COLUMNS
October 10, 2009 Some folks really love the outdoors. Their idea of a great get-away is to go camping, with tents and sleeping bags and all.
One of the benefits is they can take their dog with them.
Camping out with your pet can be a lot of fun, and the time spent together strengthens that bond between human and animal.
Plus, you both can get some great exercise out in the fresh air.
As your canine friend follows its nose, investigating all the new scents in an unfamiliar area, you just might happen upon something interesting that you would not otherwise have noticed.
Of course, not every campsite may allow dogs.
If you want to go where you know you and your canine buddy will be welcome, consider going to a dog camp.
Dog camps are set up specifically for dogs and their owners.
Some offer training classes where you can learn to work with your pet.
Some will work with owner and dog to deal with behavior problems like aggression or fear.
Or you can find one where you and your pet can just relax and play.
One example is a camp in North Carolina that caters exclusively to humans and their canine companions.
They have hiking trails, dog ponds for swimming, fenced play areas where the pets can enjoy themselves off-leash.
They also offer classes for obedience and agility training.
There is even a dog-walking service for those times when you're all played out but your best friend is not – or when you want to play somewhere else for the day.
You can rent a cabin or a trailer (dogs are allowed in both), or you can bring your own trailer or RV – or even a tent.
This particular camp is open from now until the end of November, so there's plenty of time to get away with your best friend.
You can find a dog camp near you by going online; type "dog camping" into your search engine.
And if you're feeling left out because you don't have a canine buddy to go camping with, October is Adopt-a-Dog Month.
So stop by your local animal shelter where you're sure to find the perfect companion, for camping or even for just staying home, when you're speaking of pets.
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