amount of exercise they are used to, and they are also less
likely to mess in their boxes. I have a water tank on my ute
and also a large water bladder that sits on top of my dog cages
under the canopy. his gives me plenty of water so I am not
changing their water and upsetting their stomachs. Some of
the Nullarbor water can be less than ideal.
I like to let the dogs out irst thing in the morning and then
again in about 2-3 hours. Aer that they tend to be able to last
a fair while before they need another run. I try to let them out
at least four times a day, barring Nullarbor trips as I then let
them out as less oen as possible due to the risks.
Prior to my trip I try get the dogs in the best physical condi-
tion that I can, as they are less likely to get as much exercise
on the road and their itness will help them cope with travel.
I carry an electric folding bicycle with me but it is not always
possible to use it, but it is nice to be able to take the dogs for
a long run when possible. When traveling through towns, I
usually look for the show grounds, to either run the dogs or
camp. Sometimes Google maps will ind it for you but in some
towns when I have searched for them it has taken me to a car-
avan park. Oen it is better to ask, or look for signs. If there is
no show ground then a sports ground, pony club, football oval
or such is usually ok. Not all these places allow camping, but
most show grounds do.
Also be aware of kangaroos in some areas. It can be a bit scary
if your dog disappears into the bush aer one. Fortunately I
have a dog who is very noisy while I am letting them all out
and I doubt if there would be any wildlife around aer her
little displays. So a barking dog has its uses.
At night I like to keep my dogs in their boxes, but I know some
people tie them out. I did tie one dog out on one trip and when
I checked her before bed she was surrounded by large black
ants that apparently only come out at night. So I prefer to keep
them of the ground as you never know what may be around
at night. I also found that in some spots I have stopped the
march lies attacked the dogs to such a degree they just wanted
to get back in their boxes.I always carry a irst aid kit, including Scourban, syringes,
many rolls of vetrap, (Its cheap and useful, for yourself as
well as the dog) adhesive bandages, Cetrigen spray, antisep-
tic cream, anti inlammatory tablets, insect repellent, wom-
ens sanitary napkins are great for covering wounds and are
sterile, (he plain brand ones are cheap), thermometer, long
tweezers, antiseptic powder, Tufoot, (A treatment for torn or
sore pads) I also carry Hydrogen Peroxide which is not only
a disinfectant but can be used to induce vomiting if need be.However please be careful if you need to do this, preferably
ring a vet irst, or do your research on it before you travel.
Another useful product to keep on hand is coconut water,
which can be poured over the dogs kibbles if they have an up-
set stomach to help with dehydration. I also carry dog boots
in case of pad injuries.Some people travel in a convoy with others and while this is
great for some I ind it hard sometimes as running dogs to-
gether can be an issue, plus it means everyone has to travel at a
similar speed. However for security it is a good idea.I travel alone and have had the odd scary experience alone in
an isolated are. Usually my dogs will bark and this is enough
to scare people of. I just ind it easier to travel at my own pace
and stop whenever I want. I have a lot of music on my phone
and also listen to audio books, this can really help to pass the
time. On long trips I will travel between 400 and 700kms a
day, sometimes more, depends how tired I am. It does not pay
to push yourself too hard, you will pay for it in the following
days. (his is probably not as relevant if you are Young, Ha).So heading of with your dogs need not be too daunting. he
irst trip will be the hardest, and then it gets easier. I keep a
note of good places I have stopped at, for next time. Most of
all enjoy the experience, don’t look on it as something to just
get through, there is some lovely places to see along the way.http://www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 45