I'm sure I'm not alone in this one ... With Halloween just around the corner, houses are festooned with goblins, cob webs and the like.  If your neighbourhood is like mine, the yards are now ghoulish graveyards filled with body parts and tombstones. 

The other evening, I went out walking with my dogs.  The sun had set but the street lights hadn't turned on so visibility was pretty limited.  Well as we happened upon one of the said graveyards, Java stopped in her tracks and started barking.  Of course, I thought this quite funny as there was nothing to be afraid of.  It wasn't until Java cautiously approached the tombstone to check it out - perhaps reading the name on the tombstone, that she relaxed and went about her business.  This is the story every Halloween in my household.  It got me to thinking about what we need to do to keep our furry friends safe.  Remember the dead dog lessons from this summer that I wrote about?  With all the trick or treaters coming by, its a good idea to either keep your dog on lead with the lead attached to something - yourself, a table, banister railing, etc. or to put a gate up so dogs can't run out while you're shelling out.  Of course, teaching the dog to not dash out is the best option.

Speaking of teaching.  Does your dog bark when people ring the door bell or knock on your door?  Halloween is a great time to teach your dog an alternate behaviour.  I know someone who has taught all her dogs to go to their dog bed when the door bell rings.  Yes, I said DOGS!!  They each have their own and they each know to only go to their own bed.  Isn't that great!!!  I'm envious and encouraged to do the same.   I'm going to try to teach them this Halloween.  So what if I don't get to the door right away.  It's not like the trick or treaters are going anywhere.  Besides they'll learn to be patient at an early age!!  It's a win-win in my books!!! 

Happy Halloween Everyone!!

p.s.  Don't forget there will be a Masquerade party at next year's camp!!

Thanksgiving - a time when we celebrate the bountiful harvest with friends and family.  This year, I am especially thankful for all the Camp Doggin' It support from friends and suppliers.  In the past few weeks, I have heard some great stories about the impact of camp.  Did you hear that Sharen  has ventured into trailing in agility because she won a whopping big rosette at our agility fun match?  There's another story of Elaine who was so intrigued with tracking that she reached out and joined Lesly at one of her training sessions.  This is exactly why I believe in dog camps! 

As we know, most dogs are surrendered because their people have not invested in training and socialization.  Of course, some of those dogs end up with some great forever homes.  Take for example, Nancy, our Rally O instructor.  She adopted Merlin from a shelter and has recently added to her four-legged family with a beautiful girl from the Catahoula rescue.  Of course, there's Morgan's dogs - most of her dogs are rescues that end up being part of the Super Dog team. 

In honour of all the great friends I have made through the dog world and through camp, for the 2013 season, I'm offering a group discount.  Bring 3 friends with you to share your cabin and you'll each save $50.  That would buy a lot of high value treats for next year's camp!  Of course, if my supplier's next year are as generous as this year, you'll be going home with more than you brought with you!

See you in September! 
Mary
p.s.  Next year's Saturday night social is going to be a Masquerade party!  Keep an eye out for costumes now that Halloween is just around the corner.