Dog Interactions: We want children to have a safe and fun experience with dogs. It is our goal to be able to provide hands on training opportunity for all participants and to ensure a positive experience for all. With this in mind our program includes only those canines who have already been approved through our temperament and, or, Assistance programs; these canine ambassadors have the experience of working with children and have advanced social skills training.

"Walk", "don’t pull", "no", and "sit" are basic commands for any young dog, just as "be polite", "don’t talk back", and "say please and thank you" are basic rules for any child. At Canine Care Working Dog Association’s PAWS 4 KIDS Trainers Camp young people learn the basics in training dogs. Little else can equal the learning opportunities offered by a non-verbal species whose non-judgmental, unconditionally loving interaction motivates even the most difficult children.

Dogs have a lot of the same personality traits, behavior issues, and temperaments that many young people do. The kids in this program see themselves rather quickly in these dogs. Kids participating in this program learn tools to teach and reinforce basic to advanced obedience commands, and also learn to work with dogs that have various behavior issues just as they might. Dogs and children learn in much the same manner, through trial and error, by making associations between one thing and another.

 Positive and negative reinforcement helps direct the learning experience in favor of a predetermined outcome. Students participating in this course experience first hand just how learning takes place. They see how they can help a dog actually become a better dog, and in so doing, see how they’re a better person because of it. They feel a sense of accomplishment. They feel acknowledged. They feel listened to. They feel downright good. They find it rewarding when they work through their own frustration and a dog’s unwillingness to obey, and they feel great when they realize that because of them, through their patience, tone of voice, enthusiasm, and skill - this is happening.

The PAWS 4 KIDS Trainers Camp is a positive, challenging, goal-oriented, and successful program that gives kids many opportunities to cope with frustration, work through provocative behavior, and be responsible while working independently.

 Session Description

Camp PAWS 4 KIDS is a one-week, Monday-Friday program, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day. An orientation will occur the Sunday prior, and a party will be given on the Saturday following the last day of camp. Children will be grouped by age and grade limited to 15 campers. Camp applications are processed on a first come, first serve basis. Camp has availability until noted as "full".

A few of the fun activities and educational programs to look forward to

At PAWS 4 KIDS campers will foster toy dogs as they learn to care for companion animals. With their furry toy pal they will explore veterinary care, behavior, training, safety, as well as enjoy animal themed games, crafts and activities. The Saturday Party will culminate in an adoption program with their stuffed toy dogs for family and friends.

Campers will have the opportunity to make crafts, and participate in activities related to topic of the day with help from our program dogs. With their help campers will expand their knowledge on animal interactions, nutrition, and much more.

Topics of the day will involve working dog skills, Agility & Obedience, Service & Therapy Dogs, Temperament testing & selecting a dog, Search Dogs, Water Rescue.

There will be team competitions, prizes, and crafts. 

Sign Up!
For camp information please call 540-425-1053 or email wagitalot@gmail.com. Registration opens May 1, 2009. Applications are accepted on a first-come first-serve basis. All applications are due at least two weeks before the start of the session.