Dogs outside with you in the woods?

**JGON** · 05-02-2011, 18:15

Hi all,

I love hiking, backpacking, camping, fishing, etc, and I just recently got my first dog and he seems to share my passion for the outdoors. I would really like to take him on an overnight with me sometime soon, but I want to make sure he's got what he needs to stay with me safely and comfortably in the Wisconsin wilderness. Anyone got any thoughts?

Do you bring anything for him to lay on at night?

My dog is a lab mix, and he likes to explore. He also jumps at any sounds that he hears at night, even in the house, so I'm concerned it might be sensory overload for him to be outside overnight.

Any suggestions you have would be great.

Thanks,

JGON

**brushybill** · 05-02-2011, 18:21

welcome jgon,
lots of folks camp with their dogs without problems, always keep your dog on leash at night, i usually have my dog carry a ground pad and blanket in her backpack, as she is way to big to sleep with me, my advise would be to make sure you have the dog under control at home before bringing it into the back country, there are some folks who are very afraid of dogs and your reasurances will be no comfort

**Two Tents** · 05-02-2011, 18:27

I use a chunk of wally world foam pad and my dog lays right beside me like he would at home. When I first started with him I'd put a 6 foot leash on him and loop it around my wrist to feel if he got up or anything. He never really even pulled it at all. I still reach down to touch him in the night so he knows I'm there, just above him in the hammock. He should stay on the pad once he's used to it. He will probably growl and bark sometimes, mine still does. Your first night with him will be restless for you both. Your his pack leader- so lead. You'll be glad you made the effort.

**grok** · 05-02-2011, 22:54

I wish I knew the thread. Someone show the pics of the dog hammock underneath the human hammock. it is brilliant!!!!!!!

**chickenwing** · 05-02-2011, 22:58

My dog sleeps in the hammock with me. I push her in to the foot box of my top quilt during the cooler months and she makes the perfect foot warmer. During the warmer months she stays on top of the covers.

Being a 13# dachshund she is not much of a long distance hiker but she loves to kayak and canoe the flat water rivers and lakes here in South Carolina.

**Bomber** · 05-03-2011, 03:48

Originally Posted by grok

I wish I knew the thread. Someone show the pics of the dog hammock underneath the human hammock. it is brilliant!!!!!!!

I believe it's this you're thinking about:

It's the HF member WV that have made it, sorry i couldn't find the thread.

**lab72** · 05-03-2011, 03:54

My lab comes with me I just loop the lead to the hammock suspension she has a cut down foam mat to sleep on .

**grok** · 05-03-2011, 09:10

Originally Posted by Bomber

I believe it's this you're thinking about:

It's the HF member WV that have made it, sorry i couldn't find the thread.

My all time favorite hammock photo! Thanks Bomber

**KerMegan** · 05-03-2011, 09:22

obedience training is a must-have. also camp out in the backyard a few times, so your dog will associate the outdoor sounds with you being close. HTH!
KM(who wishes she had been camping out when she had a dog..)

**Theo** · 05-03-2011, 10:00

I would suggest some long day hikes to see how he does. ( feet problems, stamina, water needs, etc.) Then do some camping in a local State park type area so you can train him on proper camping behavior and what you and he need. My last dog was a Malamute/Huskie/Traveling salesman mix. She never slept on anything but the ground. If it got to raining too hard, she would come in the tent with me (she was pre hammock) but otherwise she didn't require anything special. I just tied her with her lead at night near me. (I used a 25ft. training lead for her leash) After a good day's hike, she wasn't much interested in doing anything but chillin'.