How to contain dogs while camping

Bringing your furry best friend along for your camping trip is a non-negotiable for many pet owners! From great company on the road to some much-needed cuddles at the end of the day, there’s nothing better than enjoying an adventure with your dog. That said, your pup might have a penchant for wandering off and getting up to mischief in the great outdoors…

To help protect New Zealand’s native wildlife and fellow campers’ sense of tranquillity, learn how to contain dogs while camping. Read on for six tips on keeping your pet close to camp in a safe and comfortable way!

Are dogs allowed at campsites in New Zealand?

The first thing you need to be aware of when you’re on a road trip with a dog is what the rules of the campgrounds you’re staying at actually are. For starters, some campgrounds don’t even allow dogs to stay. But don’t stress, there are plenty of dog-friendly campsites on the North Island and dog-friendly camping grounds on the South Island, so you will find yourself spoilt for choice when planning for your trip.

Ones that do will generally have rules in place, such as:

• Keep your dog on a leash at all times.

• Always pick up after your dog.

• Take them with you whenever you leave the campsite.

Knowing the rules will make it easier to work out how to contain dogs while camping.

How to contain dogs while camping: 6 options

1. Leash or harness

It might sound obvious, but don’t leave home without a good quality leash or harness for your dog. That way, you can keep your dog close to you while camping and know where they are at all times. Plus, when you head out on walks and see the sights, a leash of some sort is a must.

The adjustable, durable and reflective leashes at Further Faster are very easy to use, with a handy waistband feature to keep your dog as close as you like around the campgrounds.

If your dog likes to pull, then a harness might be a better option for them, to help protect their neck. Pet Stock has a range of step-in and chest plate harnesses to choose from.

If this is new for them, it helps to try it on at home before your trip to get your furry friend used to it. The last thing you want to do is make them feel anxious when you’re on the road and there are lots of distractions around!

2. Pens & kennels

That said, you can’t keep your dog on a leash the entire time you’re at the campsite, so you’ll need to to plan ahead.

Pens and kennels are the perfect portable home for your furry friend, allowing them the freedom to roam around without being restricted by their lead or harness.

Of course, space can be tight when you’re packing for a road trip. A collapsible playpen is a great solution. This one from Mighty Ape is easy to pop up and down when you need it and even comes with shade on top to keep your dog out of the sun (or rain) at campsites that aren’t naturally shaded with trees.

If you’re looking for something a little more sturdy, check out this Galvanised Steel Playpen from Hercules Store.

3. Tie out cable & stake

This is another popular way to keep a dog contained while camping. A tie-out cable is a long, thin piece of metal or wire covered in a plastic coating. One end is attached to the dog, while the other is attached to a stake in the ground. Naturally, your pet is able to walk the circumference of the tie out.

While these can be a brilliant option, keeping your dog secure while still allowing him to explore the nearby surroundings, the tie-out cable can get tangled easily. What’s more, bigger dogs can manage to pull the stake out of the ground - not what you want if camping in the wilderness!

Mitre10stocks a sturdy set, with a spiral stake that can be wound into the ground for extra strength.

4. Dog crate

A crate is a common solution when looking for ways to contain dogs while camping. It can be used to keep them secure during the day and sheltered at night.

Importantly, however, crates aren’t very spacious so they aren’t ideal during the day when your dog needs to get some exercise in. You will also need to train your dog before the trip, so they won’t think they are being punished each time you ask them to go in.

Try it out at home first, using dog treats and toys to entice them inside and warm them up to the idea.

Pet.co.nz offers a range of dog crates for you to choose from, along with mats that you can place inside to make their home away from home that little bit more comfortable and welcoming.

5. Inside your campervan

Is your doggo used to sleeping on your bed at night? That doesn’t have to change once you’re on the road! Camplify offers a number of pet-friendly campervan options, so you can keep your furry friend right by your side for the entire trip.

While you might not want to keep them locked inside during the day (and never should, especially if it’s hot out!), it's the perfect option at night when you are settled back at the campsite and enjoying a little downtime together. Snuggle up at the end of a busy day and keep your dog secure and cosy.

1. Treats

When it comes to how to contain dogs while camping, a little treat goes a long way. Because let’s face it, your dog might need a little encouragement every now and then to do as they’re told.

Don’t forget to pack their favourite treats, and offer them as needed. It’s the perfect motivation to get them into their playpen for a little downtime. Opt for treats that might keep them preoccupied for a while at the campsite.

Dog Sense sells long-lasting dog chews that will offer the perfect mental stimulation and entertainment for your pup.

Hire a pet-friendly van for your camping trip

Now that you know how to contain dogs while camping, you can bring your furry friend along for the ride! There are so many ways to keep them nice and secure at your campsite, without compromising on their comfort.

Plus, check out heaps of options for pet-friendly campervan hire with Camplify and hit the road with your dog in tow!

Why Camplify?

We are proud to be New Zealand’s fastest-growing private caravan, campervan and motorhome sharing community. When you hire a van through our platform, it comes with lots of advantages:

• Comprehensive hire insurance

• Nationwide AA roadside assistance

• 24/7 customer support

• All members are verified

By hiring with Camplify, you are also helping local families who share their van on our platform and supporting many local companies across New Zealand in addition to ours. So we are very grateful to you.

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