Dogs have been labeled as a constant friend and companion for centuries, and indeed, in the words of Shadow, the most loving retriever in Hollywood, “dogs are loyal, faithful and true.” So return the favor when planning that next camping trip and bring the dogs along for an experience you’ll both love. Here are five things we think are awesome about camping with the dogs.
1: Camping with the dogs is not only fun but has a lot of benefits. Having a companion on that ten mile hike, that maybe should have been more like two, is always a lot more fun than walking it alone. When the miles seem too much, a dog can give that extra boost and help pull the rest of the way.
2: Bringing food on a camping trip is a necessity that draws unwanted dinner guests. No one likes waking up and seeing that night critters have ransacked the place. A dog is a guard against skunks, raccoons, opossums and every kind of furry thief sharing the woods. One sharp bark can drive off other animals and keep food safe where it belongs.
3: When camping with kids there are always fears of letting them wander too far alone. Give kids the freedom and mom the peace of mind of knowing they are safe. Camping with the dogs grants the option of giving the kids their freedom but still having them guarded. It is much cooler for kids to take a walk with their German shepherd than with their parents.
4: Cooking too much food is always a hassle when bags of leftovers bring flies and unwanted critters crawling through the campsite. Throw the scraps of meat and dirty hotdogs to the dogs and it will not only lessen the amount of trash but also help keep bugs away and keep the campsite clean.
5: The most important thing dogs bring to a camping trip is entertainment and non-stop action. Swimming in the lake, playing Frisbee, hiking, or just sitting by the fire becomes an unforgettable experience when sharing it with a furry friend. Dogs bring out the joy in people and having them along for the ride gives every participant a feeling of joy and comfort that only a dog can bring.
Images via Jimmy Coupe, Tony Faiola
