All Smiles

Puppy Camp

Sometimes I think the second most feared phrase in puppy raising after “time for IFT” is “time for puppy camp.” I can understand this. You like your dog. You just got him somewhat under control and singing off the same page with you (or at least out of the same songbook). The last thing you want is to send him off to someone else.

But puppy camp is a very important part of your dog’s socialization. Our dogs must learn that sit means sit no matter who says it, that trash cans and couches are off-limits everywhere, and that the world will not end if their favorite person suddenly disappears. Puppy camp is also a great time to expose the dog to a completely different environment: kids vs. no kids, pets vs. no pets, going to work vs. staying home, chaos vs. serenity.

Puppy camps last a minimum of two weeks because there is always a honeymoon period when a dog goes to a new home. For the first several days the dog is on his absolute best behavior and you think “why, this dog is perfect!” Then, once you’ve let your guard down, the true personality of the dog emerges. I really don’t know why dogs do this; maybe they are assessing the situation before they feel relaxed enough to, metaphorically, walk around in their underwear. Also, some dogs may need extra time to acclimate to an environment that is very different from what they are used to.

Raisers are required to puppy camp their dogs at least once during the time they have the dog, but you should you consider that the minimum. Embrace puppy camp! Your dog will benefit from any new environments and experiences; puppy camp is a great way to accomplish that.

Good Times

Play Day