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Do you wish to take your dog along on a hammock camping with dog trip?
It’s unquestionably doable! Hammock camping isn’t a deal-breaker for spending time in the great outdoors with your pet, but it does necessitate a little extra planning.
It’s for that reason that we’ve compiled this list of quick and easy doggo suggestions for you. From early practice to the actual trail, we’ll walk you through the basics so you can have a seamless and incident-free hammocking trip with your beloved partner.
You’re now completely equipped to enjoy a successful hammock camping trip with your four-legged friend. From early practice and exposure to the hammock to deciding out your favorite sleeping arrangements and packing the extras you’ll need, you’re ready to hit the trail.
Early Experimentation
You can start preparing your dog for the impending adventure even before you depart! Because, as most of us are aware, unfamiliar settings and objects, including hammocks, can be upsetting for dogs.
As a result, it’s crucial for your dog to become accustomed to the concept of hammocks ahead of time, rather of attempting to cope with it on the trail. Getting acclimated to their appearance, seeing you in it, and knowing that you haven’t been swallowed by the hammock when you recline back out of sight (and perhaps precipitating a hastily planned rescue attempt to save you).
So go for a dry run with your dog and hammock at a local park or open space, and show them what’s in store. To illustrate how this weird device works, set up the hammock, let your dog examine, and then relax in it.
Now is also an excellent time to work with your dog to discover the ideal sleeping arrangement for them, which brings us to our next topic.
Make a plan for sleeping positions.
Because there are so many different sizes and temperaments of dogs, you should rehearse your sleeping arrangements ahead of time.
If your dog is little and enjoys a nice snuggle, he or she may be perfectly fine to spend the night curled up next to you. If your hammock is large enough, or if you are lucky enough to have a double hammock, this may also apply to larger, medium-sized dogs. If you intend to do so, make sure you practice throughout your dry run. Examine how they react to being lifted into the hammock and whether they can relax once inside.
It’s completely likely that your dog won’t enjoy the hammock life and will show signs of nervousness or discomfort when inside. If this happens, don’t worry; simply go on to our next suggestion, which is to have your dog sleep beneath or next to your hammock. This sleeping arrangement is also a realistic alternative if you have a huge dog, possibly in the Newfoundland size range, and sharing the hammock isn’t an option. Of course, this means you’ll need to bring a mat or pad, but it’ll be well worth it for a happy and comfortable dog!
If you have a larger dog who likes the concept of sleeping in a hammock but doesn’t have enough room in yours, you can always gain some extra style points by getting them their own basic hammock to sleep in. This hammock will naturally be set up a little closer to the ground and lined with a quilt (more on that later), and your dog may be an adventurous hammock camper like you! You’ll also have the added benefit of being one of the coolest persons in the camp, with a dog lounging in its own hammock.
Additional Gear
Although we’ve previously covered the mat or pad to provide a lovely warm location for your dog if they’re outside the hammock, it doesn’t guarantee you’re safe if you and your dog decide to spend the night in the hammock together.
In that situation, if your dog’s toe nails unintentionally poke a hole or two in the nylon hammock, the material will scream for mercy. We recommend bringing a thin quilt for your dog to sleep on within the hammock to avoid this. This will protect the lightweight material from harm during entry and exit, as well as when your dog dreams of chasing rabbits and starts running in his sleep.
We strongly advise you to cut your dog’s nails before leaving on your trip to further safeguard your hammock from the occasional toe nail. It’s also worth noting that a dog’s toe nails that are too long can cause discomfort and agony, so getting them checked up before going on a trek is essential!
Another item to pack is a leash to keep your dog close by at night, which should be self-evident. If you’re sleeping together in the hammock, this isn’t an issue, but if they’re sleeping on the ground, you’ll want to keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t go off on their own.
Both securing the leash to a tree and using your hammock anchor points are viable solutions. Consider tying the leash to your wrist for the night if you’re more concerned about receiving direct feedback, such as if your dog becomes anxious or tries to pull away. If you choose this option, we recommend that you avoid rolling over and over during the night, since this will gradually draw your dog closer to the hammock!
We’ve covered all of the necessary items for simply the hammock camping portion of a dog-assisted vacation. However, any hiking trip with your dog will require food, waste disposal bags, and a collar/ID tags!
That’s all for now, guys! You’re now fully prepared for a successful hammock camping vacation with your favorite four-legged companion. You’re all set to hit the trail, from early practice and exposure to the hammock to figuring out your preferred sleeping arrangements and packing the extras you’ll need.
Hammock Camping With a Dog FAQs
Q: Can my dog sleep in my hammock?
A: Yep! Well, if they like it that is. Just be sure to line the inside of your hammock with a blanket or sleeping bag to keep dog claws from tearing the fabric. And try it out before setting out on a long trip.
Q: Can my dog come hammock camping with me?
A: With the suggestions found in our article ”How To Hammock Camp With Your Dog,” you should have no problem bringing your dog along.
