Camp Dogwood

If you want to vacation with your dog, then Camp Dogwood is the community for you! When I first started looking for dog friendly vacations, all I could find was hotels that allow dogs and cities with great parks. I typed "I want to vacation WITH my dog" and found Camp Dogwood. I have almost 3 decades of summer camp leadership experience from residential to day-camp to university settings and I was really intrigued by a summer camp experience for adults and their dogs. So, about 6 years ago I signed my smart but cautious dog, Violet and myself up for Spring Camp. Staying in the camp cabins saved a little on registration fees is also more our style too. At first, I have to say it was a little overwhelming - how to choose between so many activities and how to best use the time! We tried so many dog sports in 3 days! Flyball and Agility were definitely Violet's favorites at camp. She especially fell in love with the Flyball trainers, who gave her treats for running and jumping! We learned that there are just too many scents in the field for Violet to get into Lure Course and that she'll track in the rain even thought she hates rain! We got introduced to nosework. We also tried Barn Hunt and went to a loose leach walking and a flirt pole class. Violet slept the whole 2.5 hours home and most of the 2 days after camp and soon after camp we signed up for local nosework classes, something we never would have done if we hadn't tried it at camp. Now Violet is a UKC Superior Nosework Pup! Since that first year, River the Cattle Dog/Mutt joined our family and I must say that having 2 dogs at camp works better for me than having one! We start every day with a quiet walk on one of the camp trails. I select 1 morning and 1 afternoon activity for each dog and they rest in their kennel when it isn't their turn. In the evening we either do a group thing or hangout with other campers and then together in our cabin before bed. River loves Lure Course and Barn Hunt. I fit in some less active sessions like crafting or flex and stretch exercises. We even tried dog massage class. River's first camp, we had a private photo shoot and Reny captured the pups completely! I learn so much about my dogs at camp and we always strengthen our bond. The camp photographers get some good action shots to remind us of the fun we've had. Camp staff cook and do the dishes. As someone who is usually planning large events, this is definitely the most stress free week of my year, when I can relax and enjoy myself. My dogs give Camp Dogwood 8 paws up!