Barking Embarkers

As you may be aware, I am a traveling occupational therapist who adventures around the United States with her dog in a camper. Yes, I really do love this life. I wasn’t all that nervous when I bought my camper, but when I decided to add a pup to the mix I was terrified. Where in blazes would she go? I have 28 feet in a Forest River Grey Wolf. Surprisingly, it works exceptionally well and she fits just fine. Keep reading for more info about Camper Life with a pup.

Camper Setup

I did decide to renovate my camper a little, prior to adding Chloe to my life. I re-did the floors, painted the cupboards and took out the massive bench, to be replaced with a small desk, where I am currently sitting on a therapy ball to write this post. The bench was just too big for me, since I am solo most of the time. It was almost depressing to sit at a table large enough for 6 when it was just me. I am very happy for the changes, but rest assured, they were completely unnecessary to add Chloe into the mix.

I keep Chloe’s kennel right next to my bed. She sleeps in it about… 0% of the time. But she does like to lay in it to chew her bone or play with her toys. I keep a couple toys in her kennel, and the rest are in a small wicker basket that fits perfectly under the desk.

My camper came with bunk beds, and I keep the bottom bunk for storage, including Chloe’s food. She has a special spot in a cupboard for bones, treats, greenies, her training halter, hiking supplies etc. We still have plenty of room in the cupboard and could probably fit her food in it too. There is more space for storage in a camper than is ever initially realized.  If you are reading this contemplating if a camper can provide a good life for a pup, rest assured, you will find room for your dog in your camper.

Campground considerations

One thing to consider when living the camper life with a pup is the campground you will stay in. Most campgrounds are pet friendly. Many have very specific rules regarding pets, and others have restrictions on breeds that are allowed. I always ask upon arrival what their pet policies are, and read between the lines on their open-ness to animals.

Personally, I feel like prejudice against a dog based on its breed is pretty similar to prejudice against a human based on their race. It is terrible to judge an animal or a human on their looks or their ancestry alone. Let’s not do that. However, my voice has not inspired much change in this yet, so if you have a dog who looks like a Pitbull or Rottweiler try your very best to have paperwork saying it is a ‘something else’ mix. If we all work together to not support campgrounds that are prejudice against dogs, we might make a change. So just stay somewhere else if they think your husky is an aggressive breed. I understand that campgrounds have probably experienced some turmoil in the past with aggressive animals when they have those rules, and it is also our responsibility as pet owners to socialize our dogs, so they are friendly to other animals and people. I know Chloe Rue sounds like a dying coyote when she wants to greet a cat and I don’t let her, and I do believe most people are understanding of strange dog behaviors, but we can all work together to make a positive change by training our dogs, educating others, and keeping an open mind. Okay, I’ll step off the soap box.

Another thing to consider with campgrounds is if they have a dog park, off leash area, large yard or walking space. Chloe and I loved our time at the campground in Adrian, Minnesota, where there was plentiful space for frolicking. We also savored our time in Sagadahoc Bay in Maine, for the same reason. Let me just say, those mud flats on the ocean were amazing and we had SO much fun. However, we realized how much we missed this in Portland, Oregon where our walks were on pavement and rolling in the grass was limited to dog park excursions. We did fine, but it is something to bear in mind.

Supplies

If I were to recommend supplies, it would include first, a long leash! This is wonderful for those times when you are grilling outdoors and the dog wants to hang out with you too. I always have Chloe supervised when we are outside, but it is not uncommon for people to let their dogs out on the long leash unsupervised. Some people have doggie play pens outside of their campers too, which is also a wonderful idea. I would recommend a crate and crate training. Chloe thinks my camper is a big crate, and I believe crate training played a huge role in her insanely efficient potty training skills. We have a large water bowl and food bowl of course, with a mat under it to keep the floors clean. We also love having a rug at the door for dirt control, with a towel nearby for rainy days! There is nothing worse than muddy paw prints everywhere. I have a special sheet for Chloe so she can sleep on the bed with me too without getting our white comforter full of dog hair (it works okay, not especially well). Those supplies have helped us a lot in our camper life!

Overall, life in a camper with a pet is definitely doable. I hope the recommendations and considerations make you feel more confident that you can do this too! I know of many families who successfully travel with kids and pets. What else do you all consider for living in a camper with a pet? Any other supplies that are helpful? Many Happy Trails and Happy Tails to you!