going camping with DS's 2 teenage friends - bringing dogs . ADVICE

[violetqueen]

Have also asked this over on camping ,but trying here as well .
Teenagers are 16 and 17 ,they came for a week last year when we camped - site we've been going to for years .
They're lovely kids ,no problem at all last year .But they both have dogs and want to bring this year .
We're not dog owners ,I like them ,but am a little nervous and a bit of a worryier .
Any advice ? Tips ?
Greatly appreciated .

Most sites demand that dogs are on a lead at all times and most have dog walking areas nearby. We have a spike and an extending lead so the dog is secured but can still wander to a certain degree around your pitch.

Some dogs will naturally bark at any passer-by, which can be annoying but you will find a lot of sites are dog friendly.

Yes ,will have to be on lead .
Where do they sleep ?
What happens if it pours with rain ?
Wet dog in tent ??

marking my spot as we normally put the dogs in kennels when we camp- at vaaaast expense

would be interested to know how others get round it

I'd be inclined to offer to have the dogs at home and let others do the camping! If it aint at least 4 star, I aint doing it!

Much depends on the size and nature of the dogs. Can you tell us a bit more please?

Just back from camping with our two dogs (Spike: Jack Russell - 5 months, Rocky: Border-Collie x Chow - 5 years) and Spike slept in my sleeping bag and Rocky slept in the car all night. (Couldn't leave the JRT in the car with him for company as he would probably have eaten most of the interior!) Both were no bother at all, but then they're both used to being dragged everywhere with us and are very adaptable.

I always go camping with my 5 kids and five dogs. Nowhere else would have us!

Dogs sleep in cages and we have stakes to tie them out to. In the day we are generally out walking and swimming, surfing etc so that by the time we are at the campsite the dogs are exhausted and tired.

I think it is more of an issues what you are going to do in the day as dogs do restrict you if you want to go shopping or visiting historical homes!

Pick your site carefully as somehave exercsie areas for the dogs obviously you have to pick up but that goes where ever you are.

It works for us

One dog is a border collie ,but I'm told he's a bit atypical ,bit stupid . ( aah )
The other is a female staffie type ( I think ,sorry to be vague DS in bed and I've not met either dog ).
We know the site well ,and it does have an exercise area .
One of my concerns is the logistics - dogs and teenagers are arriving by train but will need to be picked up ,so ...2 dogs in one car ?
Can one hire dog crates ?

find out how the dogs usually travel. my dog will lay down by someone's feet - as long as there's someone to control her. so you could have one there and one in the boot if its a hatchback? Or they both might go in the boot? is there a barrier to stop them jumping into the car?

Thanks dreaming - that's just the kind of advice I need .
I feel I don't even know what questions to ask IYSWIM.
I was thinking of getting a barrier ,somebody posted to say Argos do them for about £15 .
One ( ha ha ,there are many ) concerns is that I think one of the dogs is a real townie and not used to travelling etc .
The other goes to the countryside to visit relatives ,so might be better .
Though the owner of the townie one ,is very sensible and a very calm person ,I imagine good with controlling his pet .

Forgot to say ,car is rather old estate .
So should be ok ?
Do these barrier things fit/adapt to varying car models ?

You can get dog harnesses for cars. I expect Pets at Home do them. The barrier will be useful if you travel with lots of stuff, to stop it flying over the seats if you jam on the breaks. We spent a month camping with 2 young children and 2 dogs. Both were very straightforward.

If the teenagers are responsible owners, you should have no problems at all. If the dogs won't come back when called, it would be much easier to keep them on a lead. Be very wary of livestock. Lots of fresh water, poo bags and treats and I'm sure you'll have a lovely time! Chewy rawhide things may be useful if the dogs are inclined to chew!

i bought the barrier with the car. i walk someone else's dog thats quite small and i put it in a cat carrier as it squeezes through gaps otherwise and jumps around on the seats. my dog knows she has to sit in boot so doesn't need a barrier. i'd ask the owners.

Thanks for all advice .
Beginning to realise will depend a great deal on individual dogs temprement.