Take Your Dog to Camp

For some people, a vacation doesn't feel quite right unless their dog can come along.  But planning a vacation that's fun for people and pooches can be almost impossible. But there's a solution:  take your dog to camp! All over the country, pooch-and-people paradises offer you and your canine companion a very special experience. Read on to learn more about these camps!For some people, a vacation doesn't feel quite right unless their dog can come along, too. The trouble is, planning a vacation that's equally fun for people and pooches can be almost impossible. Even if you can find a dog-friendly place to stay, finding activities that both you and your dog can enjoy can prove difficult.

But there's a solution: take your dog to camp.

We're not talking about just any camp, though. We're talking about a special place where you and your dog can truly have fun together: hiking on trails, swimming in a lake, learning activities such as agility or flyball or herding, or just sitting around being lazy. Think there's no such place? Think again. All over the country, a surprising number of pooch-and-people paradises offer you and your canine companion a very special experience.

"Camp offers a wonderful opportunity for dogs and their people to share quality time in a natural environment doing a variety of activities with quality instructors and other like-minded dog lovers," says Lory Kohlmoos, director of Camp Winnaribbun (www.campw.com) in Lake Tahoe. "It's a haven where all can socialize, frolic, and enjoy in a family atmosphere -- the ultimate pack."

Jeanne Richter knows exactly what Kohlmoos means. For six consecutive summers, she and her Old English Sheepdog vacationed at Camp Gone to the Dogs (www.campgonetothedogs.com), which meets in Marlboro and Stowe, VT. "It was the only time I could spend 24/7 with my dog with no outside interference, like having to cook," recalls Richter, who's now the camp director. "It's finding out what your dog likes and doing it with your dog."

Some owners are surprised at what their dog likes to do. A Golden Retriever might find that she likes to chase a lure around a field, the way greyhounds do on a track. A Pug might take delight in herding sheep. A mixed breed who hates getting bathed may love swimming in a lake -- especially after he has a swim lesson or two. A Parson Russell Terrier may discover a talent for skateboarding.

Not into sports? Don't worry. "Dogs love camp even if they are couch potatoes," says Kohlmoos. "We have couches!"

Meanwhile, both people and pooches are well taken care of. Dogs and humans stay together in single, double or triple rooms. Humans enjoy three home-cooked meals a day, while dogs can eat the same food they're accustomed to getting at home.

Not every dog is suited for camp, though. For example, the canine claustrophobe would have some difficulty. "A dog needs to be able to be confined in a crate or exercise pen, because the dog can't be allowed to run around the room unconfined when left alone," says Richter.

Kohlmoos says that dogs with health issues need to be okayed by their veterinarians before coming to camp, and dogs with serious aggression issues shouldn't come at all. "A week is simply not long enough to solve aggression problems, nor would it be fair to those who have friendly dogs and want a peaceful time."

But for the dog and person who spend a week at dog camp, the benefits can go way beyond mere relaxation or trying a new sport. "You become so much more bonded to your dog," says Richter. "This personal time you spend with your dog increases the closeness between you."

If you think dog camp sounds fun, learn more by logging onto these websites:

Camp Gone to the Dogs (www.campgonetothedogs.com): rates between $950 and $1,400 for one week Camp Winnaribbun (www.campw.com): $1,100 for one week The Dog's Camp: www.thedogscamp.com: $995 for one week Camp Unleashed (www.campunleashed.com): $649 to $799 for 4 nights Camp Dogwood (www.campdogwood.com): $425 to $755 for 3 nights Dog Days of Wisconsin (www.dogcamp.com): $440 to $525 for 3 nights

Susan McCullough and her Golden Retriever, Allie, have had a blast whenever they've gone to dog camp.