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Tie out for escape artists while camping

2K views 7 replies 6 participants last post by  StormyPeak 
#1 ·
We adopted two husky puppies during the winter and were so excited to take them camping. We put their light harnesses on them that we use for walks only to find that they could back out of them in the blink of an eye. The 7mo ran around a tree and gave two quick yanks and took off running. :( Thank heavens we trained them to come when called but it was really tough with all the wonderful smells to explore. It was terrifying. We cinched down the harnesses with not much luck and wound up having to keep the older one on a leash sitting beside us the whole time unless she was totally tired out from the walks--with a husky puppy that's pretty brief. The 4mo that we weren't so worried about learned the trick on the last day but headed straight for the RV while we were packing up. We're avid campers and are looking for a humane but safe way to allow them to explore their world without it being totally stressful. We're always outside when they are but we were so stressed about having to keep the oldest on a leash right next to us at all times. No fun for us or her.

Any suggestions?
 
#2 ·
Hi there!

I camp with my girl all of the time. Luckily, we've done it since she was a puppy (and we often take long day hikes) so when we're hanging around the site, she can be off leash and not go anywhere. However, I camped with another dog who I had as a foster and she was not to be trusted off leash ;) I used a ground stake for her and that worked well. Since you don't leave your pups unattended, I think this would be fine. I would never leave a dog unattended while tied to anything.

Good luck and happy camping! :)
 
#3 ·
Sounds like it's not the stake you are having issues with but the harnesses. I've heard the ruffwear webmaster harnesses are great for dogs that can wiggle loose from harnesses because it allows for you to tighten the harness down the length of the body. They aren't cheap, but they are sturdy and I've heard are also great for hiking.

https://www.amazon.com/Ruffwear-Ref...0383572&sr=8-1&keywords=webmaster+dog+harness
 
#5 ·
Thanks so much for the help you two! I saw someone here mention the Doubleback harness on another post but at $125 a pop, that was a little rich for me. :) The Web Master looks like it would work great since the strap around the hips would be too tight to shrug over their larger chests. I hope! Still pricey but less than half the cost and I get to relax and enjoy my drink without launching it across the campground running after a dog. :rofl:
 
#6 ·
An appropriate weight rated carabiner (from the hardware store, or climbing equipment) and attach it to a properly fitted martingale collar (tight enough that your dog cannot back out of it) and also attach it to the chest ring of the harness. Will work with a regular h-harness.
And second (or third) not leaving dogs unattended at campsites (it's against the rules anyway).

Sometimes, if squirrels and things are being too distracting I switch my dog to a regular leash attached to me, or the picnic table (if I'm at the table) and that way he knows these things are unavailable for the time being. This is important for lungey impulsive dogs. A dog on a harness and long line can get flipped or yanked or twisted by lunging & getting line wrapped around his legs, so then it's better to have a short leash & let them chill. They'll get exercise on your walks.

And I tie out only to solid objects, trees, heavy tables. A quick release knot is handy.

Have fun camping.
 
#7 ·
Ours once backed out of her harness, while we were eating on a restaurant patio. She bolted into the restaurant and directly into the kitchen, with me right after her. She identified the cook immediately. Needless to say, I as quickly as possible scooped her up and went back to our table. The cook, a little later brought her some treats from the kitchen, fortunately everyone was a really good sport about it. Needless to say, not wanting a re-run of that event, and we have been back to that restaurant, but I double leash her, one attached to her harness, another to her collar, when we are in 'high risk' locations, like restaurants. Now she is several years older, and better at not escaping so much, but at restaurants, she still gets the double leash treatment.
 
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