The Best Dog Tents (Review) in 2019

Things to Look for in a Dog Tent

Dog tents are an investment so before you rush out and buy one, it is important that you are getting the one that will do the job you need it to do. Here are the main things that you should look out for.

• Size

Tents for dogs don’t have to be huge but they must be big enough for your pooch to be comfortable. Check that your dog can turn around and lie down in it. Some tents come in several sizes to suit different breeds.

• Material

It is important that the framework is strong enough to withstand a boisterous dog. Also, the fabric must be strong and durable and the stitching must be secure. There will need to be panels that are made of mesh to provide adequate ventilation to keep your pooch comfortable.

• Protection

The tent must afford at least some protection from the elements. Very few are completely waterproof but you should expect it to be water-resistant. It is also important that the fabric is thick enough to be dust and UV resistant. If you are traveling somewhere that is very windy, it needs to be strong enough to withstand gusts and you may want to choose a model that has stakes that are driven into the ground to secure it. In some locations, biting insects such as mosquitoes will be a problem so the tent must be able to keep these out!

• Assembly

You will not want to spend hours erecting a dog tent only to take it down again in a couple of hours! Choose a model that you can put up in seconds and take down just as quickly and that requires no tools.

• Portability

Dog tents are designed to be carried around the place when hiking, camping or at the beach for the day. This means that they must be portable. Check that the tent will fold away into a small space, is lightweight and that it comes with a carry bag – preferably with a handle.

Benefits of Dog Tents

Dogs soon fall in love with their tents! However, these handy little products are a lot more than merely a device to keep your pooch amused. Here are the main benefits of a dog tent.

• Containment. A dog tent is an effective way to contain a dog when you are at a camp site or at the beach. That does not mean that they are strong enough to stop a dog that is determined to get out! You would need a crate for that. You can train your dog to stay in the tent when you need them to.
• Comfort. Dog tents are a very comfortable place for your pooch to spend some time. They can have privacy if they need to get away from it all. Dog tents provide a comfortable and safe environment for a nervous dog.
• Protection. Most dog tents will provide at least some protection from the weather. Many are water-resistant so the odd light rain shower will not be a problem. There is some useful protection from the wind – many dog tents come with guy ropes and stakes that you drive into the ground. The tents also protect from biting insects such as mosquitoes. Many tents offer some UV protection but it can get very hot inside a tent so you must not leave a dog in them for long on a hot day.
•  Useful inside. There is no reason why you cannot use your dog tent inside your own home or in your own back yard to give your pooch a nice area to relax.
• Taking your dog to work. Do you work in an office where dogs are welcome? A dog tent is the perfect portable solution to give your dog somewhere comfortable to relax in your workplace.
• Portability. The main benefit of a dog tent is that they are so portable. They are designed to be put up and taken down in just seconds. They fold up into a very small package and they often come with their own carry bag. They are made of lightweight materials so they are easy to carry around.

How to Train Your Dog to Use a Dog Tent

Teaching your dog to stay in their dog tent is just like teaching them to lie in their bed in your home. It is quite straightforward but will require time and patience and some yummy treats. Work on this before you head off to the campsite or the beach! Have plenty of practice sessions with the tent in your garden or yard or even in your apartment. Here are the basic steps.

1. Lure your pooch into the tent and tell them to lie down (they should already know how to do this). Reward your pooch with a treat between their paws in the tent. If they stay in the tent in a down position, carry on giving them a few more treats. Then release them using an  “OK” command.
2. Repeat this step at least four times until your pooch stays in the tent.
3. Now, stand next to the tent and see if your dog voluntarily goes in to get a tasty reward! If they do, without prompting, give them two treats and lots of praise. If 30 seconds have elapsed and they don’t go in the tent, go back to luring them in for a few days and then try again.
4. Introduce a verbal command to go with the tent. You can call it what you like but ‘tent’ would be the obvious option! Stand near the tent and as your dog goes in and lies down, say the word clearly. Then reward your dog.
5. Work on duration. If your dog stays in the tent for 10 seconds, try 15 seconds and then keep adding 10 seconds. If your dog gets up, go back to the tent, use the ‘tent’ command and start again.
6. Work on distance. Stand further and further away from the tent. Your aim is to command your dog into their tent from any location. You must work on distance and duration one at a time.

Best Dog Tent FAQ:

Q: What is a dog tent?

A: A dog camping tent is a shelter that is designed to be portable and that is just the right size for your dog. They usually comprise of a strong frame that may be steel or fiberglass and a strong fabric outer layer. Dog tents are very quick and easy to put up and take down and are used to provide shelter and privacy for your pooch when you are camping, hiking or at the beach.

Most are designed to be used inside and outside and are weather-resistant but this is not the same thing as being completely water-proof so they are unlikely to keep your dog dry in a downpour. It is important that your dog is supervised in a tent, especially when the weather is really hot. The safest place for a dog on a very hot day is in a cool building with plenty of ventilation.

Q: How do I fold a dog tent?

A: Dog tents are designed to be put up and taken down very quickly. Some are pop-up products so you simply twist them back into a small shape and pop them into the carry bag. Others have an umbrella design and you put them down just like you would put down an umbrella. Others require you to remove the fabric cover first and then take down the framework. It should take just a few minutes and no tools are required.

Q: How do I clean a dog tent?

A: It is inevitable that dog tents will get a bit messy! Everything that comes into contact with dogs has this issue. The manufacturer will give full instructions on how to clean the tent. Always give it a good brush out inside with a soft brush before you pack it away. This will remove most of the dirt and shed hairs.

Every now and again, the dog beach tent will need a wash. Some tents can only be wiped down with a damp cloth. Others can be handwashed in cool water. Some dog tents are so robust that you can put the fabric section in a washing machine on a very gentle cycle. Always check the instructions.

It is vital that the tent is completely dry before you pack it away. If you pack away a damp tent of any kind, mold spots will develop and these will cause staining and damage to the fabric of the tent.

Our Top Pick

Our top pick of the best dog tent is both compact and stylish. You can get it in three sizes. It is perfect for camping trips or simply for using in your own back yard.

It folds down into a very compact size that is easy to carry around in its own messenger style bag. When you want to use it, it uses a clever umbrella mechanism to pop up into a charming tent shape. It is fully ventilated for your dog’s safety and comfort and has access doors with strong zippers.

Sources:

1. Camping with Your Dog? Read These Vet-Approved Tips – Pet MD