Today, the campers and the dogs all came in ready for their second day of camp. We started the day by going around the table and asking the campers how their night went.

Campers shared their experiences with their dogs, and whether they were afraid of the storm or barked all night. Campers were then given ways to create a more comfortable environment for their dogs, in hopes that their dogs will be less stressed and sleep through the whole night.

Then it was time to start crate exercises, where the campers worked on stopping their dogs from rushing out of their crates, and instead worked to get their dogs to wait patiently at the crate door.

Starting small, the campers progressed from opening the crate door quickly, to holding it all the way open for a few seconds without their dogs running out of the crate.

After completing their first training session, the dogs were ready for a walk and headed outside!

After their walk, the campers were introduced to massage. Different from petting, massage allows the campers to build a deeper relationship with their dogs and reduce their stress levels.

With the lights turned off and some background music playing, some dogs fell asleep, while others just leaned against their campers, enjoying the massage.

The dogs were then put back in their crates for a well-earned nap. Then we had a discussion about what the Doglando Foundation is and what they do.

We also talked about our visit the previous day to Orange County Animal Shelter and my experiences volunteering there. We discussed the wide variety of dogs they receive and the importance of volunteers giving the dogs a break from their kennels.

After that, it was time for lunch!

Our lunch discussion today asked the campers what their biggest pet peeve was, what their biggest fear was, and if they had a reality TV show of their life, what would it be called?

Following lunch, it was time to head back outside for some long line practice. Campers dropped their long lines on the ground and worked with their dogs trying to keep them by their side and recalling them when they strayed from their side.

Campers walked back and forth on the grass strip with their dogs offering reinforcement and praise when they stayed by their sides and came back when recalled.

After this training session, the campers headed back to the barn and discussed some of the difficulties doing this exercise.

Due to the variety of dogs, varying energy levels, and one being blind, each camper had to adapt to their dogs' needs in order to effectively teach them these skills.

After that, it was time for baths. Each of the dogs got flea baths, their ears cleaned, nails cut, and lots of praise from their campers. After their baths, the dogs relaxed in their beds with their campers.
 

Before the end of the day, the campers took a quick field trip to Wawa to pick up some snacks! Back at the barn, everyone packed their bags and got their homework for the night.

Another successful day of camp!

-Sofia