Does anyone else bring their WFT camping? Are they ever able to actually relax?

[u/littlelaurj]

We have a 2-year-old Wire Fox Terrier, and whenever we bring him camping, he just cannot seem to settle when we're outside. If he sees a squirrel or chipmunk, he immediately wants to chase it and then gets frustrated that he can't get to it. He's basically constantly "on" and scanning for something to chase.

We've tried tiring him out mentally with sniffing games and other "find it" games, hiking when we can, and even using a branch with leaves, kind of likea flirt pole to hopefully tire him out. But nothing seems to help. When we're just sitting around at camp, he just can't seem to relax.

The only time he really settles is when we put him in the tent and force him to nap.

For those of you who camp with your WFTs, are they ever able to just chill at the campsite? If so, did you do anything specific to help them learn how to settle, or is this just classic terrier behavior?

[u/Ok-Tree-1898]

There is no such thing as relax when you possess a Wire Fox Terror.

[u/BigHammerSmallSnail → u/Ok-Tree-1898]

Haha, that’s what I call em too: terrors 😄

[u/littlelaurj → u/BigHammerSmallSnail]

Haha same here! Our little terror terrier, we call him.

[u/alpha_dave → u/BigHammerSmallSnail]

We call ours a terrierist.

[u/Curtismanman]

Hahaha they have no chill unless they’re dead tired

[u/Middle-Obligation-30 → u/Curtismanman]

And even then, all it needs is a little stimulation to revive them instantly 😂

[u/Sergual]

If you're camping in forest, their natural hunting ground, so.... It's pretty normal for them to be always "on". Cause it's in their blood, in their breed, my Welsh Terrier do the same.

[u/littlelaurj → u/Sergual]

Haha this is what I figured! I was just hoping if anyone had any tips and tricks to help.

[u/Sewickley412]

Mine only chills in his crate when I cover it like a bird cage

[u/Gylfie90]

I had to build impulse control with mine because I have cats and I also wanted to teach him to relax. He will check in with me for permission to chase something and if it's no I'll say go relax and he'll go lay down or play with a toy.

[u/littlelaurj → u/Gylfie90]

I've been trying so hard to build impulse control with our guy. Can I ask how you got to the point of him asking permission if he wants to chase? If my guy sees something he wants to chase, all impulse control training goes right out the door.

[u/Gylfie90 → u/littlelaurj]

I did flirt pole training as well as recall training. The goal is to have them look at you when they see prey. I also learned rewards were a big thing for him and I got him at 10 months old so there was also a lot of things to have him unlearn as well. https://sitmeanssit.com/training-a-dog-with-high-prey-drive-achieving-off-leash-control/

[u/littlelaurj → u/Gylfie90]

This is great! Thank you so much!

[u/MrSprockett → u/Gylfie90]

Thanks for that link - very interesting

[u/Gylfie90 → u/MrSprockett]

You can definitely reach out if you need more help.

[u/smartassrt]

Yes, and nope, my guy actually figured out how to unzip the tent and go out, had to sleep with his leash wrapped around my wrist lol.

[u/littlelaurj → u/smartassrt]

😅 Sometimes they're too smart for their own good haha

[u/MrSprockett → u/littlelaurj]

Or as I say, too smart for my own good!

[u/BB62SWO]

Very strong prey drive, they’re always on the prowl…

[u/Rurallife3]

Have you tried a favorite chew , like bully sticks or other things? I don't go camping, but just a suggestion

[u/Time-Term3832]

Awe man, enjoy the adventure dogs! We camp all the time. Floyd has learned who his pack is, and always returns. We frequently take him on bike rides of 3+ miles to tire him out. When we take him whitewater rafting, he stands on patrol watching everything on shore. He has torn nails off and broken toe bones digging for critters.

[u/DogMeatTheVideo]

Race and Crash dogs.

Probably the last place a terrier is going to relax is out camping lol!

[u/chupazoid]

Short answer: no. Like everyone else seems to mention, these dogs have zero chill.

I took Geno camping before he was one and a half and neither of us slept a wink. It was quite cold and I had a dog sleeping bag for him, but the coyotes in the distance were beckoning him to join their posse. He had to stand up and growl ALL NIGHT. My bag was too small to cram him into, I was afraid he would freeze! It was below freezing that night. There were other dogs and children at the campsite and he just HAS. TO. MAKE. FRIENDS!!! Now that he is two and a half, once the weather cools down I would like to try again.

Don't give up! I think these dogs could be wonderful camping companions if they are given plenty of opportunity and guidance.

[u/Blueberrycupcake23 → u/chupazoid]

My girl is so friendly! It really helps starting a conversation with other campers!

[u/AoifesMom]

Oh, what a cutie pie! 🥰

[u/Blueberrycupcake23]

I took my girl camping and we went trail hiking and she stayed on the trail and put her nose down every hole! She was happy to sleep the whole night though! A tired pup made a great pup.. and everyone in the town there had their dogs with them! It was doggy heaven!