How To Secure Your Dog While Camping
How do I secure my dog when camping? The most common way to secure a dog while camping is to use a dog exercise pen or a dog tie out cable and stake. You can also use a dog crate, a specially designed dog tent or keep your dog in your own tent.
Table of Contents
1. Set Up A Dog Exercise & Play Pen
The best way to secure your dog while camping is to set up a dog exercise and play pen on the camping ground. There are two main types of dog play pens – metal fence ones and also fabric based ones. They both provide a circular area that a dog can play in however material ones are generally smaller in size and also have a roof/lid.
Overall, the benefit of using a dog exercise pen to secure your dog while camping is that it will provide a large enough enclosure that your dog can easily run around and at the same time is highly secure. However the main disadvantage is that they are generally lightweight so large, strong dog breeds could push one over.
Pros & Cons Of A Dog Exercise And Play Pen
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Gives your assurance that your dog is secured and won’t get lost while camping | Large, strong dog breeds could push it over if they are not trained to stay inside |
| Lightweight, foldable designs so they are easy to transport. They can be stored in a car and can be hand carried. | Some dog exercise pens don’t have anchors so they can get pushed over or blown over in bad weather conditions |
| Very easy to set up on a campsite ground | The larger the dog exercise pen, the more expensive it is. |
| Your dog is free to roam around within the confines of the pen in comparison to being on a lead | Some dog exercise pens don’t have lids so it is not the ideal solution for rainy weather while camping |
What do you do with your dog while camping? If you are not out hiking or doing other adventurous activities with your dog while camping, you can leave your dog in a play pen or on a dog tie out cable so they do not run away or get lost.
How can I stop my dog from running away while camping? The best way to stop your dog from running away while camping is to either use a dog playpen or dog tie out and cable. A dog playpen or fence set up will give your dog a secure area to run around in and play unsupervised.
These Are High Quality Dog Pens For Camping…
1. YAHEETECH 24/32/40-Inch 8/16/32 Panel Heavy Duty Pet Playpen Dog Exercise Pen
Find Out The Current Price On Amazon Here
2. Furhaven Pet Playpen – Indoor-Outdoor Mesh Open-Air Playpen and Exercise Pen
Find Out The Current Price On Amazon Here
2. Dog Tie Out Cable & Stake
Another common way to keep your dog secure while camping is to use to a dog tie out cable and stake. A dog tie out cable is a very long, thin piece of metal or wire that is covered in a thin plastic coating. On either end are clips like what you would find on an ordinary dog leash. A dog tie out cable is nearly always used with a stake that is twisted into the ground and then the cable is clipped onto it. A dog is then attached to the other end of the cable to their dog harness. Your dog can then walk in a circular circumference around the stake which is generally quite a distance.
Pros & Cons Of A Dog Tie Out Cable & Stake
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Gives your assurance that your dog is secured and won’t get lost while camping | Tie cable can get tangled around other gear on the campsite while a dog wanders around |
| The long cable gives your dog enough freedom to explore the camping site | A tie cable is a potential trip hazard for other campers in the area |
| The long cable also gives your dog the freedom to walk to areas that are shadier as the sun moves throughout the day | A very strong dog could pull a stake out of soft ground |
| A tie out cable and stake is considerably cheaper than a fence set up. | The terrain of the campsite determines if the stake can be used. If the ground is too hard you might have to use a hammer to get it in. |
How do you tie up a dog for camping? The best way to tie up a dog while camping is to use a tie out cable and stake. This dog product usually comes with a spiral ground anchor and a metal cable that is around 10 metres long, allowing your dog to explore their area safely.
These Are My Top Recommendations For Tie Out Cables For Camping…
1. EXPAWLORER Dog Tie Out Cable and Stake 30 ft
Find Out The Current Price On Amazon Here
2. Royal Paw Heavy Duty Dog Tie Out Stake – Spiral Ground Anchor for Large Dog
Find Out The Current Price On Amazon Here
3. Dog Crate
If your dog is crate trained bringing one along for your camping trip would be a really easy way to keep your dog secure, especially at night. A dog crate is obviously not ideal to keep your dog restrained during the day on a camping site as your dog will not be able to get the exercise he/she needs. However at night time you could place the crate just outside or inside your tent to keep your dog at a close proximity and ultimately safe.
Pros & Cons Of Using A Dog Crate While Camping
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Gives your assurance that your dog is secured and won’t get lost at night while camping | If your dog is not crate trained before the camping trip, it could be difficult getting him/her comfortably inside |
| Gives your dog comfort in the new camping environment | Your dog may view going into a crate as a punishment |
| You can put items from home such as your dog’s favourite toys and blankets to make the camping experience must more enjoyable | Many crates are heavy and not collapsible/foldable so lots of space is required in your car to transport it to the camping ground |
This Dog Crate Is Fantastic For Camping…
1. AmazonBasics Portable Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel
Find Out The Current Price On Amazon Here
4. In Your Tent
The other option for keeping your dog secure while camping, mainly at night, is to let him/her sleep inside your tent. If you do let your dog sleep inside your tent, I suggest that you invest in a dog camping sleeping bag. This will give your dog a spot to sleep so he/she doesn’t end up sharing your sleeping bag!
How do I keep my dog in a tent? To keep your dog in a tent while camping, you need to firstly train your dog to be in one at home. Do this by setting your tent up in the backyard, playing with your dog in the tent and then teaching your dog to stay away from rip-able materials such as the fly screen.
Can you leave your dog in a tent? Yes, you can leave a trained dog in a tent while camping however you should not leave your dog unattended in a tent for long periods of time. Some dogs may decide to chew your tent or scratch at your camping gear if left unattended.
If you want further information on the advantages and disadvantages you should read my article: Should I Allow My Dog To Sleep Inside My Tent?
5. In A Dog Tent
The final way to keep your dog secure while camping is to use a dog tent however this method is not very common and would require some dog training on your part.
Dog tents are just very tiny versions of a human tent with an opening that is suited to dogs climbing in and out. You can see one in the image below 🙂
This Is A Dog Tent For Camping…
1. alcott Pup Tent, One Size, Green
Find Out The Current Price On Amazon Here
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