Camping with reactive dog

Submitted by cheynsf t3_11kkjl0 in Washington

Could anybody recommend some dispersed campsites that would work for a stranger reactive dog? We love camping but don’t want to be a bother to anyone else or stress our pup out. Thanks!

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non-member t1_jb7s3wu wrote

There’s nothing more annoying than a barking dog when you’re out camping and trying to enjoy the peace and quiet…. I commend you for trying to find places to minimize this issue, I wish more people would be so considerate.

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iamlucky13 t1_jb7ynbv wrote

No specific recommendations for dispersed camp sites, but regarding dog behavior, one of the things that we have found to help (at the suggestion of a trainer) is giving the dog an assignment. Telling a dog to be quiet doesn't mean much to it. Approaching it, getting it's attention, and commanding it to follow obedience exercises it knows by heart is a distraction, and also helps it focus on something normal, which can help lower its stress. This may require an increase in training frequency to make successful.

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cheynsf OP t1_jb7z6f8 wrote

I appreciate the tip! We’re working with a trainer in the seattle area but our boy came from an abuse case so it’s been slow going to make progress

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Babagawhou t1_jb80mn6 wrote

Check out Hipcamp. I specifically look for places that only have one site, as once you get into the places with multiple sites you risk there being another dog.

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whidbeysounder t1_jb9p4uj wrote

There is tons of land where you can do dispersed camping. No one’s probably going to give you their coordinates of their favorite spot but if you just buy a Washington Gazetteer look at forest service type roads and figure out who has jurisdiction over land, you can get a good idea of where there might be dispersed camping. You can also view the sites with satellite images and see evidence of dispersed camping.

Having an almost reformed reactive dog, I feel your pain just make sure you have control of your dog because even if you’re dispersed, someone or some thing could come into your camp at any time.

Good Luck!

https://www.wta.org/go-outside/new-to-hiking/camping-101/how-to-dispersed-camping-on-public-lands

https://www.rei.com/b/delorme/c/paper-maps

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datscrazee t1_jb81thu wrote

There’s sites on the peninsula that are pretty much open season, but right now there’s snow up those roads. Check out Hamma Hamma rd and Duckabush rd. At least for me it beats being in a packed campground regardless of having a dog. You’re a little more remote, but isn’t that the point? You can’t camp just anywhere, but when you find a spot, you’ll know it when you see it. That’s what I’ve done. Very peaceful.

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yungcarwashy t1_jb8lglh wrote

Really anything that’s extremely deep in the woods. The unfortunate part is lots of people like shooting out in the boonies. I like going up logging roads to find peace, just beware of wild critters

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Past_Entrepreneur658 t1_jba1lvc wrote

Every other camper appreciates you being considerate of others. Your best resource for dispersed sites is to look at each National Forest website. Search around for dispersed camping in the search bar. The site will usually list the areas designated.

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archaemes t1_jbadzqi wrote

Out of consideration for other campers and wildlife, use Trusted HouseSitters or board your dog until the behavior is corrected.

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cheynsf OP t1_jbakn1s wrote

I get where you’re coming from in this thinking but just because he’s reactive doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve to experience the world. We’re doing private training and he’s on medication. He’s not aggressive by any means so we’re just doing our due diligence in making sure if we go camping it’s not in a location where the sites are right next to each other with a constant trigger.

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Few-Wallaby9885 t1_jbfyaew wrote

You and you dog will be about as welcome as parents and a crying baby at the theater. Consider the community before you champion “dogs rights”. It makes you sound like an idiot.

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jujuxdoll t1_jb93x19 wrote

By reactive, you mean just barking at things? Or displaying aggression toward humans or other critters? There are no public places where aggressive behavior is socially acceptable. That being said, just take your dog wherever you go, and use the opportunity to become the alpha parent. Training is everything.

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