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  1. #1
    Senior Dog Jeff's Avatar
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    Off to Dog Scout Camp 2014

    So, since the forums got lost I can't link back to old posts. The long time members already know what Dog Scouts are but for those that don't here is a a brief explanation. Dog Scout Camp is the greatest place in the world for a dog to go on vacation.

    Hemi and I first discovered it when he was 10 months old. I was looking for something to do with Hemi and take a vacation. I hadn't been camping in years, but always wanted to get back into it. I figure camping with my 10 month old lab would be a great thing, but where to go. I start searching dogs and camping and Google turned up Dog Scouts of America. Dog Scouts of America | Let us learn new things that we may become more helpful.

    I had never heard of them, I asked Hemi's trainer, she had heard of it but didn't know much, I asked my vet who is very active in the dog community and sports. She had never heard of them but did a lot of research and said it really sounded like a lot of fun and encouraged me to go. So I bought a tent and Hemi and I went off to the unknown. I must honestly say this was the best time I ever had in my life. I honestly can't remember a greater time. I learned things about dogs, Hemi and myself I never knew. Hemi had the time of his life. This is where Hemi's painting career got it's start. This is also where Hemi trained in Wilderness Search End Rescue. This totally blew my mind. If you told me my 10 month old lab could find kids lost in the woods by smelling a dirty sock, I would have said you were nuts. But to actually see him learn and see those moments when he figured it out and what he was supposed to do. Sometimes I was left stunned. Dog Scout Camp changed Hemi and my relationship. We had a good one before, but I learned how to be a better owner and how to listen to him and how to talk to him. I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate going. It's not for the timid though, it can be rough at times but it is for me one the best things I ever did. Camp is in the middle if Michigan, out in the woods. There is a lodge there and you can camp in tent and RV. You are in the middle of no where ad in nature. You start working and learning with your dog from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. at night. You do not have to do everything. It is all elective but of course that first year i wanted to do everything, and I tried. Boy though were we pooped. I remember we got home Saturday and just chilled out for a few hours and went to bed at 10 at night. I had to wake Hemi up at 8 the next morning we ate went potty and went back to bed until 2. For more info on the dog scouts, Click here Dog Scouts of America | Let us learn new things that we may become more helpful.

    Anyway, Camp is next week. I am on vacation starting this friday and I don't return to work until Tuesday the 24. Othere than a few times this week no one will see me until then. So don't worry where I have gone off to. This is year number 3 for us that officially make Hemi a Veteran Camper. We get commemorative dog bone pins we can wear. Dad got his uniform out and washed and ironed so he looks good going to camp.



    I have no idea how many badges we are going to get this year. Also looking at the Schedule, unless I decide to go for his off leash hiking badge, we will have all mornings off. The events in the morning we have already done. However this year we will be going for Rally, Canine Musical Freestyle, Advanced Canine Musical Freestyle. New this year, Rally Free, which is a combo to Rally and Canine Musical Freestyle. Barn Hunt Barn Hunt Association LLC | The sport for vermin hunting dogs of all sizes Canine Massage and then what ever else we decide to try and do.

    Another Badge which should be easy for us this year, Hemi will be participating in the Canine Musical All Dog Band. Hemi has learned to play an instrument. He actually likes it, it makes a lot of happy noises. I knew people would ask, here is a video of Hemi playing his toy keyboard.

    VIDEO0051_zps98qvocrp.mp4 Video by bound4doom | Photobucket

    Last year we won the talent show as he did Pilates and I stuffed a towel in my shirt and we created a Skit from Saturday Night Live, I'm Hans and this is Fronz and were here to pump you up. This year we will be doing Hemi's Canine Musical Freestyle skit, He will be wearing his Collar he got from his Secret Santa Scout Pout too, the bow tie collar and he will be dancing to David Lee Roth's I'm just a gigolo.

    We got new things to try this year too. New RV, new mosquito repellent clothing. One badge I decided not to try this year. Too difficult, Boat buddy, while he can do everything on the list except one and it is a pick your battle kind of thing. The one thing that will be extremely difficult for him on Boat Buddy is boat must come to shore where other dogs are playing and he not jump out of the boat to go play with them. So hard for him to do. Maybe another year or two.

    Anyway, see you all in a couple weeks. I will still be around the board a little here and there this week but mainly getting ready to go.

  2. The Following User Says Thank You to Jeff For This Useful Post:

    LucyTudeOn4Feet (06-11-2014)

  3. #2
    Senior Dog kelsyg's Avatar
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    I can't wait to read your post when you return! I love your adventures with Hemi.
    Have a wonderful time.
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  4. The Following User Says Thank You to kelsyg For This Useful Post:

    Jeff (06-09-2014)

  5. #3
    Real Retriever Archie's Avatar
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    Love your dog scout camp photos. Can't wait to hear all about it.
    Laura, Archie & Quinn
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    Jeff (06-09-2014)

  7. #4
    Senior Dog CraftHer's Avatar
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    This sounds like so much fun! I know I don't have to tell you to have fun and take pictures!

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    Jeff (06-09-2014)

  9. #5
    Senior Dog POPTOP's Avatar
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    You two have the best times. Sure hope someone makes a video of the "concert".

    We'll miss you and Hemi but know you are both having the time of your life.

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    Jeff (06-09-2014)

  11. #6
    Senior Dog MontananDakota's Avatar
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    amazing!!!! Love that keyboard...have a great time, cant wait to hear about it.
    Hemi-such a good boy!!!!! and so happy he gets to do happy things

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    Jeff (06-09-2014)

  13. #7
    House Broken
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    Yay! Have fun! Can't wait for the pictures and report when you get back!

  14. The Following User Says Thank You to maczinger For This Useful Post:

    Jeff (06-09-2014)

  15. #8
    Senior Dog
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    Sounds like an amazing time! I really want to see a video of Hemi dancing in his bow tie, LOL.
    Stormageddon, Princess of Darkness, aka "Stormy"
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    Jeff (06-09-2014)

  17. #9
    Best Friend Retriever Sue's Avatar
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    Have a great time (as I know you both will). Can't wait to see videos of canine musical freestyle. Next thing we know, you'll be heading to Crufts to win the championships there. But I gotta say, I laughed out loud and nearly spit my OJ onto the laptop when I read the choice of music. "I'm just a gigolo." I love it!

    P.S.
    Hemi needs a full size keyboard. Next thing we know, he'll be composing music.

  18. The Following User Says Thank You to Sue For This Useful Post:

    Jeff (06-09-2014)

  19. #10
    Senior Dog Macy's Avatar
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    Have a great time at camp. Looking forward to a full report when you get back!

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    Jeff (06-09-2014)

 



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