Camping with a Dog

Number one disadvantage here in Australia, is dogs aren’t allowed in National Parks. We know there are some spectacular things to see in most National Parks, so our easy solution is to camp just outside the NP. We generally can day trip into the NPs and see what we want to see in roughly a 1-4hour window, meanwhile Rusty is catching up on some sleep in our caravan, which is parked outside the NP. We leave our caravan all secure and locked up – with the top canvas windows open for air. She makes herself at home on our bed and literally just sleeps the time away! She has water, food and sometimes if it’s a little hot we leave our cordless Milwaukee fan on for her, plus she can move around and stretch her legs. She is not a big barker or yappy dog – so we are lucky in that respect, she doesn’t make a noise, unless someone is breaking in. We always ensure we take her for a big walk, before and after, if we do leave her for a period of time. Some people might argue that’s its cruel but with Rusty it’s not – like I said, she just sleeps! It’s like a child – after having her for 8 years, I know what she does and doesn’t like. In saying that, not all dogs will like being left so you need to decide whether your dog can cope and of course have a comfortable enough setup for your dog (shade, water, ventilation etc). We definitely don’t condone animal cruelty, and never leave her if it’s a hot day!