3 Things I Always Do Before Taking My Dog Camping
- Madelyn VanStaveren
- Jun 6
- 2 min read
I don’t know about you, but we are ready for summer. Buffalo spring this year? Cold. Wet. Gray. The kind of weather that makes you dream about all the places you’ll go… once the mosquitoes have wrapped up their party.
If you’re already picturing cozy campfires, tacos in a bag and bringing your pup along for the ride, you’re not alone. As a dog trainer based right here in WNY, I’ve helped so many local dog parents prep their pups for the ultimate camping experience—without the stress.
Whether you’re planning a weekend in the Adirondacks, a road trip to Letchworth, or one of our favorites Watkins Glenn , these three simple habits make all the difference in helping your dog feel prepared, confident, and calm in the great outdoors.
1. Test the Tie-Out at Home
Before I ever clip my dog into a tie-out at camp, we practice in the yard or another familiar space. That way, it’s not some weird new thing on day one.
Bonus tip: I lay their mat along the tie-out to reward calm behavior right from the start.
2. Tent Cleaning & Gear Check
Even if your tent’s been packed away all winter, pull it out early! I give it a good air-out, shake off the dust, and check for funky smells or leftover food scents.
Why it matters: Dogs have incredible noses—so even faint smells can make a tent extra exciting, leading to jumping, zoomies… or marking.
Bonus Tip: Once it’s fresh and aired out, I spend time helping my dog practice calm entries and exits, and rewarding them for reorienting back to me inside & especially coming outside of the tent.
3. Check In on Essential Cues
Before we head out, I like to brush up on a few key adventure skills:
Recall — Will they come back to me, even if there’s something exciting?
Leave It — Can I interrupt scavenging or a Stick grab before it becomes a stressful event?
Drop It — This is a LAST resort, but reminding our pups that the BESTTTTTTT thing happens when we say this key word so whatever they have is spit out in an instant.
✨ Want More Real-Life Training Like This?
These little routines are just a sneak peek of what we build in Campfire Companions—my 12-week program for people who don’t want to leave their dog behind anymore.
Whether you’re exploring local parks around Buffalo or planning your first big campout, we’ll work together on:
Real-world recall
Fire pit manners
Trail safety
Pet CPR & first aid
And yes… finally getting ahead of that wildlife-chasing habit
No pressure for perfection. No rigid obedience drills. Just practical skills that help you feel proud (not panicked) to bring your dog along.
Check Out Out Our Paws To Peaks Series Here
Looking for a new GPS Tracker? Check-Out our GPS Comparison chart!
Take care of each other <3.
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