Imagine a vacation where your dog can run like the wind, unconstrained by a leash or fences, romp with new canine friends, jump in a lake, play doggie games, and when the day is done, plop down and sleep by your side. Dog camp is where a dog gets to unleash his true canine spirit and strengthen the bond with his beloved human.

Set in gorgeous surroundings, such as in the woods, next to lakes or in the mountains, dog camps provide nature's beauty for your enjoyment and a fresh new set of tantalizing scents for your dog. Many dog camps provide a robust schedule of activities and programs to choose from, yet you always have the option of just being away from it all, letting your dog be a dog. Some camps focus more on the activities, others more on the relaxation.

The real joy of going to a dog camp is seeing what your dog can do. You may find hidden talents you never knew your dog had. The camps open you and your dog up to new adventures and skills such as agility, lure coursing, herding, Rally-O, freestyle dance, flyball and flying disks. There is often a mixture of dogs who compete and want to get better, and dogs who are trying the sport for the first time. Your dog doesn¡¯t have to be a pro or particularly talented  she just has to be a dog ready to have fun.

Most dogs love the water (except maybe at bath time) and just don¡¯t get a lot of opportunity to take a nice plunge. Many camps offer your dog plenty of swimming and even water games. And at camp, no one cares if your dog gets muddy or shakes the water off on his or her clothes. They¡¯re all ¡°dog people.¡±

Dog camps offer a lot of human bonding as well. You get to be with others who share your love of dogs. You get campfires, songs, and nature experiences. Your days and nights are filled with as much to do as you please, or the option to do nothing at all.

Here are what a few dog camp veterans have to say about their camp experiences:

¡°We've never had so much fun in our entire existence!!! The joy of running along the beach, watching my terriers traverse the agility course and the pet blessing were so very special. ... The new friends made enrich my life. Camp W is a magical dog's paradise!!¡±
- Franny, Lucy and Miss C, Camp W

¡°A way to get lost, forget about your job and all the stress of everyday life. Enjoy the countryside and just let go with your dog. A world out of a dream!¡±
 Camper from Canine Country

¡°There are no words to describe the joy of watching my dog Citi, limited by urban living and a postage stamp backyard ¡­ experience the freedom of running, sniffing, digging and exploring without the constraints of a leash or the fences of a dog park during our Camp W hikes. I am so thankful we could give her this brief experience of being everything a dog was meant to be.¡±
 Tonya, Camp W.

If you and your furry friend are ready to experience a dog camp, here are a few we¡¯ve found:

Camp Winnaribbun (Camp W)
Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Camp Sessions: Aug 27  Sept 2, Sept 3  9

The Dog's Camp
Marshall, North Carolina
Camp Sessions: Sept. 17  22

Dog Skills Adventure
Cincinnati, Ohio
Camp Session: Sept 28  Oct 1

Dog Daze at the Highlands
Fort Washington, Pennsylvania
Camp Sessions: July 21  23

Dog Days of Wisconsin Summer Camp
Almond, Wisconsin
Camp Sessions: Aug 18  21, 25  28

Camp Gone-to-the-Dogs
Stowe, Vermont
Camp Sessions: Sept 3  9, 10- 16

Camp Dog Wood North
Mactier, Ontario in Canada
Camp Session: Sept 15  17

Canine Country Camp
Morris, NY
Camp Sessions: July 1  6, 8  13

Dog Paddling Adventures
Markham, Ontario, Canada
Camp Sessions: 16 1-3 day sessions from June  Sept.