into trouble in the water.

10. Some Entertaining Toys

Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball Tough Dog Toy

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You can count on there being some downtime after long hikes and other activities while you camp, but your dog might not be ready to rest and relax when you are. Bringing along a couple of entertaining toys for them to play with while you hang out in your camp chair will help ensure that everyone is happy, comfortable, and well-exercised throughout your trip.

11. A Thick Blanket or Mat

Frisco Self Warming Pillow Rectangular Pet Bed

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While you likely have things covered when it comes to comfort inside your tent, keep in mind that you’ll have a comfy chair to sit on outside, and your dog will be left with the ground to contend with. Placing a mat or thick blanket on the ground will give your pup the opportunity to lounge in comfort, so they’re well rested and prepped for the next hike.

12. Some Dog Booties

Ultra Paws Durable Dog Boots

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The hiking trails near your campsite might be rough, which could hinder your opportunity to hike as much as you would like due to damage to your dog’s paws. You can avoid this problem by having a pair of dog booties or shoes handy—just in case. Put the booties or shoes on your dog periodically in the days leading up to your camping trip so that they can get used to wearing them.

13. A Dog Backpack

ZippyPaws Adventure Dog Backpack

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There is no reason why you must haul your furry pal’s stuff during hikes, as they have a strong back of their own that is capable of carrying a load. There are a variety of doggy backpacks on the market designed to allow for the carrying of food, water, and other small items depending on the dog’s size. Even your little dog can carry a little food for themselves and help make your load a little lighter.

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Tips for Making Sure Your Camping Trip Goes as Planned

Now that you have a checklist of everything to do and bring along for your camping trip, there are a few tips we’d like to share with you that can help ensure a smooth experience from beginning to end. Here’s what we suggest:

Find Dog-Friendly Accommodations First

Don’t expect that any campground you want to go to will accept dogs as guests. While many do, some prefer to keep the park free of dogs to limit their responsibility and liability. If you show up to a campground with a dog that isn’t allowed, you may end up scrambling to try and find another place to sleep for the night. Use a website like HIPCAMP that has filters for pet-friendly camping accommodations to find out which places in the area you want to visit that will welcome your dog with open arms.

a person and her dog inside a camping tent
Image Credit: Patrick Hendry, Unsplash

Keep an Open Mind

It’s important to remember that you cannot control everything that happens during a camping trip with your dog. If you’re rigid about all your plans and there is no room for compromise, chances are that you won’t have very much fun during your experience. It’s best to keep an open mind and go with the flow whenever possible as long as you and your dog are safe.

Learn the Layout of the Land

Before heading out on your camping trip, pull out a map and get to know the layout of the area where you’ll be visiting. Take the time to learn the names of the streets surrounding the campground and understand the layout of any hiking trails that you plan to go on. This will help ensure that you don’t get lost during your journeys and that you know how to search for your dog if you get separated from one another.

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Conclusion

Taking your dog on a camping trip is a great way to create a tighter bond and ensure that you both get a break from the stresses of everyday life. With our ultimate checklist, you won’t forget anything that you will need to enjoy an epic camping adventure together, whether for just a weekend or for an entire month!

Featured Image Credit: A_B_C, Shutterstock

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Do Dobermans Bark a Lot? How Much, & How to Stop It

Dobermans are one of the most popular dog breeds around. These dogs are big, beautiful, and considered royalty in the canine world. They are also considered one of the best guard dogs around. Often, a Doberman’s protective nature gives people the wrong impression. While a Doberman will protect their owners with no hesitation, they are also one of the most loyal, loving, and intelligent dog breeds around. Unfortunately, though, they do bark. Especially, when they are on alert.

Deciding to bring a dog into your home means learning what you can about that breed. One of the most common questions that pop up when a family is considering a Doberman as a pet is do they bark a lot? How often? Can it be stopped? The answers to those questions are simple. Yes, Dobermans bark as most dogs do. Barking usually happens when they are stressed or on alert and yes, with proper training barking can be controlled. Let’s learn a bit more so you can better understand this dog breed and why barking is a normal part of owning one.

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Dobermans Were Bred for Protection

It’s odd to imagine that such a beautiful dog breed came into existence due to people not wanting to pay their taxes but it’s true. In the late 19th century, Louis Dobermann was a tax collector in Germany. Unfortunately, most people weren’t quick to offer up those taxes. Many tried to run or even attack the men who came to their door looking for money owed. Luckily, for Dobermann, tax collection wasn’t a full-time job. He was also a night watchman, taxidermist, and dog catcher. It was his knowledge of dogs that led Dobermann to breed the dogs who would eventually take his name.

Dobermann wanted dogs that would protect him while he collected taxes and put enough fear into people that they wouldn’t dare try to rob him. It isn’t exactly clear which dog breeds he used to do this, but most believe it to be the German Shepherd, for its intelligence and stamina, the Rottweiler for its guarding abilities and strength, the German Pinscher for its ambition and speed, and finally, the Weimaraner for its great scenting abilities. Either way, the Doberman breed was eventually a success that was introduced to the world to become an impressive breed in the world of dogs.

mother looking after her daughter and their doberman dog at the beach
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How Much Do Dobermans Bark?

Knowing what a dog breed was originally bred for helps determine the amount of barking they may do. It’s clear Dobermans were bred for protection, loyalty, and power. Their appearance is enough to make people take a step back, especially after Hollywood put the breed into movies to depict them as dangerous. Luckily, Dobermans have evolved into being beloved family pets. But don’t let that fool you. They are still powerhouses who will protect their families when needed. That is why barking is such a part of them. They are always on alert.

It’s difficult to predict just how much a Doberman will bark. They feel it is their job to bark when they think their owners should be alerted to something. That could be the mailman outside, a dog walking past the house, or the lack of food in their bowl. While the barking may be annoying or troublesome if you have neighbors, it is a Doberman’s way of caring for the family. Thankfully, with the high level of intelligence this dog breed exhibits, training them to control their barking is easy.

How to Stop a Doberman’s Barking in 6 Steps

Dobermans are highly intelligent and love to impress their owners. This makes working with them to control their barking simpler than with most breeds. They are also a dog breed that doesn’t require a trained professional to step in and do the training for you. In most cases, a Doberman can be trained at home by its owner. The key is for the owner to know how to work with their dog properly. Here are a few steps you can take if you want to teach your Doberman to control its barking.

1. Recognize the Trigger

It’s hard to stop a Doberman from barking if you can’t isolate the reason. As we’ve mentioned, being on guard or being hungry are common reasons Dobies bark, but they aren’t the only ones. Dobermans are a working dog breed. This means they can get bored easily. When you are away from home for long periods, this can be an issue. Without you there, your Dobie isn’t sure what to do so, after a few hours, the boredom kicks in and random barking may start.

Dobermans also bark due to separation anxiety. Dobies love their families and are often called “Velcro dogs.” This phrase means they want to be by your side constantly. When you have to be away, and your Dobie misses you, they may start barking then add in a few long, pitiful howls to the mix.

owner with her doberman
Image Credit: YamaBSM, Pixabay

2. Reducing the Temptation to Bark

Once you’ve decided what’s causing your Doberman to bark, it’s time to reduce the temptation. If they are on guard, take notice of what is stirring them up. If they notice things happening outside of the house, perhaps heavier curtains or blinds could help them avoid seeing the issues. For Dobermans who get worked up when you’re away from home, make sure they have lots of toys, especially those that keep them thinking or working things out. No matter the issue, try to install a solution to make things easier for your pooch.

3. Recreating the Temptation

When the issues have been eliminated from your dog’s daily routine, it’s time to toss them into the situation. For dogs that bark when you leave, go through the steps to make them think you are on your way out of the house. You can simply go around back to wait and see what your dog does. If they bark when people are outside or moving around the neighborhood, ask a friend or neighbor to help out.

4. Correct Your Doberman’s Behavior

The moment you hear your dog barking in a situation where you want the action to stop, move into action. This must be done quickly, while your dog is barking. Tell them in a firm voice, “stop”, “quiet”, or whatever command you want to use. Then have your dog move into a sitting position. From there, have them lie down. Kneel by your dog and place your hand on its shoulder blade. Put firm pressure, but not enough to cause any pain. Finally, hold this position for 15 to 20 seconds, then release your dog.

Dogs are often shown by their mothers when they have done something wrong. You’ll notice that the mothers hold their pups down to stop the behavior. This is one of the reasons placing your hand firmly on your dog during this training helps. It also shows your dog that you are alpha and what you say goes. As with any training, however, do not yell or strike your dog. This often shows a Doberman that you aren’t the calm, in-charge, alpha-type person, which can make them disobey more.

doberman pincher training
Image Credit: Fotokostic, Shutterstock

5. Reward Your Dog

The key is to keep your dog from barking for longer intervals. Set goals of 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, and so on. When your dog successfully avoids barking during this training, offer them a treat. They need to realize that the longer they avoid barking, they will receive a reward. You may be concerned that this could take ages, but Dobermans are highly intelligent and train easily.

6. Repeat If Necessary

According to your Doberman, how long you have to dedicate to this training, and the triggers your dog deals with, you may need to repeat these steps a few times. Dobermans are fast learners and should only require a handful of sessions to learn not to bark.

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Final Thoughts

Whether you are a Doberman owner or plan on bringing one into your home, barking is part of life. If you feel your dog’s barking is excessive or if it’s causing issues in the neighborhood, you can work with your Dobie to remedy the issue. Before long, your Dobie will make it through the day without all the barking and the two of you can simply enjoy your time together.

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Featured Image Credit: Mary Swift, Shutterstock

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15 Beautiful Off-Leash Dog Parks in Austin, Texas, You Can Visit Today (2023 Update)

Having your favorite canine join you while you’re out and about is a great time, but in most places, your pup will have to be on a leash while accompanying you. Leashes aren’t always our dogs’ favorite things, though, so it’s helpful to know where the off-leash areas in your city are. After all, you want your pet to have the chance to romp and play somewhere bigger than your backyard!

If you live in Austin, Texas, you’re in luck because this city has plenty of off-leash areas you can take your dog—particularly parks. Whether you’re in the mood for some hiking, prefer to laze by a river or creek, or just want a dog park where you can grab a drink, Austin has you covered. Below are 15 great off-leash dog parks in Austin, Texas, that you can visit today!

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The 15 Beautiful Off-Leash Dog Parks in Austin, Texas

1. Auditorium Shores Off-Leash Park

🗺 Address: 📍Auditorium Shores at Town Lake Metropolitan Park, Austin, TX 78704
🕐 Open Times: 6 AM to 10 PM
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed?: Yes

  • Near river, so dogs can splash and play

  • Entire park is not off-leash, only certain areas

  • Features a dog drinking fountain

  • For people, there are hiking trails and picnic areas

  • Off-leash area is not fully fenced in and is near a busy road, so caution is advised

2. Big Stacy Neighborhood Park

🗺 Address: 📍700 E Live Oak St, Austin, TX 78704
🕐 Open Times: 6 AM to 8 PM (Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday); 12 PM to 8 PM (Sunday)
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed?: Yes

  • Plenty of open spaces for pups to run around

  • Pool with free admission for humans

  • Not much else to do besides the pool and open spaces

  • Can park on street or private lot

3. Davis White Northeast District Park

🗺 Address: 📍6705 Crystalbrook Dr, Austin, TX 78724
🕐 Open Times: 5 AM to 10 PM
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed?: Yes, in one area

  • Entire park is not off-leash, but one area is

  • Off-leash area is not fenced in

  • Features basketball courts and playgrounds

  • Hiking trails on one side of park with exercise areas

4. Emma Long Metropolitan Park

🗺 Address: 📍1600 City Park Rd, Austin, TX 78730
🕐 Open Times: 7 AM to 10 PM
💲 Cost: Free and paid areas
🐕 Off-leash allowed?: Yes

  • Fabulous view of Lake Austin

  • Plenty of hiking trails for dogs and people

  • Very thorny plants in some areas, so beware

  • Parking is sometimes scarce

5. Great Northern Dog Park

🗺 Address: 📍7099 Great Northern Blvd, Austin, TX 78757
🕐 Open Times: 5 AM to 10 PM
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed?: Yes

  • Large off-leash area with retention pond and paths

  • Not fully fenced in, so exercise caution

  • Doesn’t get overly crowded

  • Has poop bag stations, but it’s still advisable to bring your own

6. Mary Moore Searight Metro Park

🗺 Address: 📍907 W Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX 78748
🕐 Open Times: 5 AM to 10 PM
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed?: Yes

  • Features “Metro” trail for hikers, walkers, etc., and “Equestrian” trail for horseback riders

  • Contains a shallow stream for your pup to play in

  • Park hosts a radio-controlled park airfield, so prepare to hear plenty of plane engines

  • Dog park area is on the north end of the park

7. Metropolitan Park at Walnut Creek

🗺 Address: 📍12138 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78753
🕐 Open Times: 5 AM to 10 PM
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed?: Yes, in designated areas

  • 293-acre park

  • Off-leash area for dogs to play, but need to be leashed on the 15 miles of trails

  • Trails cross the creek a total of nine times, so there are plenty of opportunities for dogs to play in water

  • Playground areas for kids

8. Neighbors Dog Park

🗺 Address: 📍5609 S Congress Ave #220, Austin, TX 78745
🕐 Open Times: 7 AM to 8 PM (Monday–Friday); 8 AM to 8 PM (Saturday, Sunday)
💲 Cost: $12 day pass; monthly memberships also available
🐕 Off-leash allowed?: Yes

  • Dog park and coffee shop

  • Dogs must be spayed or neutered to come play

  • No harnesses allowed

  • Doggie daycare and training also available

9. Norwood Estates Dog Park

🗺 Address: 📍1009 Edgecliff Terrace, Austin, TX 78704
🕐 Open Times: 5 AM to 10 PM
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed?: Yes

  • Separate areas for small and large dogs

  • Fully fenced-in areas

  • Plenty of benches in shaded areas for dog parents

  • Water available to keep pups hydrated

  • Very clean park

10. Onion Creek Greenbelt

🗺 Address: 📍7002 Onion Creek Dr, Austin, TX 78744
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours a day
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed?: Yes, except playground area

  • Park is less well-known, so may be less crowded

  • Park is also extremely large, with considerable areas to run around in

  • Features pond and walking trails

  • Playgrounds and picnic areas available

11. Red Bud Isle

🗺 Address: 📍3401 Redbud Trail, Austin, TX 78746
🕐 Open Times: 7 AM to 10 PM
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed?: Yes

  • Small island park

  • Play area for dogs, plus walking trails

  • Easy for dogs to get into the water in several areas

  • Trails can get muddy in the summer months

12. Shoal Creek Greenbelt

🗺 Address: 📍2600 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78705
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours a day
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed?: Yes, in designated area

  • Designated area for off-leash, but dogs must be on leash elsewhere

  • 5 ½ mile walking trail to enjoy (rated easy)

  • Lots of wildlife to see

  • Parts of trail have been under construction in the past year

13. West Austin Dog Park

🗺 Address: 📍1317 W 10th St, Austin, TX, US, 78703
🕐 Open Times: 8 AM to 8 PM
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed?: Yes, in dog park area

  • Fenced dog park area to let your pups run free

  • Dog park area is more dirt than grass, so dogs may get dirty

  • Leash required for rest of park

  • Kid-friendly, with lots of play areas

  • Pool available in summer months

14. Yard Bar

🗺 Address: 📍6700 Burnet Rd Austin, TX 78757
🕐 Open Times: 11 AM to 10 PM (Sunday thru Wednesday); Noon to 10 PM (Thursday thru Saturday)
💲 Cost: $9 per dog; memberships also available
🐕 Off-leash allowed?: Yes

  • Dog park and bar

  • Dog park only allows people who are 21+

  • All dogs must be spayed or neutered

  • Pups must be 4 months or older

  • Only 2 dogs per person allowed

15. Zilker Metro Park Off-Leash Dog Area

🗺 Address: 📍2207 Lou Neff Rd, Austin, TX 78746
🕐 Open Times: 5 AM to 10 PM
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed?: Yes

  • 45-acre area of the 350-acre Zilker Metro Park is designated off-leash

  • Huge area of grass for dogs to run and play

  • Dog area is not fenced in, though, and is near busy roads, so be cautious

  • Rest of the park dogs must be leashed while you explore trails, lakes, springs, and more

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Conclusion

As dog parents, we love spending time with our canine pals. And Austin, Texas, seems to be a pretty dog-friendly place, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding great spots to visit with your favorite pup. If parks are your thing, though, you can visit any of the 15 parks listed here and have a wonderful time with your pet!

Sources

 

Featured Image Credit: Roman Seliutin, Shutterstock

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