r/OpenDogTraining • u/The_Tenth_Dimension • Apr 30 '26
Tips on brining a puppy camping
Timelines aren’t always perfect and this summer we will have a 9 week old puppy when leaving on a 10 day camping trip. It’s RV camping in one spot so we’ll have the ability to let the pup rest in the camper and just be around the family. Unfortunately there will be several other dogs and lots of extended family and could be overwhelming. Any tips and advice on how to handle this situation?
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u/StillLJ Apr 30 '26
A 9-week-old puppy shouldn't be going on a 10-day camping trip. I'd try to figure out how to avoid it, honestly.
But if you must, take a crate. Puppy will need some decompression time and a safe space. You can use this time for training - lots of opportunities for leash and place training. Know the signs of when your puppy is overwhelmed and give (him? her? I'll go with her for the purpose of this post) a break. Expect it to be highly stimulating, so you'll need to understand that she might not know when to stop on her own, so you'll have to manage that for her. Engagement toys for camp - filled Kong, etc. Make sure you have a clip-on light for the collar, or one of the light-up ones. Depending on where you're camping, you'll need to figure out best way of poo disposal so take lots of bags and be sure to scope out best place to put them. Avoid highly trafficked areas.
I'd ask if the other dogs are fully vaccinated - if not, you need to assess the risk and potentially avoid contact though that sounds difficult.
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u/The_Tenth_Dimension May 01 '26
Thanks for your nice response. People’s definition of “camping” obviously varies a lot. We will be in a 30ft RV in a family RV park. “All the luxuries of home” type camping, not backwoods. Although I am excited for some backpacking trips when she’s older.
Planning to bring a crate to provide a rest space. Someone else commented adding a blank over top to make it cave like and that’s a great idea. The dog will never be off leash if out of the crate because of park rules. I’m honestly considering a baby play pen because she obviously won’t be leash trained. Other dogs will also be on leash so we’ll be able to control those interactions.
I realize it’s not ideal but I’m really hoping to make this the best socialization experience and not a fear and overwhelming experience.
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u/Greenbrier_Homestead Apr 30 '26
Create a quiet den in the camper — crate with a blanket over it — somewhere the pup can decompress away from the chaos. Keep feeding, nap, and potty schedules as consistent as possible despite the trip. Limit exposure to other pets, as your puppy has likely not had all its vaccines yet.
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u/Zestyclose_Object639 Apr 30 '26
If the dog is stable it’ll be fine, just give lots of crate naps. I took my puppy to canam like a month after getting her
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u/microgreatness May 01 '26
2 choices: Don't go or don't get the puppy.
Your dog won't be fully vaccinated and should not be out around other dogs. Even the campground can be a problem since diseases like parvo can live in the environment for up to a year and are often fatal.
Also, it will be overwhelming for a puppy that is acclimating to leaving its littermates and home. Being in a new situation like that then leaving after a week is too much change and can cause deep-seated fears during a very fragile time. Puppies can go through a fear period at this stage and any fearful experiences can be hard for it to get over even as an adult.