Tent camping with your dog can be a fun experience for both you and your furry friend. And it sure is nice to be able to curl up with them at night by a roaring fire and make some s’mores while you stare up at the stars.
But can you imagine how disastrous it would be if they damaged your tent? Poking holes or tearing right through your tent floor and wall, rip everything they possibly can, and leave you with an unsightly mess, or worse?
It’s no joke!
That can be a nightmare.
However, there are some precautions that you can take to prevent such damage.
Here are some tips for protecting your tent from your rowdy dog’s nails!
1. Trim Your Dog's Claws
Regularly trimming your dog’s nails will help ensure their claws don’t grow too long and are perhaps the number one way to prevent them from damaging your tent!
You can do that by simply using a pair of dog nail clippers. But I find that using a dog nail grinder is way better and safer, as it can prevent you from cutting the quick and hurting your dog. Plus, you will be able to file the edges and make them smoother.
One thing, though, many dogs will typically try to avoid having their nails trimmed at all costs, purely because they are scared. So, you’ll need to slowly introduce them to the nail clippers or nail grinder, whichever tool you use, and the idea of having their nails trimmed. Also, make sure to use treats to help them associate the clipping or grinding process with good things so they won’t be afraid of it in the future!
If you’re not familiar with trimming a dog’s claws, or don’t want to risk it yourself, take your canine to a professional groomer and have them do it for you. While it may cost a little bit more than doing it at home, knowing your pup won’t destroy your tent and any other items they come into contact with is well worth the money spent.
Pro Tip: If you can hear your dog’s nails clicking against the floor, it means they’re too long and need to be cut. And if your dog’s nails curl inward, then that’s another sign that you should trim them!
2. Dog-Proof Your Tent Floor
Another great way to ensure no damage is inflicted upon your tent’s flooring is by covering the area with a tarp, blanket, ground cloth, or interlocking tiles. Not only can doing this better protect the floor, but it can also help prevent moisture, dirt, and mud from entering your tent!
Otherwise, you can also use outdoor rugs or carpeting to protect your tent floor, although this will be heavy for you to carry, hence probably only suitable if you have your car park close by.
Pro Tip: Make sure to use a groundsheet with a non-slip bottom so your dog won’t slip and injure themselves when they step onto it.
3. Don't Leave Your Canine in the Tent Alone
Leaving your dog in the tent by themselves means they’re free to destroy everything!
So, make sure your pup is accompanied by either yourself or another person at all times. If you need to go outside for any reason, bring them with you, even if it’s just for a quick moment.
Pro Tip: If you absolutely must leave your dog unattended in the tent, then bring their crate to contain them, as well as some toys to keep them entertained! Also, be sure to provide them with proper ventilation as the temperature can quickly rise inside a closed tent, which can prove to be dangerous and life-threatening.
4. Tire Your Dog Out
Exercise is key!
Allowing your pooch to release their excess energy is one of the best ways to ensure they remain calm, relaxed, and won’t have any energy left to tear up your sleeping area and other stuff, as they will most likely just want to take a nap.
This means you should make sure your dog gets plenty of physical activity and exercise, whether it be walking, hiking, running with you, or engaging in interactive games that will mentally stimulate them.
Pro Tip: While it’s crucial to exercise your dog, it’s also essential to keep them staying out from being in the scorching sun or blistering cold!
5. Train Your Pup to Behave Around the Tent
A dog that won’t chew and rip up things is the one who has a strong foundation of basic obedience and knows how to behave around the home and in public.
If you’ve never taught your dog commands like “sit,” “stay,” “leave it,” and “drop it,” then now’s as good a time as ever to do so! Not only will basic obedience training teach them how to behave around the tent, but you’ll also be able to manage and maintain control over them much better.
Pro Tip: The more you train and work with your dog, the better they’ll become at listening and understanding words or actions from you. And with positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praises, you’ll soon see a difference.
Read More: Tips to Stop Your Dog From Destroying Things
Conclusion
By taking the right precautions before you take your pooch on their camping trip, you can rest assured no harm will come to any of your belongings! And with the five helpful tips above, you’ll know what to do exactly to prevent your dog from causing any damage.
So to summarize:
- Keep your dog’s nails short.
- Lay down a protective groundsheet.
- Don’t leave your pup unattended in the tent.
- Take them on plenty of exercise sessions, so they have no excess energy for destroying things.
- Provide your dog with obedience training so they know how to behave!
With these simple yet effective methods at your disposal, you should have no trouble keeping your dog from being a destructive nuisance when camping!
