Hammocking with a dog is fun. It is an age-old tradition that spans decades. But why do people go out with dogs instead of other domesticated animals? Well, hounds are fast and powerful. They help you hunt small game in the wild. 

Dogs also offer companionship. You no longer have to feel lonely during a long hike. Last and most important of all is that hounds protect owners from physical harm. A pooch does you a lot of justices. So, this begs the question.

Is Hammocking With A Dog Safe?

Safety is paramount to your success. Letting the pooch hammock with you has a ripple effect, both on you and the hound. The dog, for instance, spends the night in a safe environment, away from snakes and scorpions. You also gain warmth by resting beside the pet. It is a mutually beneficial relationship. 

Equipment You Need

You, however, need the right equipment to make your trip a success. Items you require for hammock camping with dog include:

• A dog ID
• Poop disposable bags
• Warm blankets 
• Food and water
• A leash
• A hammock
• A hammock tarp
• First aid kit
• Communication equipment
• Georeferencing tools

 A dog ID prevents your pet from getting lost even after wandering off. The first aid kit, for one, comes in handy during medical emergencies. It contains several components, including a band-aid that protects exposed skin from bacterial infections. The bandage also holds a broken leg in place.

Geo-referencing and communication tools are also valuable. They provide you with a sense of direction when in the wild. Investing in the best equipment is, therefore, necessary. It is also vital that you carry a disposable poop bag with you. 

Such a bag ensures you dispose of poop with ease. Last, you need the right hammock. A superb platform suspends you and your hound right. It also holds heavy loads in place. You do not have to worry about falling when sleeping. Preferably, you can strap an extra hammock in place. The additional piece accommodates large hounds better. 

The Ultimate Guide

Hammocking with a pooch is enjoyable. All you must do is:

Prep the Hound for the Journey Ahead

Is your pooch conditioned for the wilderness? Assessing your dog’s physical abilities protects the pet from serious health risks. Medical assessments detect illness early. You then receive the right treatment fast. Doctors, however, caution you from camping with a dog when it is under medication. 

Groom the Dog

Hammock camping with a hound is doable. You must, however, trim the fur to give the dog a decent appearance and eliminate ticks. Pests are a nuisance because they affect the quality of your sleep. Grooming also shortens long claws that might otherwise puncture holes into your hammock. 

Train the Pooch How to Hammock

Training is essential before you ever hit the road. Enough practice ensures the dog can jump in and out of the device with ease. It also protects your hound from severe injury caused by a fall. 

You must, however, position the bed closer to the ground for your efforts to bear fruit. Giving the dog enough time to balance builds confidence. You can then adjust the platform higher until the pooch has mastered this. Enticing the animal with treats hastens the process!

Pack Enough Supplies

Carrying the right supplies helps. For instance, you need enough food, water, and blankets for survival. You also require a hammock, tarp, bug net, and cord to make your trip a success. 

Leave Home Early

Camping takes more than enough preparation to facilitate. It is not something you wake up one day and do. Recall, you must find the right facility and supplies. Moreover, you need to formulate a plan, including the routes you need to take to reach your destination. 

Leaving home early, thus, ensures you cover more ground and reach your destination before nightfall. Recall, a lot of trekking causes exhaustion. It reduces dog movement at night, something that works in your favor. 

Find the Right Spot

Calculations come in handy during hammock set up. They guide you to an area with tall and sturdy trees. Big trees make anchorage easy. The vegetation also shields you and your hound from wind and rain. 

Did you know that a location with level ground ensures the dog can jump in and out of the hammock with ease? It is, however, your responsibility to ensure that you anchor the platform at knee-length. Too much height makes boarding and off-boarding hard.

Conclusion

Hammock camping with a dog is vital for your well-being. Your success, however, depends on the tools you use. Top-dollar equipment keeps you and your dog safe. Finding the ideal hammocking spot is also a wise move.