The summer holidays started and a little break away for myself and the dogs to Summer Handling Camp with Devon Dogs. Not to mention there being lots of photo opportunities!
Photos from the camp are available on my website. Click here to access and all profits go to Agility against cancer for Yvonne Goode
Although I have done several workshops with Devon Dogs it was my first camp. So off I headed to Westpoint Arena near Exter, call full to bursting and hoping that it would stop raining and I would survive the week in a three man tent with the dogs!
I can tell you now that I loved every minute of it and have already booked to go again next year! So if you are interested, read on and then book up soon as spaces will go fast!
The camp starts on Monday with the arrival from mid-day onwards and a welcome meeting late afternoon with Pimms and cake! A goodie bag from Devon dogs and the all important schedule for your week!
The Summer Camp attendees get prime camping positions above the training rings which would later become the Competition rings for Devon Dogs Agility show held Sat, Sun, Mon and Tues after the camp. Giving you four days of putting your training into practice!
Although not provided by Devon dog, electric hook up was available if required via the site for a very reasonable price. The was a very nice shower block at the main arena. A 5-minute walk or you could easily drive down there. There is plenty of space for walking the dogs.
So what happens at Camp….. Everyone is given a schedule of their lesson for the camp, lessons are Tues, Wed and Thursday and everyone has two, two hour workshops each day. There are also 1-2-1 slots that can be booked Monday – Friday.
Allocated in accordance with the preferences you provided prior to the camp starting. In between you are welcome to watch the workshops you are not attending or you can use any equipment that is not being used in the lessons to practice. You can also opt to chill out with your dogs or go and get any shopping you may need.
There are seminars each evening and then an organised BBQ, Quiz night and pub meal.
While you are not in a workshop there is plenty to do. You are welcome to watch the workshops you are not attending or you can use any equipment that is not being used in the lessons to practice. You can also opt to chill out with your dogs or go and get any shopping you may need or take a trip to the beach!
Tea and cake is available from late morning through the afternoon in the Marquee and Lesley Purgh from Colimanor was there with her trade stand for doggy treats, toy, harnesses etc.
What training is available. Here are some but not all of the options….
Weaves – Learn to Weave, G1-4 Weaves, Weave Proofing & Sequences for G5-7
Foundation and Life Skills – Foundation, Flatwork & Fun, Focus Fury, Recall 101, Shaping, Naught but nice survival skills, Puppy School, Loose lead walking, Become a better dog trainer. Chase and impulse controls.
Agility – Grids for competition and young dogs, G1-4 Handling, G5-7 Handling, European Handling, Front Crosses, Blind crosses, Ketschgers. Motivation, attitude and drive.
Conclusion – a thoroughly enjoyable week, blessed with great weather, fantastic people, trainers, dogs and venue. Lots learned and I had a fantastic time at the Devon Dogs agility show on the Saturday and Sunday running really nice courses in a relaxed atmosphere.
