EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT POWER PAWS CAMP,
BUT MOM DIDN’T TELL YOU…


By Anne Dini, past, present, and future Camper

 

  1. 1.  CREATING YOUR HOME-AWAY-FROM HOME
    a.  BASE CAMP – you need a place where you can kick back, relax, and  rest your weary feet and after a long days of proving how agile you are in the ring.  The same goes for your dog (even those who don’t typically show signs of exertion).  With this, make your “base camp”, whether it be a tent, an RV, your truck or a luxury suite at the Motel 6, a place where you can do just that:  kick back, relax, and rest.  For each person (and dog) this will mean something different.  If you need time alone to revamp for the next day, be sure to make that time.  If you do better talking with a group of friends, or obsessing over the ins and outs of what was presented during the day, then be sure to create this release for yourself.  Motto:  Know thyself; know thydog.

    A comfy base camp includes the following essentials:
    □ CANOPY – create your ‘home-away-from-home’, while gaining protection from the sun and rain.
    Tip:  Get one that is compact enough that you can haul and set it up by yourself.  This just makes life much more manageable.  Available at Home Depot, OSH and other fine stores near you.  Consider buying shade cloths as well to drape from the sides of your canopy for additional protection from the elements.  Stakes and a mallet are also a good bet to keep any high winds from blowing your new home away.
    □ MAT – keeps things clean and dry.
    □ X-PEN/CRATE – containment = peace of mind for you and hopefully a more relaxing place for your pet.
    Tip:  If your dog gets easily excited, try covering your x-pen or crate.  Specially made covers are available, or just create one on your own with a shade cloth/bed sheet etc.  Remember about ventilation. 
    □ CHAIR – rest your weary laurels……… 
    □WATER – bring enough for both you and your dog.
    Tip:  Some dogs are sensitive to the water from new regions; bring an ample supply of water from home or purchase bottled water. 

  2. □ TRAINING BAG – bring your training bag, just so you’re sure you have everything. 
    Tip:  Make sure that it includes the following…(1) a slip lead to easily run your dog ‘naked’ in the ring, (2) a variety of treats and toys, including extra special ones that will be ample reward with all of the distractions he will be facing, (3) doggy (and people) first aid kit, (4)
    poop bags (need we say more).

    b.  PORT-A-CAMP  -  essential for nomadic treks from ring to ring.  You will find yourself under great duress unless you pack light when moving from one place to the next during the day.  Make life easier on yourself by having a few key essentials with you (and leave the rest at your Base Camp):

    □  CHAIR - a light folding lawn chair (preferably with a bag that you can swing over your shoulder.
    □  WATER (for you & your dog).
    □ TREATS/TOYS (for your dog, and OK, for you too; especially snacks for late morning/afternoon pick-me-ups).
    □ SOFT CRATE – yes, a soft crate, however ‘soft’ can get heavy, but remember your dog may very much appreciate this safe comfy place to be, and be less stressed and more energetic because of it.  Other options are using a stake to tie your dog’s leash to, but remember this isn’t necessarily the most relaxing option, especially when your pooch or other dogs may have space issues.  If your containment measure is a down-stay, make sure it’s just that, a down-stay, as opposed to a modified moving version.

 

  1. PROTECTION FROM THE ELEMENTS
    You know the run down…bring (1) sunglasses, (2) a hat (an official 4 inch brim is bonus points for you from the sun goddess and American Cancer Society), (3) sun screen (SPF 15+ waterproof recommended; more bonus points), (4) rain coat…
    Tip:  If your dog has a pink nose or skin showing around that area, he may burn easily in the sun.  Applying sun screen for humans works fine, but it is heard from the veterinary grapevine that using one that is specifically made for faces works best as it is hypoallergenic and likely to be more sensitive to the dog’s delicate skin in that region.

 

  1. BATHROOMS/SHOWERS – you do not have to be at the mercy of port-a-potties; yes, there are REAL (read flushable toilets and sinks with warm running water) in Turlock (and even at the Fairgrounds!).  Look on your map and you shall find. 
    Tip:  Use bathrooms/showers during off hours and avoid the rush.

 

  1. SWAP MEET – as the saying goes, ‘variety is the spice of live’.  Keep your dog’s spirits uplifted by swapping toys and treats with your fellow campers.

 

  1. LIQUIFY YOURSELF – keep yourself and your dog going with plenty of water.  While there will be thermos’ of water available for campers, its recommended to bring your own portable water bottles (you can then refill if you’d like).  Also bring any sodas/juices that you’d like. 

 

  1. REAL FOOD – one added bonus to all of the instruction at Camp is the FOOD.  And real food at that.  Note that lunches will include a variety of meats/cheeses/ for sandwiches and a couple salad choices each day.  The BBQ is known to be one of great fanfare. 

  2. PERSONAL SPACE 
    This applies to both dogs and people.  While dogs who have ‘special needs’ will be clearly marked, humans who have such needs come in a variety of packages and will not necessarily be as easily marked (although this depends on the human).  Remember to take things in stride and to give others and yourself enough space to ‘be’. 

  3. ADMINISTRATIVE STUFF
    Bring (1) directions to Fairgrounds, (2) directions to hotel, (3) badge & schedule, carry these with you each day so that you are clear on where you are going etc.

  4.  WHEN IN DOUBT, ASK
    If you have a question that isn’t listed in the Camp information provided, do not hesitate to ask any one of the Camp coordinators, not only Camp Coordinator extraordinaire Sandy Rogers, and the amazing Assistant Camp Coordinator Toni Isojnicki, but others as well including Bruce Brackman (volunteer coordinator), Jim Basic, Nancy Gyes et.al.

  5. YOUR SELF
    You need to be present at the competition in mind, body and soul.  Get plenty of rest the night before.  Arrive a bit early each day so as not to have last minute navigational distress.  Relax.  Breath deep.  Set an attainable goal of taking at least one key point of value away from each instructor that you see (knowing that problems won’t be solved overnight).  Remember that you are in this to have fun, bond with your dog, and make yourself a better trainer. 

  6. YOUR DOG
    Last but not least, don’t forget your dog; the same as above applies, we want him to be present in mind, body and spirit.

 

last updated 11/19/03