Back From Camp. I know I am late puppies keep you busy

[Jeff]

So this was Cliff's first time camping, and sleeping in the RV. He was honestly awesome, he had no issues. He was crated during sleeping cause well puppy but he was comfortable.

We, arrived just in time to got for a even pack walk through the woods. Then everyone got to meet Cliff, one at a time, he had to sit wand wait until they approached if he stood and moved forward they walked away to try again later. So hard for a puppy but he got through everyone and all dogs. I was so thankful everyone was willing to do that. I unfortunately didn't get any pictures of it, we literally just arrived i parked the RV and went for the walk. I forgot my phone on the truck seat. We then had some supper set up RV went to the main lodge training and good behavior continued. Then we went to the RV where we played some before settling down.

Before going to the RV we took advantage of the Photo scene they had set up






In the RV I found it sweet, and fun Cliff decided on a favorite spot where he returned to all weekend.


Why I liked this, it was also Hemi's favorite spot. I am guessing it still very much smelled like Hemi.


Next Morning we had a pack walk




This was still a day early before all the fun and games started, we just came for more experiences. He got to meet the welcome man, and wondered why he didn't get petted.



He got some exposure to the agility field. While they were setting up a course he got to play and try some things. They had a practice bean set up about a foot off the ground. He did get on it and walk it later in the day.


He got to learn the table run up all 4 paws give him a 5 count and we run off again


Then Tunnels were scary at first. Then we shortened it up. One trainer at one end, me on the other, call him through love and praise make tunnel longer call him through love and praise. Then putting curves and other things in there. Tunnels were one of the favorite new things when we left camp.


He made a friend, Molly, who really was showing him the ropes.


He was really absorbed in watching Molly. He just sat and watched her run full courses and was like in awe


Later that day he was watching Milly Dock Dive, but he wanted nothing to do with the water..... that day.... more later


He continued to explore camp we had several breaks where we would go back to the RV and nap but 9 that evening in the lodge he was done


Next day the fun activities official started and I had to remember this was a 6 month old puppy. He was having a blast nailing everything. Just living his best life. The morning started with a Scavenger hunt he had to find all the escaped wild creatures lost in the woods.

Wild dog eating tigers


Ferocious Lions


Even Dragons


There were lots of other fun games he did, nose work games which he never did before but tried, he did great found 3 out of 4 items. The night before we were all given a small pillow to sleep with get out scent on and then we all lined our pillow up the dogs had to find our pillow by scent alone. Cliff at first wanted every pillow then eventually was like he this is Dad.

Another fun game was they had pool noodles wraped in paper to make logs, if the dog tore them up 0 points, but the goal was they were 20 ft away he had to go get them one at a time bring them back to me as many as he could in 1 minute. Never did that before either, I got him kind of excited about one then with a long line attached I threw it into the pile he ran down grabbed it came back then I pointed down he ran back and got another. He got 10 in 1 minute.


Later in the day we had free time and so we went by the water again this time he was brave wanted to see where that dog diving thing happened.


Then the labs all came out to play. He wouldn't get in but he got muddy and watched everything




He also learned that while washing off Drinking from the hose is a blast


One of the jokes we had running for a long time is if you see a big hairy 2 legged beast running through the woods it might not be Sasquatch but just Jeff out walking Hemi. They got a new Shower curtain this year in the mens restroom. Sasquatch walking his dog. Cliff proudly filled in to pose


When we all wrapped up, Cliff won 3rd place in games and won First place in the Fashion show in the Cutest use of Fashion category.


Most of the other dogs was not to sure about him, they all knew me but who was this crazy young puppy. They did warm to him and welcomed him to the club though by the time it was over they could hang with him.

[smartrock]

Oh hooray! I've been checking every day for the Dog Scout Camp report- such is my life these days!

Looks like you and Cliff had a wonderful time! So, there were 4 dogs in attendance in all? That would be so much more manageable than a dozen or more dogs running all around. I'm impressed that Cliff was able to contain his excitement long enough to meet each new friend.

I know you've mentioned your RV in the past but I don't remember seeing much of it. I've never been in nor traveled in an RV. From your couple of photos, it looks like something I could get accustomed to, as long as the dogs approved. I was talking about camping with someone the other day and admitted I'd like to go camping but the thought of sleeping on the ground and finding a snake in residence in the morning just wouldn't work for me. Now, an RV on the other hand, might work perfectly well.

Thank you for sharing all the photos of Cliff on his first DSC adventure. He's so cute and he's a lucky boy.

[Jeff]

So, there were 4 dogs in attendance in all? That would be so much more manageable than a dozen or more dogs running all around. I'm impressed that Cliff was able to contain his excitement long enough to meet each new friend.

LOL no actually there were only 4 labs, and one missing from the picture. There were more than 20 there, couple poodles, some bostons, a husky, border collies, german shepards. Just the labs are the most social and always involved in something

[Jeff]

I know you've mentioned your RV in the past but I don't remember seeing much of it. I've never been in nor traveled in an RV. From your couple of photos, it looks like something I could get accustomed to, as long as the dogs approved. I was talking about camping with someone the other day and admitted I'd like to go camping but the thought of sleeping on the ground and finding a snake in residence in the morning just wouldn't work for me. Now, an RV on the other hand, might work perfectly well.

So not sure if you remember the very first time I took Hemi to Dog Scout Camp, when he was 11 months. We went for 1 week and I was in a tent. Michigan Weather is so weird at times. One night it got to 50 degrees, one day it got to 90 degrees, we had a horrible thunderstorm. Then beautiful summer weather and dust and pollen. I absolutely loved dog scout camp but no way I was going to tent it ever again. So I bought an RV. Now the RV I had was really perfect for Hemi and me. Had 1 couch, one dining room table, fridge and storage and separate bedroom. The bathroom was small but usable and the shower was big enough I could stand fully up in and wash my hair without banging my elbows. I had that for more 10 years I think.

Anyway, over Covid things with RV's were super crazy. I actually got more for my 10 year old RV than I paid for it. So I bought a newer, bigger, one with way more features. Some of the features I didn't want. But I am glad I got them. Like the fireplace. You are camping have a campfire. But it is awesome puts out heat and can be controlled with a thermostat, Hemi and I last year were camping in 30degree weather. I have central furnace as well as air conditioning. Michigan Weather be damned.

View of me in my recliner, Couch side, the fireplace, Cliff the TV is above the fireplace.


Another shot, Cliff when he was first exploring the RV parked in the driveway.


Hemi though his last year he could no longer jump in the couch by himself. Though dad would still lift him up there if he wanted. He had a huge bed he would lay in and just cozy up to the fire.


Then another 2 features here. This RV has 2 doors, one in the bedroom. The main reason I got this RV. If Hemi could never use the stairs, the second door, I would set up a ramp so he could still get in and out on his own. Then you can see here in this shot, I also had steps built in, so Hemi could still get in and out of the RV bed on his own. A feature he really loved. And Cliff has figured out as well. RV Beds are very high, there is storage under.

[Snowshoe]

What a wonderful experience, I think I learned more about Dog Camp with this post than ever before. Good boy Cliff, you did well. The RV is nice. A friend has had problems with, and gotten tired of towing, her little trailer camper so has bought one of those little vans set up for camping but yours is much bigger. A whole couch, wow.

[smartrock]

You'll have to get a license plate that reads something like "Labmobile"! That's traveling in style!

[Jeff]

What a wonderful experience, I think I learned more about Dog Camp with this post than ever before. Good boy Cliff, you did well. The RV is nice. A friend has had problems with, and gotten tired of towing, her little trailer camper so has bought one of those little vans set up for camping but yours is much bigger. A whole couch, wow.

So your more used to the posts where Hemi and I went to the Main Camp Week. This still goes on where it is an entire week, and you focus on training and earning badges and dong things. However, Dog Scouts has grown quite a bit since then. They now have multiple weekend camps and fun camps. This was the Fall Fun camp, no badge earning just fun and games. One of the things that happened after I got busy and kind of disappeared was I actually became Chairman of the board for Dog Scouts. DSA has actually grown to have multiple camps across the country. There is a Texas Camp, a Pennsylvania Camp and a California one as well. The only difference is those places are rented for the week. The Michigan camp is 80 acres and totally owned by Dog scouts, with now Private cabins with heating and air conditioning, RV spots, a main lodge. Any dog scout member can come up and use the camp anytime as long as no other events are going on, you still have to pay lodging if your staying over night. Hemi and i used to go up there a lot and stay the weekend.

Then yeah the vans are ok, they suits some. However, I wouldn't want to go 2 weeks at a time camping in one with a Big Dog. Hemi and I did that a lot. The other disadvantage at least for me is if you want to go to the grocery or say you need to run to the drug store, you have to pack up camp and driver there, then come back and resetup camp. Then again they are very nice and mobile. One of the ladies that comes to Michigan Dog Scout Camp from Pennsylvania has one. She can just park at a rest area and sleep in her bed there. I have to level the trailer, unhook then have room to expand out the sides.

You'll have to get a license plate that reads something like "Labmobile"! That's traveling in style!

Speaking of Camping with Big Dogs.

LOL, you mean like this. And yes I got this plate back in 2018 and have kept it. I was trying and trying to get something like Labmobile, Lab Dad, and tried for over an hour they were all taken. Out of frustration I just typed in Big Dog. I was super shocked it was available. I hit reserve and went immediately to the Secretary of State to order the plate.

[barry581]

I've been having a bit of a rough day, and I can't tell you how much seeing this post has brightened my day. Thank you Jeff and Cliff, I look forward to watching more of your adventures!

[Macy]

Oh, Cliff, what a life you are leading. I always loved your Dog Scout stories with sweet Hemi- the talent shows and dog yoga I believe. This post and pics made me smile.

[Black Labbies]

WTG Jeff and Cliff! I loved reading and looking at your pictures! What great adventures the 2 of you are having! It's so sweet that you're able to include Hemi in this; he and Cliff sharing the same spot on the sofa, etc. BTW, Cliff has a very cute face and head!

I love your license plate! On our Aliner trailer, we have LABRADOR RETRIEVERS in black, yellow and chocolate (each letter a different colors) as our 2nd license plate. We've met some other Lab people because of our license plate. Now we're trying to find a spare tire cover with Labs as the theme (we're narrowing down our search on Amazon.).

Thanks so much for sharing your joy with us!!!