Perhaps the most unique quality of Camp Canine (compared with other canine care facilities) is that we consider our campers to be our customers--not the drivers who drop them off. We know that by continuing our tradition of maintaining a facility and running a business that puts the dogs first, that we will also make their parents happy! What are some of the things we do for our campers (that may seem unusual to non-four-footed critters)?

• Our indoor dog-accessible areas are all concrete walled (no plaster, sheet rock, or wall board). This not only complies with North Carolina Agriculture Department standards, but it also allows us to completely sanitize the walls without fear of water damage or breeding bacteria.
  
  
• All indoor areas have concrete floors, again to ensure complete sanitization, and drains for run off. This may give the appearance of an institutional flavor, but it's the best environment for our customers and they appreciate it.
  
  
• We are a crate-less facility. Our overnight campers bunk in private rooms. If separation anxiety is an issue our community program is discussed with parents. If our staff behavioral assessment is cohesive for this and once a parent/staff conference is completed parents can make arrangements to have their camper sleep in a community room with other pooches. This often alleviates the anxiety caused by feelings of isolation.
  
  
• Common dog areas are free from personal bedding or toys that could promote fights or pose choking hazards. Upon first glance, the lack of colorful toys and games on the premises may seem (to the human eye) like something is missing, but to the pack, this is a more natural existence. The lack of toys to covet means fewer reasons for fighting and a greater opportunity for a stress-free play day! Occasional use of toys is permitted in certain small groups with senior staff but knowing behavior is vital for this. Alleviating a trigger for aggression is the safest way to supervise dogs that do not live together on a full time basis and know one another’s tolerance for protecting a possession. The one thing about dog behavior that is predictable in that sometimes it is unpredictable, this can happen due to home or medical issues that may have not been communicated as of yet. You must re-evaluate and observer the same dogs every day as if it was the first time, prior to allowing toys, otherwise is just not safe. SO don’t expect it to look like a human day care, with toys strewn everywhere, most of the time when those kids fight over toys they don’t bite one another (“I did say most of the time ”).
  
  
• Swimming, like all other Camp Canine activities, is a volunteer sport at Camp Canine. YOU may want your dog tossed into the pool, but if your dog does not want to go into the pool, we won't force him.
  
  
• Dogs are leashed when returning them to their parents, but never pulled or dragged. If you are in a hurry when you come for a pickup, it won't change our technique. Many dogs are having such a great time that they are just not in a rush to go home.

By taking such good care of our customers, we, by extension, make their human family member happy. Read some of the testimonials to understand how our care translates into a better home life for the entire family.

© Copyright Camp Canine, Inc.