I shouldn’t have to mention this. It should be obvious, but these days there are a lot of selfish, clueless people, and some of them go camping. This includes campers with dogs who let them run off-leash.
After my recent camping trip to Wekiwa Springs I felt compelled to write this post. It was not the first time that a dog running free had come into my campsite.
Most people who camp and bring along a dog are respectful of other campers, but a few seem to think that letting the pooch off-leash is perfectly fine. This blog post is meant for you. Someone needs to clue you in, because if you are one of the few who thinks it’s perfectly fine to let a dog run – on a trail, in a public area, on a beach, or along the campground road – please reconsider.
I understand that dogs need exercise. I know that most every dog owner will tell you that their dog is friendly. But that is no excuse for letting your dog run around a campground. AND, it is against the rules – for good reason.
Consideration for Other Campers
Here are three important reasons to keep your dog on a leash at all times.
First of all, some people simply do not like dogs. Or, they are deathly afraid of dogs! No campers want to be dealing with your dog in their campsite!
Secondly, you cannot predict how your dog will react to every person, other dogs and animals, or all situations. I know that dog owners believe their dog is simply the best. He wouldn’t hurt a fly. They think that everyone will love their dog as much as they do – so why not share the fun? I love dogs, but do not want a strange dog in my campsite. I don’t want a strange dog running up to me anywhere!
And third, there is a leash law. All dogs must be kept on a leash in state park campgrounds, and probably all campgrounds. Besides all that, it is common courtesy for everyone around you. (Read Florida State Parks Pet Policy page.)
(If you need a good leash, this one at Amazon (paid link) comes in varying lengths.) Keep in mind that some places specify maximum leash length, or less than 6 feet.
Consideration For Campers With Cats
There may not be many of us, but some people go camping with cats. My cats are afraid of dogs, as most cats are. Dogs chase cats.
My cats mostly stay inside the camper, but Skittle loves to be outside – even in the Florida heat. We bring a large crate (paid link) and set it up on the picnic table, or other shady area, and let her relax and enjoy nature with us.
Occasionally, when she comes out of the cage, we have her on a harness and leash and let her explore around the campsite. These little walks are brief because I know that cats are master magicians at getting out of a harness. If my cat is suddenly terrified of something, she can slip out of the leash and run. We try to choose very quiet times for this, and we keep the walks short and stay close to the RV.
Now, imagine that Skittle is taking one of her little walks and a big dog comes running into our campsite. She will probably slip the harness and run, and the dog will chase her. She will be gone, and hopefully not mauled by the dog. If we are lucky she ends up being okay, eventually she may make her way back to us. But many people lose cats when camping because they get lost and do not return to the site.
Dogs on the Loose, Too Many Stories
A while back, while camping in Ocala, a big dog was running around the campground. I thought it had escaped, and I saw people walking and calling the dog. Okay fine, dog’s can escape.
But no. They were keeping the dog close as they walked him/her off the leash all around the campground loop! It was a big dog with lots of energy, and it ran all through my site. I watched them walk up the loop while their dog explored all the campsites along the way!
At that particular time my cats and I were inside the RV. If the cats had been outside in the crates, they would have been terrified!
On my most recent camping trip to Wekiwa Springs, there was one dog that seemed to be off-leash a lot. The morning we were packing up to leave, I was having coffee outside and Skittle was in her cage on the table. Suddenly a big brown dog came walking down the trail right behind the camper. I thought, oh boy, a lost dog.
Guess again! Just behind the dog that was running free came a man holding a leash. The dog had stopped to look into my campsite, considering a visit, but moved on. If I’d been walking Skittle at the time, what do you think the dog would have done? Most dogs like to chase cats. It could have been bad.
Worry Free – How Camping Should Be
I go camping for peace and quiet and to enjoy nature. I always keep an eye out for deer and other wildlife. Dogs running around are certainly going to chase wildlife away.
Here’s the thing. I should not have to worry about dogs while I am camping! Whereas most everyone brings a dog camping, we seldom have noise issues. But dogs off the leash are the bigger problem for me.
There are rules. I wish dog owners would just follow them. Keep your dog on a leash… please. I’m sure you have a great dog that loves to run, but the campground is NOT the place. I’m willing to bet that if your dog sees my cat a chase will occur.
We all want to have a peaceful camping experience, and I do not want to lose my cat!
