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With about 24 million people per year nationwide traveling
with their family dog, it may not be surprising that there are over 20 dog
camp sessions offered throughout the United States and Canada. A dog camp is
not a kennel where you drop your dog off while you go on a vacation. It is a
planned group event where everyone brings their dog and the majority if not
all of the itinerary revolves around dog-friendly activities that you and your pooch can participate
in together. Some dog lovers come to
let their already well-mannered pooch socialize with other four-legged
friends, some to teach their dog a new trick or a new sport, and some just
to give their dog a chance to be a dog on a perfect "just for
dogs" getaway. One of the big advantages at a dog camp is that all of
the people attending either have a dog or are dog lovers and everyone
participating can share and enjoy the common bond of canine companionship.
The length of a dog camp session ranges from one day to
one week and revolves around dog-centric activities. Some of the most common
activities are agility, flyball, obedience training, games, tricks,
swimming, hiking and canine massages. Many camps even offer painting,
dancing and costume parties all of which includes the participation of your
best friend. While it depends on the actual camp you go to, the majority of
dog camp lodging is typically not at a hotel or even a motel, but instead
dorm style lodging which is reminiscent of a summer camp atmosphere. But
if you want more privacy, most of the camps can recommend a nearby
pet-friendly motel. Of course whether you opt for the dorm style lodging or
staying at a pet-friendly motel, your pooch gets to sleep in the same room
with you. One big caveat for families with kids is that if you have children
under 18 years of age, some of the dog camps do not allow them.
For folks who enjoy letting their dog run off leash, the
majority of dog camps allow the opportunity for your pooch to be leash free.
Some camp operators request that dogs be on leash during the class but then
off-leash the rest of the time and some camps request the opposite. Any camp
that does allow dogs off leash does require that your pooch be under your
direct control. All of the camps assume that the canine attendees are
generally well-socialized and comfortable around other dogs. But on the other hand, if your dog needs a little more socializing, dog camp might just
be the place to go. Check directly with any dog camp you might be interested
in as to their policies on this subject.
If after checking the list of dog camps below you find
there is not one in your area, here is another idea. Dog Scouts
in Michigan offers to bring the camp to you just about anywhere in the
United States and Canada. You can host a weekend "Mini-Camp" in
your own area. Dog Scouts will provide a director and core staff and you can
provide the location and some local talent like agility instructors,
tracking experts and other similar trainers or demonstration experts.
Many people that attend dog camp usually go back again the
next year. So whether you enroll in a dog camp or start your own, be aware
that you might just be starting an annual tradition for you and your best
friend.
LIST OF DOG CAMPS
CANADA (total of 4+ sessions)
Ontario
UNITED STATES (total of 17 sessions)
California
Illinois
Michigan
New York
North
Carolina
Vermont
Wisconsin
CANADA
Ontario
Dog Paddling Adventures
177 Idema
Road
Markham, Ontario L3R 1A9, Canada
905-477-2493
http://www.dogpaddlingadventures.com
Sessions for 2004: varies,
but usually at least 4; multiple dates in Jan-Mar, multiple dates in
Apr-Jun, summer dates and fall dates TBA. Sessions are one day to one week
long.
Sessions: group and
individual
Leash requirements: Off-leash
is encouraged. Dogs will be off-leash on trips and hikes.
Camp size: About 10 in a
group or make your own individual session
Camp Activities: skijoring
in the winter, hiking in the spring and fall, and canoeing adventures in the
summer.
Lodging: Tent camping except
during the winter when log cabin lodging is provided. Dogs sleep in your
room.
Food: One day trips include
a meal and snacks. Multiple day trips include all meals. Bring your own dog
food.
Vaccines or other dog requirements: Contact
them directly to see if proof of vaccines are required.
Rates: $100 per person for
one day activities, about $350 per person for 3 day getaways. Higher rates
for one week getaways. Rates include your dog.
UNITED STATES
California
Camp Winnaribbun
P.O. Box 50300
Reno, NV 89513
775-348-8412
http://www.campw.com
Sessions for 2004: 3
sessions; 1 each in June, August and September. Sessions are one week long.
Location of Camp: Located on
the shoreline of Lake Tahoe set among 33 acres of pine forest with a private
beach.
Sessions: group
Leash requirements: varies,
but in general there are off-leash times or activities.
Camp size: varies, but in
general 70 people and 100 dogs
Camp Activities: Depends on
the camp session, but in general includes hiking, swimming, lure coursing,
training, crafts, pet obedience, psychocybernetics, agility, health, frisbee,
carting, free time for relaxation and sightseeing, barbecue, games, tricks,
contests, camp t-shirt, dog bandana and more.
Lodging: Multiple-occupancy
rustic cabins with shared bathrooms. No motorhome space available. For more
privacy, off-site pet-friendly accommodations are nearby (deduct $100 from
camp fee).
Food: Breakfasts and lunches
plus barbecue. Summer Camp session provides 3 meals per day.
Vaccines or other dog requirements: Contact
them directly to see if proof of vaccines are required.
Rates: $950 per person. $100
non-refundable deposit per person is required.
Illinois
Camp Dogwood
3540 N. Southport Avenue
Box Number 178
Chicago, IL 60657-1436
312-458-9549
http://www.campdogwood.com
Sessions for 2004: 4
sessions; February (indoors), May, July and October. Sessions are 3-4 days
long.
Location of Camp: Ingleside,
IL, near Fox Lake in the Chain-of-Lakes region of Illinois.
Sessions: group
Leash requirements: Usually
on leash during most classes and off-leash between classes, on hikes and on
the beach.
Camp size: Up to 100,
usually around 60-85 people and 1 to 2 dogs per person. About 25-30 staff
members with their dogs.
Camp Activities: Agility,
behavior and training, lure coursing, rally obedience, herding, water
sports, frisbee, tracking, carting, backpacking, games, tricks and tips.
Schedules are usually flexible and you can choose most of your activities.
Camp is held on private property that offers 180 acres of fields, woods,
wetlands and an adjoining lake with beachfront.
Lodging: On-site private or
shared dorm-style lodging and/or cabins with shared bathrooms. Dogs sleep in
your room.
Food: All meals and snacks
provided. Campers can bring extra snacks and a cooler to keep in the room.
Bring your own dog food.
Vaccines or other dog requirements: Rabies
and DHLPP proof of vaccinations OR for people who choose to vaccinate their
dogs less frequently, bring your dog's titers results (blood tests showing
adequate antibodies). Fecal sample test results from your vet showing okay
results. Dogs should be free of fleas.
Rates: $400 to $650 for a
weekend (extra charge for herding class, CGC test and one-on-one training
session). No children under 18.
Michigan
Dog Scout Camp
5068 Nestel Road
St. Helen, MI 48656
989-389-2000
http://www.dogscouts.com/camp.shtml
Sessions for 2004: 3
sessions; 1 in June and 2 in July. All camps are 6 days long.
Location of Camp: Maple
Valley Conservatory in the Northern Lower Peninsula in Michigan. Camp offers
80 acres with hiking trails and a large pond with a beach.
Sessions: group
Leash requirements: Off-leash
is allowed if your dog is under verbal control (after the first camp
meeting). There is also a large fenced area for people who feel they cannot
let their dog off-leash.
Camp size: 30 campers per
dog camp.
Camp Activities: Activities
may vary per camp, but in general they offer agility, flyball, backpacking,
water rescue, IMPROV obedience, the art of shaping, herding, sledding,
frisbee, search and rescue, freestyle, carting, tracking, lure coursing,
painting, swimming, boating, hiking, and more. Learn topics like wolf
behavior, canine conditioning, first aid, dog massage, knitting with dog
hair, telepathic communication, and making your own dog cookies. Also the
opportunity for your pooch to earn merit badges (extra charge) and become a
Dog Scout. You and your dog can participate in as much or as little as you
want. There are no strict schedules.
Lodging: Dorm-style in large
open rooms which accommodate up to five (same sex) campers in each room.
Private rooms are available for couples and families. Off-site lodging is
also available. Dogs sleep in your room.
Food: Includes three meals
and a snack each day. Special arrangements can be made for vegetarians.
Vaccines or other dog requirements: Need
to provide a health certificate for your dog showing up-to-date vaccinations
(or titers test - blood test results for vaccine anti-body levels if you
choose to vaccinate less frequently), heartworm check, fecal exam and
overall general health. The health certificated is required 30 days before
camp.
Rates: $750 per person
(includes one dog). Additional dogs (and spouses with no dog) can be brought
to camp at a reduced rate.
New York
Competitive Edge Sports Camp
Dogs of Course
c/o Dana C. Crevling
128 Glen Avenue
Upton, MA 01568
508-529-3568
http://www.dogsofcourse.com/cesc/about_camp.htm
Sessions for 2004: 1
session; June/July. The session is five days long.
Location of Camp: Storm King
School (private boarding school) in Cornwall-on-the-Hudson in New York. The
85 acre campus is in the mountains and overlooks the Hudson River.
Facilities include a fenced lacrosse field (safe dog area).
Sessions: group
Leash requirements: varies,
but off-leash usually during class and during your own free time hiking or
swimming.
Camp size: varies but for
agility training, groups are usually broken into a one instructor per 10
campers ratio.
Camp Activities: Agility
training for those just getting started or those preparing for national
competition. Learn agility fundamentals, sequencing skills, intricate
handling, problem solving, and games strategy. When you are not practicing
agility you can hike or swim off-leash in certain areas or try tracking,
flyball, rally-o, and canine disc. The camp also offers social night and
games. In regards to the agility lessons, the main training field is in the
sun, so all campers need to bring their own shade/tenting, especially if you
intend to crate your dogs. There will be a large shared tent for you and
your dog to relax or wait under, but no pens or crates are allowed under the
large tent.
Lodging: Coed dorms with
community bathrooms. For co-ed dorms systems will be put in place to insure
privacy. Rooms are not air-conditioned. Dogs are welcome in the dorms. For
more privacy, try a request to stay at a nearby dog-friendly motel.
Food: Includes 3 big meals a
day with both meat and vegetarian choices. Pizza delivery is also available
or you can drive to nearby restaurants.
Vaccines or other dog requirements: Contact
them directly to see if proof of vaccines are required.
Rates: $1150 or less
depending on occupancy rate or if you stay off-site.
North Carolina
The Dog's Camp
Catherine Mills, Director
121 Webb Drive
Marshall, NC 28753
828-649-3691
http://www.thedogscamp.com/
Sessions for 2004: 1
session; September. Camp is one week long.
Location of Camp: Blue Ridge
Mountains near Asheville, NC. At the Claxton Farm, a 600 acre working farm
with hiking trails and a pond.
Sessions: group
Leash requirements: Leashes
required except for during certain classes or training lessons.
Camp size: varies, but
averages about 50-60
Camp Activities: Agility,
canine acting, canine photography, communications, confirmation, evening
activities, flyball, herding, lure coursing, obedience, obedience judging,
tracking, your dog's body and the T-Touch.
Lodging: Holiday Inn with a
block of rooms reserved for dog camp attendees. Dogs sleep in your room.
Food: Includes breakfast,
lunch and the Friday evening banquet.
Vaccines or other dog requirements: Contact
them directly to see if proof of vaccines are required. Limit
of 2 dogs per person. You are required to clean up after your dog. Dogs must
be quiet in the hotel rooms. All dogs must be crated when left unattended.
Rates: $1125 per camper
($975 + $150 non-refund. deposit) plus lodging at the Holiday Inn ($59/night
and $50 one time per stay pet fee).
Vermont
Camp Gone-to-the-Dogs
P.O. Box 600
Putney, VT 05346
802-387-5673
http://www.camp-gone-tothe-dogs.com/
Sessions for 2004: 3
sessions; 1 in June and 2 in September. All camps are one week long.
Location of Camp: The June
camp will be at Marlboro College in Marlboro, VT and the September camps
will be at the Mountaineer Inn in Stowe, VT
Sessions: group
Leash requirements: Dogs
need to be leashed in training and trafficked areas. There are many
opportunities for off-leash when in the fields and woods.
Camp size: June camp up to
200 participants, September camps up to 120 participants.
Camp Activities: They offer
25 to 50 activities per day, depending on the camp. You choose the quantity
and specify activities you and your dog want. Or you can just sit around and
relax. The activities depend on the camp you choose, but in general they
offer beginning through advanced agility, obedience, retrieving, clicker
training, lure coursing, tricks, games, flyball, freestyle dancing with
dogs, K-9 disc, tracking, hunting, herding, doggie swimming lessons,
skateboarding for dogs, jump rope for dogs, guided off-leash walks,
contests, doggie costumer party and leash making. Workshops and Demos are
available including Acupuncture, Acupressure, Tellington Touch,
Carting/Weight Pulling, Canine Massage, Spinning Dog Hair. Lectures include
behavior problem issues, CPR and first aid for dogs, cancer in dogs,
discussion on yearly shots and if they are good for your dog, and search and
rescue. In addition, September camps offer gondola rides for both you and
your dog.
Lodging: June camp:
Dorm lodging (single, double, triple rooms), woodsy cabins (4 rooms and
shared baths), or for more privacy (and air conditioning) they list nearby
dog-friendly motels. Dogs sleep in your room. September camps:
Lodging at the Mountaineer Inn.
Food: Included. All you can
eat choices, including vegetarian meals.
Vaccines requirements: Contact
them directly to see if proof of vaccines are required.
Other dog requirements: Doggie
poop must be cleaned up right away, dogs cannot be left loose and unattended
in your room (they recommend crates or small exercise pens), dogs are not
allowed in the dining room, dogs should not bark excessively.
Rates: With on-site lodging
the cost is $1,150 per person or less depending on single, double or triple
room. With off-site lodging the cost is $900 per person or less. Up to 2
dogs per person are allowed. No children under 18.
Wisconsin
Dog Days of Wisconsin
235 S. Greenfield Avenue
Waukesha, WI 53186
262-521-2005
http://www.dogcamp.com/
Sessions for 2004: 2
sessions; both in August. Camps are 3-4 days long.
Location of Camp: Camp Helen
Brachman in central Wisconsin near Stevens Point, about 140 miles from
Milwaukee. Camp is on 200 acres and on the shore of Pickerel Lake.
Sessions: group
Leash requirements: contact
them for details
Camp size: varies, contact
them for details
Camp Activities: May vary by
camp, but in general they offer beginning and intermediate agility,
waterfront games, lure coursing, TTouch, flyball, Ice Age trail hike,
tracking, first aid for you and your dog, barks & crafts, tracking,
treat cooking, dog sledding, grooming, arson investigation, rally obedience,
packing with your dog, nutrition, games and more. Other activities include
walks among the pines, playing ball or frisbee, photographing your pooch,
dress up for the Costumer Contest or just relax and unwind with your best
friend.
Lodging: Dorm style and a
limited number of private rooms available. There is also a dog-friendly
motel nearby. Dogs sleep in your room.
Food: contact them for
details
Vaccines or other dog requirements: Proof
of dog vaccinations are required in advance. Dogs not allowed in the
lunchroom. During meals your dog can be in a crate in the cabin, tethered to
your bed, or if all of the dogs in your cabin get along, you can work
something out with your cabin mates.
Rates: $495 or less
depending on lodging options.
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