Boot Camp, Kent, 28 July - 3 August Dear Campers, I am so very much looking forward to seeing you all in Capstone Farm, Kent next week! It is just a few days away and I would like to give you a few camping tips to make your stay with us easier, safer and more enjoyable. 1 We are in the UK, so to cope with unpredictable weather please come well prepared. In any case – pack it all - waterproof clothing and an umbrella, woollen socks and fleece, soft with no-heel shoes / trainers and a few changes of all your clothing, sunscreen and a hat, swimwear, towels (for both you and your dog) and mosquito repellent - it all might come handy. 2 Thermal flask and a bottle for drinking water, torch, picnic rug, photo / video camera and mobile phone with car charger will certainly be used a lot. Camping chairs this year might be needed again! 3 Hot and cold drinks and milk will be provided by us at the site together with some cereals for breakfast. Do not forget your favourite mug, bowl, plate and spoons +... We all have different ideas on comfort of our setting. 4 Some music, radio and outdoor games that you might fetch with you will certainly be appreciated by fellow campers… and their dogs! 5 Most of us are up-to-date with our dogs’ inoculations. You might wish to check on this just in case. Also, consider flea & tick treatment before the camp as you both will be spending a lot more time out in the wild… 6 Think safety, warmth, comfort. Pack whatever this means to you but do not overdo it – it is a week of close-to-nature get-in-touch-with-your-roots camping after all. Training refresher tips – this part is also not compulsory, but it will help you and your hound to fit into the spirit & rhythm of the Good Boys quicker and easier, so: Consider reading the book “Dima’s Dog School” as it might become your first step on the way to Crufts Obedience, Agility or Heelwork-To-Music Championships! To help you follow our lead I would very much like you to: HANDFEED your dog ALL their food (not treats) indoors and out on your walks for a few days prior to departure. Try not to leave your dog any options – you are the solo provider, and not eating NOW means you miss out and have to wait till the next meal time. A bit of a messy business, I know, but it will save us a lot of time at the Camp usually spent on motivating the dogs to listen and want to learn. Brush up on moves like: following your hand from one side to the other, around you both ways, coming towards you after food, reversing backwards away from you in a straight line. Twists and twirls (circular moves on the spot both ways), sit, down and stand, hoping up after food as well as keeping balance while begging and standing on hind legs, laying flat on both sides, rolling over, bowing etc. Cool moves also include going in and out of your legs, jumping over them, walking forward and back in a straight line, giving paws, catching a biscuit thrown up in the air and many more. Do not feel bad if not everything happens as you plan – this is why you are coming to the Boot Camp – with a bit of guidance and observing the others at work I am sure by the end of the week these all will be a child’s game for you both. Refresh your dogs’ responses to some more fancy moves – paw, roll over, crawl, beg, weaving between legs, speak etc – bribery and corruption is not just permitted but highly recommended here. Initiate some new games that you both will enjoy – tag of war, ball chase, search for various objects; pack some new and old toys. A blanket, towel and dog bowl, brush, bed (maybe a crate), muzzle, longer and shorter leash, clicker, tie-up post, some treats etc will make your dog feel like on holiday. Many of the above will be needed if you are staying on-site with us 24/7. And do not hesitate to speak to us – we will be more than happy to instruct you on all the necessary steps to make this highly enjoyable week even more fun for all attending.
Posted on: Wed, 24 Jul 2013 17:29:59 +0000