When we’re boondocking and our dogs don’t need to be on a leash they disappear in the night sky almost immediately, whether they’re five feet or fifty feet in front of us. Since we have more than a few flashlights on hand, Mark had the idea to put a headlamp around each dog’s neck. Genius! No more worrying about losing dogs at night. I’m not sure why it took us so long to think of this. If you already have, I applaud you!
I should mention that after dark our dogs don’t spend a lot of time outside so the headlamps get minimal use every night. Otherwise we would go thru batteries like crazy. If you have a solar setup, we recommend rechargeable batteries.
Hi! Like you, I travel fulltime and had my dog with me for 14 years, the last 5 1/2 years my constant companion on the road. Since I boondock exclusively I am out beyond city lights, roads and trails. Dogs always need a good walk, even after dark. I had the same issue as you shared, even though he never wandered far after dark. He always seemed to recognize the danger of a coyote or mountain lion in these locations. So years ago I started using the flashing little red light I use to use on my day pack when commuting to and from my job, often after dark. This required me to walk along some roads along the shoulder. Having the Blinking Red Light provided an extra protection. These lights are readily available at REI and other Outdoor Stores and easily loop over the collar for temporary use.
Hi Bryan! I knew there had to be people out there that have come up with good solutions for this. Thanks so much for sharing.
We also used a similar set up (somehow got lost)…ours was a little green LED light that was in a waterproof sphere (about the size of a large marble) that hooked onto the collar of our dog. We could set it to a steady light or a blinking light. Really made a difference when we were out in the middle of nowhere 🙂 Peace of mind for us at least! Here is the link:
http://www.rei.com/product/811706/nite-ize-spotlit-led-carabiner-light/?cm_mmc=cse_PLA-_-pla-_-8117060002&mr:trackingCode=9177B07C-D8F2-E111-BA78-001B21631C34&mr:referralID=NA&mr:device=c&mr:adType=plaonline&mr:ad=69122393680&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:filter=68532689080&msid=ltULqr4B_dc|pcrid|69122393680|
Thanks Greg!