Is this camp for children and families?
No, the camp is adult only as are most dog vacation camps. All campers must be 18 years of age or above.
What are arrival/departure times?
Check-in is 12 noon (no earlier please). All activities begin at 1pm and lunch is provided. Departure is by 4pm (no extensions, please use local accommodations).
What should I bring?
Please bring your dog's food, toys, blanket, crate, collar, leash and whatever else you normally travel with. We will provide pet-mitts on the property and water will be available. Please also bring proof of your dog's rabies vaccination or titer if you didn't already provide it with your registration. If you are camping, please bring your own sleeping bag and towels. A handy list of items to bring is available on our Camper Info page.
What happens upon arrival at Camp?
When you arrive to the Farm, we direct you to a parking spot. You will need to visit the check-in table for sign-in, name badge and tags for your baggage. On the tags you will need to write your lodging ID (obtained at check-in) and car license plate number and affix a tag each of your bags. After you unload your bags behind your parked vehicle, you may head on through the front gate with your dogs where you will be greeted by staff. Meanwhile, we will tranport your belongings directly to your lodging location and move your vehicle to the other parking lot where you will have access to it during the week if you need it. Because activities start soon after arrival and your baggage is being transported, we recommend you prep a knapsack or tote bag with some handy essentials (sunblock, hat, treat pouch, appropriate footwear, etc.) to have on hand.
How prevalent are ticks in your area?
Thanks to our heavy winters, the property is basically tick free. Campers travel here from all over the northeast to enjoy miles of trails with their dogs without worries of disease-carrying ticks. In fact, in 8 years at the farm, we've had reports of only 4 ticks found on dogs.
Is the camp just for border collies?
No, absolutely not. A majority of the dogs in attendance are border collies, other herding breeds and sporting breeds, all breeds are welcome.
Can I bring more than one dog? Certainly. As long as you can handle multiple dogs, there is no limit. We have large crates available for use in the Barn so that you may crate one dog while working with another during a sport session.
My dog can be aggressive towards other dogs, can we still come to Camp?
Dogs with aggression toward other dogs or people may not be accepted in the Camp. Please inquire if you feel that your dog could attend, but need special help in socialization. Many undersocialized dogs have benefited from attending Camp and we can work out ways to make the time here productive for both you and your dog. But please keep in mind that our Camp is open to dog lovers and their dogs and like any place where dogs and people come together, it is important that the environment is safe for all who are participating. It is your responsibility as the guardian to manage your dog, not that of GHF. If your dog displays aggression to people or dogs, you may be asked to leave. Refunds will not apply.
What is your spay/neuter policy for dogs coming to Camp? We only allow one unneutered male dog per each Camp session. Must be discussed and approved prior to registration. Female dogs in heat are not allowed at Camp.
Where does my dog stay if I need to go somewhere on my own? You are responsible for bringing a crate if you leave your dog in your tent or in a shady area on the property. Water, food and toys should be provided if that's what you normally do when leaving your dog. We also provide crates in the Barn for use during the week.
Do I have to book my activities prior to arrival?
Yes, we like to know your interests in order to organize the week to best suit those attending. However, we do not run Camp on a rigid schedule. We are very flexible and like to offer a relaxed environment...one day you may attend all the events and another day, just go to the creek with a good book and relax.
Do you have hook-up for RV electric? And, what about toilets and showers? We do have electric for those attendees coming in their own RV's. We have private showers, vanities and toilets in two locations, by the Barn and near the pavilion behind the RVs. For details please see our Lodging, Meals & Facilities page.
What's the weather like in the summer? Summer in upstate New York is delightful. The days can be warm so bring sunscreen and a hat though often there is a great breeze all day. The evenings are cool and comfortable, you may need a light jacket. Please also bring bug spray since you'll be going into wilderness areas with your dog. If rain does occur, it is often a short shower, clearing to a bright sunny day. If we do have a rainy day, then activities will be taken indoors and/or suspended, as need be. We obviously cannot provide refunds for inclement weather...but, we'll do everything possible to make your vacation a relaxing and enjoyable one.
Can I arrive late in the week? We understand if your schedule brings you to Camp a day late but we think you'll enjoy the entire vacation more if you can arrive at the beginning. We have found that integrating your dog into an already existing pack is not easy if you come later in the week, so it is best, for your dog's benefit, to join the group at the start of the Camp.
What happens in the evenings? Each evening offers a sumptuous meal in the cozy 200 year old barn, can be followed by a talk, movie night or simply time to relax. Often we head through the meadow to our campfire area for a night of stargazing and listening to the night sounds.
What kind of food is served?
Delicious catered food will include organic vegetarian dishes as well as humanely raised grain-fed poultry and beef. At GHF, we honor dogs as well as all animals by offering food choices that do not encourage factory farming or cruel processing methods. If you prefer something else, there are local restaurants available that we can recommend. Water, lemonade, ice tea and soda, coffee and tea are always available. We also offer a wide array of snacks between meals for when you need that pick me up in between activities.

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