Camping, while fun, still has risks. In 2022, Crystal Turner and Kylen Schulte were murdered in their dispersed camping spot near Moab. I wonder if the situation would have had a different outcome if the women had a dog. This begs the question, is it safer to camp with a dog?
Having a dog with you while camping offers you several safety benefits. A dog can provide protection by alerting you to any potential dangers or intruders, deterring wildlife or other animals from approaching your campsite, and potentially fending off any threats. Additionally, dogs provide a sense of security and companionship while camping in isolated areas.
Read on to find out how dogs make camping safer.
Why dogs make great camping companions
Dogs have been man’s best friend for thousands of years, and for good reason. They are loyal and loving and can be trained to perform a variety of tasks. When it comes to camping, dogs can be invaluable companions for a number of reasons.
Early warning system
While camping, you might come across some uninvited guests at your campsite, like ferocious bears, sneaky coyotes, or even slithery snakes. But don’t fret; your four-legged buddy is there in your time of need. Dogs have an impeccable sense of smell and hearing, which makes them an outstanding early warning system.
Your dog’s keen sense of smell can pick up on wildlife scents from miles away, giving you plenty of time to get ready for any potential threats.
In fact, dogs’ sniffing skills are so spot-on they could probably even smell a mosquito’s breath. And let’s not forget about their sharp hearing – they can hear sounds that even our human ears can’t detect, like that subtle rustle of leaves from an approaching predator. So, if there are any unwanted visitors creeping up on your camping ground, your furry friend is sure to alert you in no time.
We were at a campground in Mammoth Lakes, sound asleep one night, when our dog woke us up with her barking. We told her to be quiet and go back to sleep. In the morning, we found the aftermath of a bear that had tossed our campsite. The bear had thrown the grill on the ground and had probably licked it! Yuck.
Protection from predators
When you venture out into the wilderness for a camping excursion, there’s always a chance that you may come across some of nature’s most feared predators – wolves, coyotes, and even bears! However, fear not, as your trusty canine companion can offer you an extra layer of protection.
Dogs, as it turns out, are natural-born guardians, possessing an innate ability to safeguard their owners from potential harm. In the event of a sudden predator attack, your loyal pup can intimidate and, in some cases, even fend off the threat to keep you out of harm’s way.
In fact, the mere presence of a dog can ward off potential predators from approaching your campsite altogether.
Most wild animals tend to avoid areas that reek of canine musk, so having your furry friend with you can help keep danger at bay. With your canine comrade by your side, you can bask in the great outdoors with a sense of safety and security.
At home, we had a bear come right on the porch and up to the glass entry door. Our dog, Trinity, held her ground and barked at the bear until my husband came to find out what she was barking at. The bear turned around and sauntered off. I’m sure you’ve seen the videos of small dogs chasing bears over a fence.
In addition, there are many types of livestock guardian dogs who protect their charges. Dogs have been bred to be natural-born protectors.
Of course, you don’t want to be caught off-guard when it comes to dealing with these potential dangers, so it’s always best to be prepared. If you’re in bear territory, you may want to consider bringing along some bear spray, just in case things get a bit too hairy.
If you’d like to know what gear will help you stay safe while camping, read this article that I wrote.
Assistance with navigation
When you’re out camping in a new and uncharted location, your furry companion can be an invaluable ally for finding your way.
Dogs have a natural instinct for exploring their surroundings and can often lead their owners to captivating spots that they might have otherwise missed. Furthermore, if you happen to get lost, your dog can come to the rescue by using their powerful sense of smell and memory of familiar landmarks to help you find your way back to camp. This skill can be especially useful when you’re camping in dense forests or on rugged mountain terrain, where it’s easy to lose your bearings.
I read an article in the Dodo about a dog who helped law enforcement find his lost owner. The owner, an elderly man, had wandered off. His trusty dog, Palomo, was able to locate the man.
Your trusty canine’s sense of direction could be the lifesaver you need in these sorts of situations. With your dog as your guide, you can confidently explore your surroundings and take in all the beautiful sights that nature has to offer, all while knowing that you can find your way back to camp when you need to.
Hunting and fishing help
If you’re planning to embark on a camping adventure and have hunting or fishing on your itinerary, you might want to consider bringing your four-legged companion along for the ride. Not only can dogs provide great companionship, but they can also prove to be a valuable asset when it comes to these outdoor activities.
When it comes to hunting, dogs can serve a variety of useful functions. They can retrieve the game that you’ve shot, track wounded animals, and even flush out birds from hiding spots.
Certain breeds of dogs, such as retrievers and pointers, are specifically trained for these types of tasks and can prove to be incredibly helpful in the field.
But dogs can also be a great help when it comes to fishing as well. With the right training, they can be taught to retrieve fish that you’ve caught and can even assist in scaring fish toward you. In addition, your dog can also lend a paw by carrying your fishing gear and supplies to your fishing spot, making your journey that much easier.
In his book Gospel Birds, Garrison Keillor tells the story of a dog who was known in his town as being a fishing dog. This dog wasn’t fishing support for his owner, this dog took it upon himself to go fishing.
Emotional support
Venturing into the wilderness for a camping trip can be an exhilarating yet nerve-wracking endeavor. However, bringing along your furry companion can make all the difference in ensuring a comforting and relaxing experience.
Dogs, being innately affectionate creatures, possess a remarkable ability to provide emotional solace and ease any homesickness or loneliness you may feel.
Studies have shown that spending quality time with your dog can lower stress and anxiety levels, as well as enhance your overall well-being.
With your loyal companion by your side, you can revel in the beauty of nature while feeling protected and accompanied. Whether you decide to sit by the warm glow of the campfire or embark on a scenic hike, your dog will be there every step of the way, providing unwavering love and support.
Warmth on cold nights
Have you ever heard of the saying, “It’s a three-dog night,” and wondered what it means? A three-dog night is a night so cold that it takes three dogs sleeping with you to keep you warm.
Camping can get chilly, especially at night. Dogs can provide warmth and comfort by snuggling up with their owners in sleeping bags or tents.
Your furry friend’s body heat can help keep you cozy inside your tent. Snuggling up with your pup in a good-quality sleeping bag can also be a great way to stay warm. Just make sure to bring extra blankets and gear to keep your furry companion comfortable as well.
Safekeeping of supplies
Dogs can also be responsible for keeping supplies safe. They can be trained to guard the campsite and keep food and other supplies safe from wildlife.
Our friend, Viera, bought a brand-new backpack. Unfortunately, she forgot to remove some snacks from the side pocket. A chipmunk chewed through her pack to get to the yummy snacks. That night, our dog Sullivan got revenge on the chipmunk. The next day, all that was left of it was a pile of bones.
Your dogs can also act as protectors of your camping supplies. With their keen sense of smell and hearing, they can alert you to any potential intruders, whether human or animal.
Your furry companion can also help keep critters such as squirrels, raccoons, and bears away from your food and gear. Just remember to bring enough food, water, and gear for your furry friend as well.
Campsite security
Dogs are excellent at providing security. They can be trained to bark at any potential intruders, deterring thieves and protecting their owners’ belongings.
Serial killer Isreal Keys preyed on people in the great outdoors, including campers, boaters, and fishermen. He admitted that if he saw a potential victim with a dog, he would do a hard pass.
Having your dogs with you while camping can provide an added sense of security. Your furry friends can alert you to any potential danger or strangers approaching your campsite. Their barking can also help scare away intruders.
Fire safety
Fires are a common danger when camping, but dogs can be trained to help prevent them. They can be trained to detect and alert their owners to potential fire hazards, such as a stray spark from a campfire.
A couple of times before the fire alarm went off (dinner was ready), our dog, Trinity, started to act strangely. I feel confident that she would let us know if there was a chance of fire danger.
Snake and insect detection
Snakes and insects can be a danger in certain areas, but dogs can be trained to detect them and alert their owners to their presence.
We haven’t trained Trinity to alert her to the presence of snakes, but she has had rattlesnake avoidance training. I highly recommend this type of training if you camp in areas where rattlesnakes live. I believe that her avoidance would alert me to the fact that a rattlesnake is in the area.
Search and rescue assistance
Your dog can also be trained to provide search and rescue assistance in case of emergencies. With their strong sense of smell, they can help locate lost or injured hikers or campers.
Their agility and strength can also help them navigate rough terrain and carry supplies. Training your dogs in basic search and rescue techniques can be beneficial in case of emergencies.
Always bring extra food, water, and gear for your furry assistants, and make sure to properly care for any injuries or exhaustion. Remember to also respect any park or trail regulations regarding dogs.
Conclusion
Bringing your furry friends along on a camping trip can provide many benefits, including added safety and security. With their keen senses, agility, and loyalty, dogs can help protect you and your campsite from potential danger, provide warmth and comfort on cold nights, and even assist in search and rescue efforts.