I have a group trip planned for the beginning of July. We're bringing our two dogs with us and I was curious about what solutions people have for their dogs in the Boundary Waters? We have food, water and bedding figured out, but what about containment at the campsite itself? We have a fence at home, but we did once use a tie out as a temporary solution for our collie mix. He chewed through a nylon tie out very quickly. Are there any other lightweight solutions for this?

Any other advice for what to bring for our dogs? they've gone camping before, but never to the boundary waters. Some may think it's silly, but they both have life jackets with handles for lifting them out of the water if they leave the canoe, and we've gotten them used to the idea at the lake where we live. They also both wear saddle bag style packs for carrying their food and toys for easy access and for portaging.

You could try "Kevlar cord" dogs can't chew through it. Training collar works, but best if they know its for reminder only, rather than using over and over.

The best option would be if the dogs were trained enough to not run off on portages or in camp, so they didn't have to be leashed or tethered.

If they have to be tethered, you might try tying rope between 2 trees, 5' or so off the ground and having the rope go inside the loop of their leash.

That way they can move around (back and forth) without getting tangled up and will also help people not to trip as well. Since the rope is not on the ground, the material doesn't need to be something special they can't chew through either.

Are the dogs sleeping in the tents with you? They'll be fine outside unless it rains. I would never leave a dog tied up in the rain without shelter.

Also since your dogs run off, consider that on the portages you'll need at least one hand free to hold the dog leash. That may be an inconvenience to you while portaging canoes and heavy packs?????

quote LuvMyBell: "Also since your dogs run off, consider that on the portages you'll need at least one hand free to hold the dog leash. That may be an inconvenience to you while portaging canoes and heavy packs?????
"

A solution I found to that is to get a Ruffwear Roamer Leash. It's a bungee leash which is nice because it has some give/stretches, and the handle can be turned into a waist belt so you can walk with them hands free. Still makes it a little inconvenient having the dog attached to you, but much easier than holding onto the leash. Ruffwear Bungee Leash

P.S. If you sign up for this site as a member there is a Dog forum where you can get a lot of great tips.

quote LuvMyBell: "The best option would be if the dogs were trained enough to not run off on portages or in camp, so they didn't have to be leashed or tethered.


If they have to be tethered, you might try tying rope between 2 trees, 5' or so off the ground and having the rope go inside the loop of their leash.


That way they can move around (back and forth) without getting tangled up and will also help people not to trip as well. Since the rope is not on the ground, the material doesn't need to be something special they can't chew through either.

Are the dogs sleeping in the tents with you? They'll be fine outside unless it rains. I would never leave a dog tied up in the rain without shelter.

Also since your dogs run off, consider that on the portages you'll need at least one hand free to hold the dog leash. That may be an inconvenience to you while portaging canoes and heavy packs?????
"

Well now LMB since he stated the dog(s)chewed threw a rope, it makes sense to use something they can't chew threw. But then, no one really needs to post about options, because you are Mister I Know Everything.

So from now on people only post to IKE! Rest of us don't know ship. Did I miss spell that?

Ohh yeah leave your dog outside to feed the skeeters and ticks.

If my dog had a tendency to run off and needed to be leashed and tethered all the time..it would stay home. It would ruin my trip to constantly be babysitting a dog.

I love taking our dog on canoe trips. But she does not need to be contained or leashed at the campsite, she explores but does not go too far away. I do keep tabs on her, and every once in a while (rarely) she goes on the leash if there are critters like snowshoe hares running around. At night she sleeps in the tent, of course. I think if she needed to be physically contained most of the time, I would not bring her.

Whatever you do, do not leaver your dog alone at the campsite. If you go on a day trip or even a short excursion, the dog needs to come along.

quote GSP: "

quote LuvMyBell: "The best option would be if the dogs were trained enough to not run off on portages or in camp, so they didn't have to be leashed or tethered.



If they have to be tethered, you might try tying rope between 2 trees, 5' or so off the ground and having the rope go inside the loop of their leash.



That way they can move around (back and forth) without getting tangled up and will also help people not to trip as well. Since the rope is not on the ground, the material doesn't need to be something special they can't chew through either.


Are the dogs sleeping in the tents with you? They'll be fine outside unless it rains. I would never leave a dog tied up in the rain without shelter.


Also since your dogs run off, consider that on the portages you'll need at least one hand free to hold the dog leash. That may be an inconvenience to you while portaging canoes and heavy packs?????
"

Well now LMB since he stated the dog(s)chewed threw a rope, it makes sense to use something they can't chew threw. But then, no one really needs to post about options, because you are Mister I Know Everything.


So from now on people only post to IKE! Rest of us don't know ship. Did I miss spell that?


Ohh yeah leave your dog outside to feed the skeeters and ticks."

The OP must have one special dog....A dog that has gone through an evolutionary process where he can stand on hind legs like a human being for extended periods of time, long enough to chew through a rope that is suspended in the air 5 or more feet.

The OP clearly asked for options. This was a suggestion that I've seen others employ both at home and while camping to still give their dog freedom of movement without them getting tangled up or wrapped around trees from being tethered to a ground stake.

IKE

or just chew the leash. missed that one IKE

I too believe the BWCA is no place for a dog that runs off away from the owners commands. My dog is never 30 seconds away from me, not even wildlife or thunder will make him run off.

quote GSP: "or just chew the leash. missed that one IKE"

anti chew leash


lightweight chain leash

I have a plastic coated metal cable dog tie that my dog can't chew through sort of like a bike lock type of material. I can't remember where I bought it but likely Petco or some such big box pet store. It isn't terribly heavy or long and could be used with the elevated line between trees system previously mentioned.

You might want to consider some sort of solution to keep the flies off them. Our dog is miserable in the summer with the biting flies. We bring a big screen bug shelter on car camping trips but it would be too heavy to consider for a BWCA trip.

look up"jj the lost dog;.

quote topperone: "look up"jj the lost dog;."

Here's the link.....

JJ Found