Early attempts at repurposing a kids tent

[Labrador]

So I have been wanting to create a shelter for my Lab Boys so that I can try backpacking with them this year. One hangup I have had has been trying to settle on a design. Well they sort of helped me out in the process, at least to get started, when they managed to break the poles on a kids play tent that my son had. I figure they may like it seeing as how they broke the poles while wrestling in it before.

The pictures below are of my first attempts at "hanging" it from it's own line. One problem encountered was it just wanting to hang like a teepee and thus not giving enough interior volume. I think that I have that part figured out possibly now. Now I just need to get back to the thread injector and see if my ideas prove to be fruitful or not. Of course if all of this fails I have drawn several other ideas up but this seemed to be the easiest one of fall since most of the work was already done for me. I will post more pictures when I get the next modifications done.

[FBG]

Looking forward to seeing the new modifications when done! I too am trying to find something with a little cold weather protection for my pup.

[lilprincess]

Looks like the one that we're working on! Nice! It's hard to keep dogs where we think they'll be more comfy. Usually the tail wrecks it all before they've had a chance to enjoy it!

[Labrador]

One thing I have definitely figured out so far is that I must have lots of elastic in the connections so that they have plenty of give. I'll keep you all posted on any further progress.

[AppalachianHammock]

I like the design, but does a lab really need a tent?

[Labrador]

While I do agree that having the tent for a Lab, or a great number of other breeds, may in deed be overkill for protection from the elements there are other reasons that I like to provide a "secure" space for them.

Selfishly for one thing the dogs seem to be calmer when they have a place that they can hunker down in and in turn they allow me to get more rest. Another reason is simply to try and give them a bit more protection from the annoying little flying things that make all of us nuts. And for as much as I love my dogs and truly count them as members of my family, I can't get comfortable with 100+ pounds of dog in my hammock with me, which is exactly where they would be if I don't provide them with their own space.

[Jayson]

While I do agree that having the tent for a Lab, or a great number of other breeds, may in deed be overkill for protection from the elements there are other reasons that I like to provide a "secure" space for them.

Selfishly for one thing the dogs seem to be calmer when they have a place that they can hunker down in and in turn they allow me to get more rest. Another reason is simply to try and give them a bit more protection from the annoying little flying things that make all of us nuts. And for as much as I love my dogs and truly count them as members of my family, I can't get comfortable with 100+ pounds of dog in my hammock with me, which is exactly where they would be if I don't provide them with their own space.

I have the same issue with my Rottie. He has been crated at night since he was 5 weeks, and just cant seem to get comfy without walls around him. Have been hoping that keeping my tarp down tight would do it but so far no good!
May need to look into a dog tent myself.

[Taliesin96]

While I do agree that having the tent for a Lab, or a great number of other breeds, may in deed be overkill for protection from the elements there are other reasons that I like to provide a "secure" space for them.

Selfishly for one thing the dogs seem to be calmer when they have a place that they can hunker down in and in turn they allow me to get more rest. Another reason is simply to try and give them a bit more protection from the annoying little flying things that make all of us nuts. And for as much as I love my dogs and truly count them as members of my family, I can't get comfortable with 100+ pounds of dog in my hammock with me, which is exactly where they would be if I don't provide them with their own space.

you are aware you can get equine fly spray that has permethrin that you can just brush in, its really no different then the sawyers brand. Here in canada you cannot buy permethrin except for farmers or in the equine fly spray for horses. We buy it and spray our cloths since you cannot get sawyers. We get ultra shield x here in canada works great. we have a shih tzu and we spray and brush it in her. the bugs ah stay away

[Jayson]

Gorgeous dogs by the way!

[Labrador]

Thank you Jayson.