Camping with Your Standard Poodle
If you own a Standard Poodle, you know that, far from following the stereotype of being haughty finicky pets, your canine companion is bursting with energy and loves wide open spaces. Taking your poodle with you camping is a natural thought that occurs to many people, but before you go, remember that there are a few things that you should keep in mind to make sure that the experience goes smoothly and is safe for your family and your pets. The first thing to think about is transportation and lodging. While you might be used to loading your poodle into a carrier for trips to the vet, remember that your trip to the campsite might be a great deal longer and more involved. Think about a dog seat belt, which can allow your dog to sit and stand with freedom while still keeping her from jumping around and distracting the driver. If you have the space, you might want to look into a metal barred or nylon netting divider which can separate the back of your car from the front and allow a larger kennel area. When it comes to campgrounds, make sure that your dog is not in violation of any rules. Look for sites that are specifically friendly to canines or at least have areas that are so. Try to make sure that the area in question has some shade where your dog can relax when it gets to be midday. Before your trip, especially if it is going to last for more than a few days, take you dog to the vet to make sure that her health is good and can take a trip outside of her normal environment. Be sure that her rabies shots are current; there are animals that carry rabies in the woods, and when it comes to this condition, it's much, much better to be safe than sorry. If your dog takes medications, make sure that you have a good supply. Much like traveling with a person who has medical needs, you should not assume that you'll be able to get the medication at a moment's notice. Remember to make sure that your dog has current tags on her collar. Camping, while it can be a great experience for canines of all ages, is usually something that is best for dogs that are adolescents and full adults; puppies are apt to be overly excitable and hard to control. Remember to pack your poodle's own water and food bowls. Even the most hardy and adaptable dog can feel out of place and unsure, and a small reminder of something familiar can do a lot to comfort her. Use waterproof, snap-close containers for food and keep in mind that you should always remember to bring treats; don't simply rely on being able to get the same brand when you get to the site. This is a bad time for you to discover that your dog refuses to make substitutions with her normal diet. Similarly, bringing something that is familiar and comforting and smells of home will be a great idea for the ride up and help your dog get settled when its time to sleep. Make sure that at your campsite, your dog is supervised in some way at all times, and remember to closely monitor her contact with other animals and with children. Your dog might already be a little nervous and shy due to the sudden sensory overload so when necessary, take her off for some one on one playtime to get her feeling more like herself. Take your dog on some trails or if she is social, see if you can find any playmates for her. This is a great way to make some friends with the people who are nearby. If your dog has a bad habit of digging in the trash and you have to resort to tightly closed trash cans at home, make some provisions to keep your trash out of reach. This may be as simple as hoisting up on a tree branch, but simple though it might be, this can keep your campsite from turning into a mess. Camping with your Standard Poodle is a great way to spend a vacation. These naturally athletic dogs make terrific companions whether you want to lounge on the beach or take some hikes, so make sure to plan ahead for your experience.
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