KidsCamp!

Send your child and your dog to camp for a week!

​Since the summer of 1999, KidsCamp! a week-long overnight camp developed and designed for children (8-17 years old) and their dogs, has offered the opportunity to learn and expand our children's growth and knowledge through dog-related activities. ​Each day, training, not limited to obedience, tricks, and agility, is balanced with educational lectures and canine demonstrations.

While the dogs are resting, your child will attend lectures enjoy a healthy snack, and learn to read a dog’s body language and how to work with their dog’s personality to achieve success for themselves and their dogs. ​Over the past 20-something years, we have watched our campers rise to become amazing canine partners in their community and have followed many from pet sitting in their neighborhood to volunteering at their local shelters and a few are working in the pet industry with several graduating veterinary schools. 

​This camp is introductory in nature and a wonderful opportunity to grow an existing relationship and achieve amazing things as young trainers in five short days.

Here are some of the subjects that will be covered over the course of our camp week:​

• A basic study of dogs: Nutrition, Anatomy and Physiology, the role of the Veterinarian, All breeds & Mixed Breed Dogs are discussed.

• A trainer’s toolbox: How and when to use a leash and collar, equipment, voice, our hands and body language.

• Training Fundamentals: Communication, Correction, when to use food and Praise, cleaning up after your pet

• Basic obedience will include: Daily pack walks, Place, Sit, Down, Stay, Heel, Recall & Touch, Jump lane

• Agility training will include Ladder, Bowls, Rocker and Wobble boards, Walk boards, A-frame, Dog walk, Tunnel and much more!

• Safety: Dog/dog interaction, handling dogs you don’t know, reading a dog’s body language.

• Hygiene: Our own, our equipment, dogs living area and food/water bowl, grooming

• Always on the agenda: Public Speaking, Problem Solving, Team Building, Confidence building, Motivating your dog and Being apart of the pack

• Let's remember, afternoon adventures, swimming, hiking, crafts and evening campfires with s'mores!

Requirements of the camper:

• Age of the Child: 8-17 Years of age

• Parent Consent form

• Dietary Needs and concerns must be communicated

• Allergies to food and the environment need to be communicated

Requirements of the Attending Dog:

• Age of the Dog: At least 4 months old

• Crate trained

• Dogs should be in good health and able to sustain 5 days' worth of training.

• Proof of Rabies is required by Law

• Dietary needs and concerns must be communicated

• 1-6ft Flat Leash

• 1-Flat buckle or clip collar

• Training collar if available

• Soft, easy to break up and eat treats (several bags)
  

If your family does not have a dog but the child wants to participate, we can assign a dog to your child for the week. (No charge for this service at this time)

• Contact mahoganyridgeva@gmail.com for more information