We no longer try to separate folks by "partiers" and "non-partiers."  The bunkhouse has been designated as a "non-party zone."  Any loud or boisterous activities must be curtailed by the official start of "quiet time" (10:00 pm). If you feel the need to party or stay up later than that making noise, you will need to make arrangements to stay in a tent, RV, or off site motel or use the small craft building.  Please respect the rights of others trying to go to bed early and get their much needed rest!

Please provide a health certificate for your dog(s) showing inoculations or titers are up to date, heartworm check, recent fecal exam and overall general health. We need this done within the 30 days before camp, and then you may fax or email and bring the form with you.  Please make a note on your calendar to get this taken care of just before camp. You can find this form on the "Camp Info" page in the "Camper Info" section.  It is labled "Health Form."

Some Information About Dog Aggression

Many campers express concern about their dog's behavior. They are afraid that their dog will behave in an unseemly manner at camp. I usually advise people that a certain amount of communication by way of aggressive display is tolerated at camp. Aggressive displays are "shorthand" for true aggression, and they get the point across to another dog without the biting and bloodletting of true aggression.

The dogs are allowed to tell another dog to get out of their butt, for example, and if it means directing a growl and a snap in the other dog's direction, then we won't assume your dog is harboring "dog-to-dog issues" for insisting on being left alone.  This is just a warning communication to the other dog.  Not all dogs like each other or should have to suffer the unwanted attention of another dog. 

Some aggression is due to mishandling of the leash, or the owner not being aware of how to encourage a proper social greeting between two dogs, or the owner unintentionally reinforcing unwanted behavior. We cover this in the camper information materials on-line (read the "paper version of the pre-camp video) and on the first day of camp, and this eliminates a lot of "would-be" aggressive encounters.

We have very few "arguments" at camp between dogs.  However, in an effort to recognize the dogs who are in need of "rehabilitation," we ask you to complete the following Camper Profile. We have several dogs which attend camp who have been through "rehab," and have learned to control themselves and be quite social. But camp is NOT the place to bring a viscous dog to get him used to other dogs. We do not want our campers' dogs to be used as guinea pigs for a dog who should have already worked out his dog aggression issues in a "growl class," "feisty fidos course" or other rehab training. 

At this time, we would also like to inform you of some of our rules which we have put in place to insure that everyone's week at camp is a pleasant one.   If you feel that you would be unable to abide by these rules, please let me know immediately, and I will issue you a refund. The rules are for your safety and the safety of others and are meant to allow for maximum enjoyment in a controlled environment.  

Camp Safety Rules
Aggression Safety Measures:

·         No dogs are to go off-leash anywhere other than in their roomor the fenced play yard until after the owner reads the "paper version of the pre-camp video," attends the mandatory opening remarks, group dynamics, aggression prevention and safety lectures (these sessions are on the first and second day of camp.)  Repeat campers can use their discression about going off-leash prior to the other campers getting this needed information.

·         It is to be assumed that all dogs could be potentially reactive until proven otherwise. Dogs that are known to need more space can pick-up a colored bandana at thecheck-in table:
    Yellow means the dog needs more space from other dogs.
    Rainbow colors means the dog needs more space from humans.
    Blue means the dog should not be given treats without the owners permission.
These are NOT "scarlet letters,"  just additional information to others at camp to help you keep your dog feeling safe.  When you arrive at camp and through the first day of camp, it is best to assume all dogs are wearing a yellow and rainbow bandanna. Many dogs have never been in an environment like camp with so many people and dogs in close proximity and are likely to be a bit stressed by it. Don't approach any dogs without agreement from the other dog's owner.  All dog-to-dog approaches should be on mutual agreement between the two parents.  

·         Dogs with a bite history, or any dog which the parent would prefer be left alone will wear a yellow "caution" bandanna, which means "please keep your dog away from my dog." Be sure to keep your dog away from any dog with a yellow bandanna and don't let your dog lock eyes with ANY other dog for more than 3 seconds. 

The words, "Please move your dog back" are not "fighting words!" You must not be offended if someone says this to you. This also goes for speaking sternly to or pushing away another person's dog. If they are nosing around your dog (or treat bag), you have every right to ask the other dog's parent to get him back, and you have every right to try to get him away yourself, to prevent your dog from feeling like he is "trapped" and must act on his own or needs to defend his treats. If your dog knows you will "protect" him, he will have no need to try to defend himself.  The same goes for asking another person to put their dog's leash back on.  If another camper feels the need to ask for this favor, then it's time to put the leash on. It's a simple, temporary solution, so don't feel "picked on" and start whining if it happens to you. Your cooperation is appreciated.  

·         All dogs must be under the control of their parent (owner) at all times. This means on a leash, or under reliable verbal control off leash and always in your sight.  You can't control your dog if you can't see your dog, and it is irresponsible for you to let him/her get out of your sight where he or she could get into trouble at any time. The camp is in the Northwoods with LOTS of facinating scents of various wild critters.  If you don't think you can call your dog away from those scents or the sound of chipmonks rustling in the undergrowth, you might want to keep him/her on leash when not in a fenced area.  The perimeter of the camp property is NOT fenced. 

·         Flexi Leads or long lines (less than 30 ft) are allowed, but you should use common sense as to how much lead you give your dog. Please don't be insulted by this comment. We have actually had campers with zero common sense let their dogs run at the end of their flexis, putting rope burns on people's legs and overturning furniture that "got in the way." Everyone using a flexi will be considered "on probation", and if you prove to be unable to control your dog properly, or you injure other campers or your own dog with rope burns or "flyaway" handles, you will have to put away the flexi for the rest of the week. Don't force us to take your flexi away from you. 

·         We also ask that you not tie your dog to ANYTHING other than a human being at camp. Barrier frustration and territorial guarding increase arousal and can lead to aggression.  Plus, things that look sturdy might not be if your dog spooks or pulls.  then the object comes crashing down on the dog or gets dragged behind them, "chasing them" as they try to get away from it. 

·         If, after the third day of camp (after we have worked to mold the behavior of the dog and the person on the other end of the leash), there are still dogs who are having "issues" with other dogs that present a safety concern, they will be advised that their dog will be unable to pass the Dog Scout test at this time. If, at anytime, a dog is believed to be a danger to other dogs or people, he/she will be asked to leave, and a partial refund may be given to the owner.  

·         Dogs will be allowed continuous access to the fenced "play yard" area with other "safe" dogs, or alone.  Please heed the sign on the gate that can be turned to indicate if the occupants welcome doggie friends or would rather play alone.  Always ask if it's ok for you and your dog to enter the play yard BEFORE you open the gate and be sure the other dogs are held by their owners as you come in.  This will prevent escapes and prevet your dog from getting "mobbed" with greetings at the gate.  If you need to use the play yard alone, please be considerate of others wanting to use the area (especially at peak times - like just before meals.)

·         You must pick up your dog's poop if he goes anywhere in camp including in the "play area" and on the trails.  Do not let dogs play off leash in the fenced agility area. Do not let dogs urinate or defecate inside the agility field on ANYTHING. Make sure your dog is "empty" before going in, and stop him if he tries to eliminate inside the fence.

These rules were set up to make your stay more enjoyable. 

If everyone abides by them, a safe and fun-filled week awaits you at camp. Considering the unpredictability of dog behavior, we feel the peace of mind afforded by these restrictions will outweigh any minor inconvenience you may experience by having to comply with these safety measures.