How to choose a doggie day camp

Submitted by Barbara Caruso

Summer day camps aren’t just for kids; dogs, too, enjoy a chance to learn from their counselors and play with their buddies in a safe, fun place while their family is away!

But, it’s important to consider several criteria when choosing a Doggie Day Camp:

- The number of dogs per counselor - An average of 12 dogs per person indicates a day camp with a focus on safety.

- Clean, well maintained facilities.

- The ability to separate small dogs from larger ones.

- And, critically important for the pet parent is to consider the training the supervisors receive.

Doggie day camp supervisors should use only positive reinforcement and should have a complete understanding of canine interaction, being able to recognize patterns of behavior and body language so that they can prevent unwanted incidents.

At Pet Suites in Aliso Viejo, camp supervisors are trained by canine expert and animal behavior consultant Penelope Milne, CPDT. For more than 25 years, Milne has been training animals and teaching others how to train them as well. She has lectured at veterinary and pet industry conferences, is a charter member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, one of the 3% of trainers who are CPDTs (Certified Pet Dog Trainer) and is the author of two books, Puppies! Why Do They Do What They Do? and Kittens! Why Do They Do What They Do?

When working with the day care supervisors, Penny’s focus is on prevention, not intervention- a philosophy shared by Pet Suites.

Rather than just watching for things that can go wrong, the supervisors at Pet Suites focus on keeping things going right, so everyone is safe, and everyone has fun!

When each eager dog arrives, he is given a proper introduction to the camp supervisors and to his canine buddies. During the day, as the dogs romp, each dog also spends some time working and playing with his Camp Counselor on an understanding of simple commands that will keep the play on track. These commands and cues include Sit, Stay, Come and Leave It, which are the foundation for calm, effective control. The more often the pet visits the same camp, the greater the understanding of these cues.

When camp supervisors need to intervene, they use clear-cut, gentle and effective protocols. These include interruption, redirection, and time-outs, so that dogs can learn, without being intimidated. Punishment only increases stress, and stress increases problem behaviors.

Camp supervisors at Pet Suites also carefully consider the environment around the dogs. What kinds of toys are suitable for which dogs? What kind of games fit the play styles of the various dogs? The goal is to create a fun atmosphere with very low stress for the pets, which means low stress for the pet families and a better overall experience.

“Dogs like groups that have stability and consistency,” Milne explains. “Well trained camp supervisors, like the staff at Pet Suites, ensure dogs will have the best experience possible.”

Since 1979, Pet Suites has been the leader in specialized pet care, offering a range of services including day camps, grooming, and boarding in individual suites with tempered glass doors (no cages!) and special amenities such as tuck-in service and story time. For more information, visit www.petsuites.com.