I've just booked our first ever family camping holiday in The New Forest - and I'm very excited.

The only thing is - last time I went camping I was 17 - this time I'm *ahem* a little bit older and will have 4 children and Oscar in tow! (and DH of course!) We're going with our neighbours who have a lovely goldie who Oscar loves to bits so it should be great!

I'd appreciate some advice from any seasoned campers out there - specifically regarding camping with dogs.

Thank you :)

Would this be in a tent or caravan?
We have taken our dogs caravanning for years and its great not sure about tents though but I would suggest you get one of those screw in thingys that goes in the floor and collar and strong line they are very handy for if you need to  fasten  the dog say whilst you are eating or while he is wet ,when we go in caravan we take soft beds as well for the dogs.Also lots of old towels for drying dogs.A lot of campsites insist dogs are kept on leads.also take some  extra winbreakers to put round the outside of the tent makes a good dog area.

Ive been camping a couple of times this year with OH and our bikes.  We are going again in a couple of weeks and taking my pup (will be 14 weeks) and my friends two dogs (2 years and 6 months) im sure it will be a riot :D :D :D  We checked out the campsite the other weekend and it is perfect for dogs.  Its on the edge of the New Forest and quite close to Bournemouth.  It is adults only and they own all of the surrounding woodland which will be great for the dogs.  I will be crating the dogs or maybe sleeping one or two in the car to stop them escaping from the tent.  Also dont forget a tie out stake to chain them to.

Hi Blondeird88,
new forest is great isn't it? :)
I was wondering about using a crate for Oscar but haven't used one before so thought I might put his bed in the back of our car if he wont settle in the tent - I think he might prefer that. Our car is a Zafira so there's plenty of room in the back when the seats are down. Not sure I want him in my sleeping bag! :D

Thanks Mattie,
we'll be in a tent. The screw thingy is a good idea - I'll definitely get one.
Will put windbreakers on my list of things to take - might keep the children contained too! ;)

I use the screw-tethers at night too, to ensure the dogs don't squeeze under the side of the tent and make off into the night :D  (Happened in Cornwall once, dog had an upset tum and needed to go to the loo, so off she went ..........)

M.

<<Not sure I want him in my sleeping bag!  >>  the new forest also gets really cold you might be greatful of him in your sleeping bag ;)

If you have him sleeping in the car make sure your up early the sun can get quite hot evry early

:D @ Blondebird88
Yep, will do, thanks Mattie! :)

We often used to camp at weekend Agility shows.  At one such show about 20 of us had takeaway on the Saturday night.  Some had Chinese, some Indian and some fish and chips.  During the night our Shepherd snuck under the awning of our tent, lured by the smell of the left over takeaway in our friend's caravan awning next to us.  When we emerged in the morning she was lying asleep next to all the empty containers with a chip hanging out of her mouth. Needless to say she didn't do any more agility for the rest of the weekend. :D

AH camping the best holiday ever, we are having 2 wks in cornwall again this year, when the folding camper come out of the garage my 4 dogs are ready and waiting with their sleeping bags all ready to go, never a problem, for some reason my shepherds have never wanted to wander off from the trailer, they are quite happy to have a walk and then laze around soaking up the sun and the peace and quiet, my westie was 9 months old when she first went and was soon settled. Have fun and enjoy.

we're taking the two staffy pups with us down to cornwall in the caravan next weekend for a week.they have both been before and are very good together.we use the tie out stakes to tether them whilst we are eating, sorting the van out, or we put them in their cage which is huge, in the shade, and they usually just chill out.It's amazing how they can fit into a routine, my only problem is that we have to leave the two labs at home looking after my daughter as they are too big to fit in the van, and too set in their ways to camp!!:)

You'll love it. Both our BCs come with us and love being outside all day every day, and it being the one time that they are allowed to sleep on our beds.  We're grateful for the warmth half the time.  Definitely get one of the tie out things, personally I dont put it on their collars but use harnesses, that way if they run after something they aren't going to harm their neck.  We keep them tethered during the night as well just in case they go walk about which gives you piece of mind.  Watch out for the dreadful kids that are normally next door - we had some last year next to us who thought it was funny to throw a ball for the dogs just outside their range where they could get it.  I did have words with mum who did very kindly give them a telling off but apart from that great fun.

Thanks all! :)
I'm looking forward to it even more now - I'm sure Oscar will love it and I know the kiddies will!

Have had the same problems. Its a pity the kids are not as well behaved as the dogs. Thank goodness for adult only sites.

We go to an adult only site, it is so peaceful ;)

What is the name of the site you use in the New Forrest? We have not tried this area yet and it is great to have one thats been checked out.

I have found that since tethering with the screw thingy my gsd pup pulls a lot more on the lead than she used to. So its back to day one with training to walk to heel. She is only 6 months but has managed to break one screw thingy. We took it back to the shop and they replaced it. So keep an eye on dog when on one of these things just in case.

the one I use is called "Back of Beyond" and is in St Leonards near Ringwood.  It is a very basic campsite but has what you need (clean toilets and showers, electricity and peace and quiet away from kids :D :D  Also a great pub within walking distance :)

Here is their website http://www.backofbeyondtouringpark.co.uk/ (sorry I cant work out how to do links :( )

Looks great! :)
I've got 4 children (who wouldn't dream of teasing a dog) so I don't think I'd be very welcome! :D
I could do with some peace and quiet! I'll have to rope in the in-laws for a spot of babysitting!

It does look a nice site, we should all get the kids looked after and all meet up with our dogs for a nice "peaceful" weekend.  Dream on!!!!!!  Jules

Blondebird 88

Is the local pub dog friendly?

While on the subject of camping does anybody know of a good campsite near to Windsor or on the way there from Devon.  We are going up to the Wag and Bone show and are thinking of camping on the Friday night and the next week so the journey isnt tiring for us and the dogs.  Any ideas? 

Im not sure if the pub is dog friendly as we didnt have the dogs last time we went.  It has a garden so I would have thought they would be allowed in there.  We are going again next weekend with the dogs so I shall keep you posted :)