Campers began their morning by working on loose-leash walking, an important skill that teaches dogs to stay in step with their handler instead of pulling ahead.

The goal was to create a calm, steady pace where the dogs walked comfortably at their side. Campers used positive reinforcement, rewarding good behavior with pieces of kibble and plenty of praise to keep the dogs engaged and motivated.

Later in the morning, campers were introduced to longline walking, which uses an extended leash to give dogs more freedom while maintaining control.

In this exercise, the long leash is attached to the dog and allowed to trail along the ground. If the dog moves ahead of the camper, the handler steps on the leash briefly to interrupt forward motion and reinforce the expectation of walking alongside them.

To practice this technique before working with the dogs, campers played a game where one person acted as the dog and the other as the handler, allowing them to understand timing and coordination in a fun, hands-on way, before applying the skill with the dogs.

Next, campers loaded into the van for a visit to VEG – Vet Emergency Group, and ate lunch in the van.

At VEG, they had the opportunity to witness emergency pet care in action and observe various components of veterinary medicine, including oxygen tanks, blood samples, and X-rays. The VEG clinic is unique for its open-concept design, where all procedures take place in full view, allowing pet owners to stay informed and involved.

Campers then reached a farm supply store, Palmers, where they observed a variety of animals for sale, including ducks, chickens, rabbits, and goats.

While exploring the store, campers also took note of the living conditions these animals were kept in, discussing how some of the environments might not have fully met the animals’ needs.

This visit encouraged important conversations about animal welfare and the responsibilities that come with caring for different species.

Campers ended the day by swimming with their dogs for the first time.

This activity was both physically and emotionally challenging, pushing campers and dogs to step out of their comfort zones.

Swimming together encouraged the building of trust between the campers and their dogs, as the campers guided and supported their pets through this new experience.

It gave the dogs a chance to explore a different environment while strengthening the bond with their handlers through patience and encouragement.

Once nap time was over, the campers quietly got ready to leave to head back home, trying to allow their dogs a little more time to sleep before they left.

See you tomorrow!

Isabelle

Session 2 Camp Volunteer