8 Responses to “Is it appropriate to take a Jack Russell Terrier on a camping trip?”

1. Ethyl says:

   February 24, 2011 at 10:17 pm

   As with any pet, you are best to have it a while and train it before taking it for extended trips out in public – especially camping where the dog could escape into the wild.
2. Kitsune Starr ~BSL Is Wrong~ says:

   February 24, 2011 at 10:54 pm

   If you decide to take him camping, there are a few essentials you need:

   1) First aid kit for dogs. Crap happens. You can only do your best to prepare for that.

   2) Plenty of food and water. And if the dog will tolerate it, a small backpack for his breed that he can carry his own food and water with. Dogs usually don’t mind that, in fact most love it as they feel they are “participating”. I have a Husky and she loves to wear her backpack

   3) if you are tent camping, make sure he can’t escape the tent. Same goes for a camper/RV. Keep him on a leash or a tie out during the day when you are at the camp site if you know he’s going to run off. The last thing you want is a lost dog.

   4) Reflective Collars. I know it sounds silly but if he gets loose at night and you go looking for him, that collar will help you find him. Also ID Tags and microchipping will also help.

   EDIT: The person atop me made a great point. Train the dog because if he isn’t trained, things will go very bad if he manages to escape.
3. Jane Marple says:

   February 24, 2011 at 11:32 pm

   Before taking a dog camping you need to first have established a trust between you and him. It needs to have been trained, have all its shots, and you need to be aware of all the possible accidents and dangers awaiting your dog. You have to remember a Jack Russell is a rodent hunting dog and its instinct will dictate him to chase after anything that moves low on the ground.

   Are we talking wild camping here or tourist camping with 100 camper trails on the camping ground?

   If you think of camping being on a ground with hundreds of other campers then make sure your dog won’t be a nuisance by barking and make sure you clean up after him. This kind of camping you can keep him on a leash all the time.
4. pielover says:

   February 24, 2011 at 11:51 pm

   It would not be dangerous. With a puppy I would reccomend him sleeping inside the tent with you like always and be in a cage. If you are thinking of adopting a older dog then I would say he could sleep next to you at night. Some dogs wont feel comftorble in the tent and un known place, then it is ok to let them sleep in the car. Make sure the camping place allows dogs first of all though. Before you take him on a camping trip do make sure he is well trained. Always remember bags to be polite. I hope this helps! Jack russell terriers are very nice dogs (i know someone who has one)! They are also not a pain to train!
5. whoopsy! says:

   February 25, 2011 at 12:20 am

   It’s a great idea to take him with you but if you are using designated camp-sites you will need to check that you are allowed to take him. You will need plenty food and water for him (you can buy disposable bowls – saving weight and space. A training lead is a goos idea so that you can loop the lead over yourself if unable to hold it in your hand at any point (perhaps hiking..) A reflective, light up collar or such to keep him visible in the dark. A fleece blanket for him to sleep on.

   As long as you are responsible then it should in no way be dangerous. As for any insect bites and such being dangerous, you will need to research the area you are visiting. You should take a first aid kit for yourself and also a little doggy first aid kit, much of which is the same as yours. Handy things are a couple of clean old socks and some adhesive bandage tape (in case sore/cut pads) dressings/bandages, antiseptic cream and wipes, anti-histamines and paracetamol. A little sugar and salt is good too (in case of de-hydration – boil water and add a spoonful of sugar and a touch of salt – the colled solution is good for hydrating human and dog when drank)
6. Lindsay says:

   February 25, 2011 at 12:22 am

   It depends on if your dog is a spaz or not. Like, if ur dog jumps around and stuff, it’s ur choice to take him or not. Also, r u going on a camper or tent? Becuase if in a tent, I wouldn’t. But camper, Heck yes!!!! But remember to always take him out on a leash.

   Hope this helps!!!!
7. Josiah says:

   February 25, 2011 at 1:22 am

   i always take my germanshepherds with me on my long expeditions, i usaly bring a dog first aid kit plenty of kibble, and dog rain coat.ive never had an issue with my dogs getting away while camping, but ive seen people lose dogs chasing after deer or other animals.
8. The Dog Shouter (Whisperer?) says:

   February 25, 2011 at 1:49 am

   Depends on what type of camping you are thinking about doing. I live in the midwest USA and even though camping around here is pretty safe, I would be hesitant to take a small dog with me.

   I live in a rural farming area. There are somewhat frequent sightings of wolves, very frequent sightings of packs of coyotes, I see bald eagles 3-4 times a year (they have a nest near my fathers farm), and recently, black bears have become a little more common. Not to mention the already prolific skunks. Any of those animals could injure or kill a small dog quite easily.

   However, if you are a savy camper, and your dog is reasonably trained, go for it. I take my dogs with me everywhere (they both weigh 75 lbs.) and we rarely have problems. Good luck.