Activities 2007

Agility, Agility Games, Agility Run-throughs, Arts and Crafts, Awards, 
Building and Improving Clicker Skills, Building Drive, Camp Store, Canine CPR, Canine First Aid, Canine Freestyle, Canine Freestyle Demonstration, Canine Idol Talent Show, CGC Prep Class, Canine Good Citizen Certification, Canine Troubleshooting, Creative Play, Flyball, Flyball Demonstration,
Game Night, Game Time, Hiking, Hiking Safely with Your Dog,
Inducive Retrieve, Introduction to Clicker Training,
Introduction to Canine Body Language, Leader of the Pack,
Lights, Camera, Action, Lure Coursing, Managing Canine Stress,
Canine Massage,
Meals Made Fun, Nails, Ears & Teeth ... Oh My!, Pampered Pooch,
Private Lessons, Raffle, Rally, Rally Run-throughs, Recall Remedies,
Search and Rescue Demonstration, Scent Games, Shaping Behavior, Skateboarding, Super Stays, Swimming, Tracking, Treasure Hunt, Tricks,
Tricky Tray, With Me! Attention & Heeling

Agility: Said to be the fastest growing sport in the United States, agility is your dog going over and through an obstacle course. In trials this event is timed and the fastest clean run will win. "I never thought my dog would do that!" is a common thing to hear after an agility class. Tunnels, chutes, & jumps (there's one made out of a tire) are all part of an agility course. The A-frame (an ~8' high pair of slanted panels), dog walk (think of a wide balance beam with an up and down ramp) and teeter totter (yep, you heard right - a teeter totter!) , known as the contact obstacles, are some of the others. Add a pause table (where your dog must sit or lie down for a short time) and some weave poles (poles placed ~18" apart that your dog must slalom through) and you have an agility course. The handler runs with her/his dog and guides them around the course. Classes for beginners and experienced handlers.

The courses break down into the following: 

• Agility Contacts This is a progressive class - three sessions over three days.  For all skill levels, focusing on the contact obstacles (dog walk, A-frame and teeter). 
• Agility Games:  Take one, two or three classes.  Different agility games will be offered to improve skills and have fun.  Dogs and handlers of all skill levels are welcome.
  • Games A
  • Games B

• Agility Tunnels & Jumps focuses on broad jumps, bar jumps, spread jumps tunnels and chutes - for dogs and handlers with no experience or lots of experience.  Course work will be included in each session. 
• Agility Weave Poles will teach your dog to weave or hone their skills.  A step by step method will help improve accuracy.  Dogs with no experience or lots of experience will learn and have fun. 

Instructor: Karin Damon

Agility Run-throughs: Run-throughs are available daily and each session will feature a different course. Various Instructors

Arts and Crafts: It wouldn't be camp without arts and crafts! Easy crafts for beginners and serious crafts for experienced crafters. Doesn't your dog deserve a new toy or dog bed? The "craft of the day" is included in the price of camp. More elaborate crafts require a fee for materials.

Awards: Stick around on Sunday for the Camp Awards. You never know, your dog may receive an award - perhaps most enthusiastic camper!

Building and Improving Clicker Skills:
The clicker can be a powerful training tool if it is used right. As with many things in life - timing is everything. This seminar will include "hands on" activities and games to help you become comfortable using a clicker and to improve your timing. This session will not include any work with dogs.
Instructor: Dawn Sullivan

Building Drive:
Get a more attentive drive in training, sports and day to day life. Building your dog's drive for food, tugs, balls and toys gives him proper motivation to work for you. We'll also cover how to get control if your dog has TOO much drive for something.
Instructor: Dawn Sullivan

Camp Store: Forgot your sunscreen? Need a first aid kit? Some more treats? Just need some retail therapy? Does your tired camper need a special treat or toy? Forgot your red bandana? Want to buy that cool thing you just saw in class? Then hurry over to the camp store. The camp store is centrally located and open convenient hours. Drinks and snacks are always available. Please bring cash or checks, the camp store does not take credit cards. Proprietor: That Dog Is Spoiled Rotten

Canine CPR: We hope you never need it but wouldn't it be nice to have if you do? Remember, knowledge is a light thing to carry.  This seminar does not include dogs so please leave your dog in your room or have her lie quietly at your feet.  Instructor: Karin Damon

Canine First Aid: What to do and what you should have on hand. Know what is an emergency and what can wait until morning. This seminar does not include dogs so please leave your dog in your room or have her lie quietly at your feet.  Instructor: Karin Damon

Canine Freestyle: You’ve seen Dancing With the Stars… now it’s time for Dancing With Your Dog. Learn some simple, but impressive moves, and begin to choreograph your own dance routine! Set it all to music, and you’ve got the makings of a great Canine Freestyle routine! No experience (or dancing skills) are needed — you’ll have a “ball” dancing with your dog! Instructor: TBA

Canine Freestyle Demo: What's all the excitement about? Come and see the fun!

Canine Idol Talent Show:
Show off your dog's hidden talent. Your "act" can showcase something you learned at home or a new skill acquired at camp. Fun & Prizes!

CGC Prep Classes A & B:  Is your dog a Canine Good Citizen?  If you want to prepare for the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen Certification, this is the class for you!  Different exercises are covered each day so take either or both - depending on what you need to learn or practice.  The CGC is open to all dogs, mixed breed and pure.  Show the world what a great citizen your dog is! You can take the Canine Good Citizen Certification Examination on the last day of camp.

The Breakdown:

• Class A covers "Reaction to Another Dog", "Reaction to Distraction", "Walking on a Loose Lead" and "Supervised Separation" .  Instructor: TBA
• Class B covers "Sit/Down/Stay on Command", "Accepting a Friendly Stranger", "Sitting Politely for Petting", "Appearance and Grooming" and "Coming when Called".  Instructor:  TBA

Canine Good Citizen Certification: CGC prep class and the CGC. Prove to the world that your dog is a Canine Good Citizen. Open to all breeds and mix breeds. No additional fee!

Canine Troubleshooting: Our panel of trainers is ready and willing to answer all your questions.  Bring your list!  Is your dog jumping on people?  Nipping?  Stealing things?  Running around your house?  Digging up your yard?  Getting underfoot?  Ask our panel and get more than one solution to your problem.  You may leave your dog in your room or have him or her lie quietly at your feet.  Various Instructors

Creative Play: Unlock the potential in your dog to be a brilliant problem-solver, a fast learner, an outgoing personality, and a reliable, well-behaved companion.  Providing sufficient mental and physical stimulation is the key.   Strategies for creative play, problem solving and environment enrichment will be discussed. Learn how and why dogs play and explore -- and use it all to your advantage. Get recommendations to help your dog achieve his or her full potential as well as recommendations on toys to buy and make. This seminar does not include dogs so please leave your dog in your room or have her lie quietly at your feet. Instructor: Donna Luzzo

Flyball: For dogs who LOVE their tennis balls - fast and fun! Dogs of all sizes and breeds will love the fast pace.  It's running, jumping and retrieving all rolled up into one BIG relay race.  Beginners and experienced dogs are welcome. This is a progressive class - three sessions over three days. Instructor: Dawn Sullivan

Flyball Demo: Come and see how it's done!  A local Flyball club will join us to demonstrate what the sport really looks like.  You won't believe how fast that team of dogs can go!  Running, jumping and retrieving wrapped up as a FAST relay race.  Dawn Sullivan

Game Night: Board games, Texas Hold'em, cash in your chips for prizes. Come for fun, come to win, come in your PJ's. Dogs under the age of 21 may not play.

Game Time: Come join the fun! This session is all play and no work. Relay and timed games for you and your dog will be featured. No special skills are needed … but bring your sense of humor. You might even win a prize!

• Game Time A: Instructor: Dawn Sullivan
• Game Time B: Instructor: Donna Luzzo
• Game Time C: Relay Games Instructor: Donna Luzzo

Hiking: Learn how to hike with your dog safely. One mile trail hike with emphasis on trail etiquette and safety as well as Urban Hiking - fun and safety in the city! Trail Hike on the 8,461 acres of Allamuchy Mountain State Park, a quick five minute drive from campus. You will be accompanied by your instructor who is also an environmental educator. Instructor: Jennifer Mokos

Hiking Safely With Your Dog: Find out how to hike safely with your dog. What should you bring along? Where is it safe to hike? How far can your dog go? Can he carry a backpack? What other “gear” should he have? Learn also the basics of trail etiquette and how to make the most of a day on the trail with your dog. Seminar Instructor: Jennifer Mokos

Inducive Retrieve: Did you stop competing after Novice because you couldn't get your dog to retrieve? Do you have a "non-retrieving" breed like a husky or bulldog? Or maybe you just want a dog to bring you the TV remote when you drop it! ALL breeds can learn to retrieve and have fun doing it. We've trained everything from shar-pei's to beagles. Come on and give it a try. This is a progressive class - three sessions over three days. Instructor: Susan D. Greenbaum

Introduction to Canine Body Language: Learn how to "speak" or at least understand the language of dogs. This program will help you recognize what canine postures, movements and positioning really mean. You'll learn to identify signals we humans often miss or misinterpret. What is one dog trying to communicate to another? Is your dog's (or his playmate's) body language friendly? Fearful? Agitated? Are you witnessing enthusiastic play or bullying. We'll help you break down the language barrier.
Instructor: Susan D. Greenbaum

Introduction to Clicker Training: What is that little noisemaker? And what’s it for? Clicker training is popular the world over. Find out how it works and why. Learn to shape behaviors and effectively communicate with your dog. Success is just a click away.
Instructor: Dawn Sullivan

Leader of the Pack: For the multi-dog or soon to be multi-dog owner. This program will help you become an effective, fair and fun leader of your very own pack. Gain a better understanding of the differences between living with one dog and living with multiple dogs and discover simple strategies for keeping your household safe and sane.
Instructor: Susan D. Greenbaum

Lights, Camera, Action: Have you ever wondered if your dog could be a star? Find out what it is really like to have a working "show biz" dog. The Barking Hills Canine All Stars have been seen for seven seasons on Saturday Night Live as well as Conan O'Brien and One Life to Live as well as numerous commercials including Home Depot, Claritin, Citizen's Bank, Lowe's, Pedigree, Subway and Verizon. You may have seen them on the cover of US News and World Report or on the Purina Beneful Bag. This is a working seminar to teach you how to work with your dog to make them more "employable" and give them skills that the agency and the clients like dogs to have. Instructor: Susan D. Greenbaum

Lure Coursing: Fun and fast for all sizes. Lure Coursing is letting your dog do what comes naturally - chase stuff. The area is completely fenced and dogs who have never tried coursing are invited. Your dog must be a minimum of one year of age, physically mature for their breed and you must have your veterinarian clear your dog for this sport. Lure coursing is lots of fun but the dogs run hard so please check with your veterinarian. Dogs will be run individually and the Hunt Master has final say on temperature, weather and turf cancellations, whether a dog may run and how many times a dog may run in a day. Each camper will receive four lure coursing tickets which may be used anytime during the three days. Lure Coursing is first come, first served. Hunt Master: Marci Lynne

Managing Canine Stress: The popularity of having dogs participate in varied activities and sports is on the increase.  Rally, Agility, Flyball, Competition Obedience, Field Work, Tracking, Draft Competitions and Animal Assisted Activities are just a few examples. Dog/handler teams work in many different environments doing various types of work and the dogs are both family pets and working/performance dogs.  In order for the dog to have a long, successful working career, the animal's stress needs to be carefully managed.  Stress factors and ways to manage the animal's stress will be discussed.  This seminar does not include dogs so please leave your dog in your room or have her lie quietly at your feet.  Susan D. Greenbaum

Massage: Whether you want to keep a canine athlete in shape or simply pamper your pooch, learning to give a stimulating canine massage will strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Instructor: Karin Damon

Meals Made Fun: Dinner in a dog bowl again? How boring! Find some new, interesting and inventive ways to feed your dog his dinner! Turn meal time into adventure for your dog. He’ll get double the pleasure and double the fun. Great mental stimulation for every dog, great solutions for “gobblers,” and good remedies for boredom or crate time.
Instructor: Donna Luzzo

Nails, Ears and Teeth ... Oh My! These basics of pet care should be part of your weekly routine -- but not every owner is confident about trimming nails and caring for ears and teeth. And some dog make the process downright difficult! Learn some great techniques and discover some great tools for keeping your dog’s nails short, ears clean and teeth polished. You’ll save money on grooming and vet bills, and gain your dog’s trust and cooperation.
Instructor: Dawn Sullivan

Pampered Pooch: If you’ve ever been to a Pampered Chef party, or watched a cooking show on TV, you’ll recognize the format for this session! Learn how to make delicious snacks and treats for your fabulous canine companion! Samples will be served to your pup! Recipe book included. Instructor: Donna Luzzo

Private Lessons: Private lessons are available from many of our instructors including competition obedience, grooming, agility, flyball, rally, jumping and retrieving. There is an additional fee. Instructors: Various

Raffle:  Saturday night, Sunday night and at lunch on Monday, just by turning in your course evaluations or, on Monday turning in your camp badge, you'll be automatically entered in the Camp Barking Hills Raffle!  Prizes may include a set of PVC jumps, wire crate and free tuition to Camp Barking Hills 2009!  You must be present to pick up your prize so please plan on staying 'til the end of each day.

Rally Obedience: Follow the signs and do what they say! "Walk around your dog", "Turn Left", "Circle Right". It’s the latest and greatest in dog sports! AKC recognized on January 1, 2005. Use all the skills and communication you and your dog have developed in an organized event. You might even win prizes or earn a title! Dogs and handlers follow a pre-set course and complete a variety of exercises. Great communication, and well-practiced obedience skills are all you need to succeed! Rally is low-pressure, lots of fun and a great way to spend time with your dog. All Rally classes will cover both AKC and APDT signs and rules.  Mix breeds and pure breeds can compete in Rally. 

The classes break down into the following:

• Introduction to Rally Obedience: For those new to rally.  Learn a series of signs and do a little course work.  Participants will hone their skills, learn the rules, and, in general, have a great time!
• Rally Ring Preparation:  For those with some experience/exposure to Rally.  Exercises and coursework will help you improve your performance and skill.  If you are interested in learning more about competing in Rally, but aren't quite ready yet - this may be the class for you.
• Rally Fun For Everyone: It’s the hottest new dog sport — but what does it take to participate in Rally Obedience? What do you have to do? Can mixed breed dogs compete? Will my dog and I have fun? Find out all about it at this seminar session.

Instructors: TBA

Rally Run-throughs: All levels will have run-throughs available each day. Instructors: TBA

Recall Remedies: Does your dog have selective hearing when you call? Are you tired of chasing your dog across the park? Does your dog come when HE feels like it? Then this is the class for you! All recall work, all the time! We'll use treats and toys as well as a long line. You deserve to have a dog that comes when called! This is a progressive class - one class a day for two days. Instructor: Marci Lynne

Search and Rescue Demonstration: Want to know more about search and rescue? This seminar and demonstration is for the "just curious" as well as folks who want to learn more. Learn about training and handling skills as well as the different types of work these dogs are trained to do. You won't be working your dog so she can stay in your room or lie quietly at your feet. Presenter: Sue Lavoie

Scent Games: Put your dog’s best sense to work… just for fun! You don’t have to be an avid tracker or obedience competitor to “work” your dog’s sense of smell. Scent games are great confidence builders, great mental stimulation and just great fun! Plus they can be helpful to you. Teach your pal to find your keys, remote control or your lost gloves. Keep your dog “thinking” and impress your friends!
Instructor: Sue Lavoie

Shaping Behavior: Learn how to help your dog understand what you want of him or her.  Behavior Shaping is fun for you and your dog.   Instructor: Donna Luzzo

Skateboarding: Watch out Tony Hawk...the competition’s going to the dogs! Spend this session teaching your dog how to ride a skateboard. No half pipes, launch ramps or kick flips … and your dog won’t catch any air … but they will be able to ride. Totally rad!!
Instructor: Sue Lavoie

Super Stays: Whether you just want to answer your front door without your dog jumping all over your company or you're having a problem in the obedience ring, this class will help you get super stays from your pooch.   This is a progressive class - three sessions over three days.  Instructor: Marci Lynne

Swimming: Take your best friend for a refreshing dip at ye old swimmin’ hole! Perfect whether your dog is a seasoned swimmer, likes to wade, or hasn’t yet taken the plunge! Those just earning their water wings will be introduced to swimming in a safe, encouraging manner. Discuss water safety, equipment, best practices, and swap stories about the best places to swim your dog. Dog swimming at Allamuchy Mountain State Park which is a quick five minute drive from campus.
Coaches: Sue Lavoie & Jennifer Mokos

Tracking: Your dog's sense of smell is amazing!  Teach him how to use this natural born talent to track human scent.  Great fun for your dog.   Instructor: Sue Lavoie

Treasure Hunt: Yup, there's treasure on the campus of Centenary College! Pick up your first clue and hunt for treasure on your own time. Prizes for all who complete the hunt by the end of camp. A special prize for the first one to complete the treasure hunt.

Tricks: Every dog should have some silly pet tricks! Terrific for the kids, great for Animal Assisted Activity dogs and just plain fun all around. Different tricks will be taught each day.  Put even more stuff into your dog's "bag of tricks"!

• Tricks A includes Touch, Weave, Wipe Your Nose, Crawl, and Take a Bow.
  Instructor: Donna Luzzo
• Tricks B includes TBA.
  Instructor: Dawn Sullivan
• Tricks C: Build your dog’s repertoire of tricks! This session of pet tricks will include: cover your eyes, cross your paws, wave, roll over and back up.
  Instructor: Sue Lavoie

Tricky Tray:

• What is it? A tricky tray is like a giant raffle. A number of different prize trays are displayed. Participants submit tickets to win the prizes they are most interested in. If your ticket is picked, you win the tray!
• What’s in a tray? Prize trays can contain a variety of things. The prize may be one item, or may be several items grouped together.  Some trays are large, some small. For example, a prize tray might include a treat pouch, treats and a dog tricks book. Another tray could be a dog sweater or coat. Yet another might include a Sheltie T-shirt, key chain and magnet. Prizes may be homemade, store-bought or a combination. They can also be services — like free training sessions, complimentary canine massage, even movie tickets.
• Where do the prizes come from? Camp staff will put together some prizes, and some will be donated by area businesses. We would also like for our CAMPERS to donate trays for the event! Bring something along that we can add to our tricky tray!
• How can I participate? Every camper will receive a set of tickets to use at the Tricky Tray. If you donate a prize to the event, you’ll get an extra set of tickets. Extra tickets will be available for purchase if you’d like to increase your chances of winning! (Proceeds will be donated to charity.)

With Me! Attention & Heeling:

Tired of your dog dragging you around instead of walking nicely next to you? Want your dog to pay attention to you while out on a stroll? Then this class is for you! Learn how to get and keep your dog's attention while heeling nicely beside you.
Instructor: Dawn Sullivan