Merlot LOVED to go camping. Everything about it was such a pleasure for him. Hiking was his favorite pastime and camping always included hiking. He also loved to splash in streams. For those of you who do not know Poodle in German (Pudel) actually means “To Splash” which is very much a typical breed trait. If there was water to be found, he will drag me to it, choking himself in the process. Merlot never learned to swim properly. He always tried to climb out of the water, so swimming was not his goal. No, he simply wanted to get belly deep and run up and down the edge of the water, making everyone in his path wet and mucky. 🙂
Merlot and Major (Merlot's half brother) having the time of their life
Major, Merlot, and Sadie (on the shore, she never did like water)
Alabama Hiking Trip, 2001
Merlot camped with us in our camper, in a tent, in the car, no matter what sort of accommodations he was always game to go.
Merlot, Kenzie, Keith, Aiden, Flash NOV 2010. This was Merlot's last camping trip.
Camping with your dog is rewarding and provides some excellent socialization opportunity. My guys know that they must be quiet, no barking at the camp grounds. They must be calm, friendly, and tolerant, as space is often limited. Merlot could be a real jerk to strange dogs, but out in public he was a perfect gentleman. He always had a tail up, happy look on his face as if he knew “man if I get in that dogs face, that will cause mom to get upset and I will be sent back to the camper, no more hiking!”. He was bright enough to make this call and socialized enough to know he must be a good boy off our property.
In the mountains of CO, 2005"
AZ camping trip 2003
Beach Camping Trip, TX 2009
We took Lincoln on his first hike yesterday. It was great fun teaching him to jump over fallen logs, to hold back as I scrambled down a steep section and wait for me to get stable before moving. He was a trooper, very attentive to what I was teaching. Yes, he wanted to lead a little, but if I told him to get behind me in narrow areas or some place steep, he was always willing and would look around as if he was thinking “She must have a good reason for asking me to wait, I better listen”. Poodles are special dogs and the more you do with them, the better lifelong companion you will have. Get your dogs out. Take them to the park and playground like I did Mocha and Jazz. Take them hiking like Lincoln. There are so many good opportunities to experience new things. Gain your dogs trust so you can develop an amazing relationship.
Kenzie, Aiden, Lincoln, Becky: Sept 2011 Hiking in TX