Frequently Asked Questions about Service dog camp:
When should we make our flight reservation?
It should be safe to make your flight reservation 15-30 days before the beginning of the training camp.
Should we rent a car?
We do not suggest renting a car. Once the recipient receives the dog, we ask that you do not leave the hotel without one of our staff members, thus the car would most likely sit in the parking lot. We do have transportation for public outings. We do go on shopping excursions. Note: If you have a power wheelchair or scooter, you may need to provide your own transportation unless other arrangements have been made with us prior to camp.
What transportation is available to/from the airport?
We suggest a cab from the Lincoln airport to the hotel. From the Omaha airport, there is a shuttle (OMALiNK).
What amenities does the hotel offer?
What is the climate like in Lincoln, Nebraska in June?
Summer Camps: The month of June is characterized by rapidly rising daily high temperatures, with daily highs increasing from 78°F to 88°F over the course of the month, exceeding 96°F or dropping below 67°F only one day in ten. Daily low temperatures range from 57°F to 66°F, falling below 49°F or exceeding 73°F only one day in ten. June/July... HOT, just darned hot--90s plus humidity.
Fall Camps: The month of October can vary widely with temps from high 50's to mid 70's.
What is the dress code for camp?
Dress is casual for camp. T-Shirts (preferably without sayings on them) and jeans are fine. While June is shorts weather, we ask that you do not wear shorts as we do take a lot of photographs. Tennis shoes or supportive sandals are also fine; we prefer no flip flops. Plan to bring a light jacket. The hotel does have a pool if you desire to swim (seizure response clients should only swim in the presence of their care provider). If you have issues with fluorescent lighting, you may want to bring sunglasses (we also do some outdoor activities).
How much money should we bring?
You can bring as little or as much as you wish, however, most things are provided for you during camp. You may want to bring monies for miscellaneous expenses, snacks at the movie, or dog toys at the pet store. Otherwise, lodging, meals, activities, and supplies for your dog is provided.
What should we purchase ahead of time for the dog?
We encourage you to wait to shop for your dog until after you return home from camp. We will provide food, food/water bowls, toys, basic grooming supplies, etc while you are here. We will also send a 5lb bag of dog food home with you to get you by, until you can visit a pet store upon your return home. If you want to purchase a crate, we recommend this one: Midwest iCrate Single or Double Door Crate 42x28x30 (check prices at Amamzon.com before purchasing locally).
Can we have visitors at camp?
We apologize, but no, we don't allow visitors such as friends and 'extra' relatives to visit you at camp (other than your caregivers). This time is to be spent BONDING with your new service dog and we sequester you to remove distractions from that process, even if you live in Lincoln.
How are meals handled during camp?
Breakfast is available at the hotel. Lunch and the evening meal is typically catered in by volunteers or restaurants. We will also visit some restaurants during your stay. No one has ever complained about going hungry at camp... it's usually the opposite!
What is camp like?
The first few days of camp are mostly spent in the classroom. You will be learning and practicing the commands your dog knows. Once you can manage your dog on your own, we will be going out into the community to practice what you have learned. There will be a test at the end of camp, so plan to do your best! Once you have passed your test we will have graduation (one-two ceremonies) the last day of the camp. You will travel back home either the same day (one graduation) or the following day (two graduations). A meal usually follows the graduation.
Is graduation really held in a prison?
Yes, it is. While that may seem scary to some, it is not. We provide this opportunity for the inmate trainers to meet you and feel the appreciation that you have for them training your new service dog. It's what keeps them in this program and helping more individuals like yourselves. Going into the prison does require a pat search, which is not a lot different than airport security.
What is the dress code for graduation?
Casual to business-casual attire (see limitations in ‘What not to wear’ section). We provide you with one of our t-shirts at camp. We typically all wear that same t-shirt and jeans or pants (although not required).
WHAT NOT TO WEAR TO GRADUATION:
Most of your family and friends will be anxious to meet your new service dog, and you may want to schedule a "reveal" party. Please don't. The first few months after you get home are a critical bonding time for you and your dog. Even immediate family members living in the home with you will be limited! Please ask family to respect the process and be joyous for your new adventure from a distance.
Have more questions? Just email us at info@domesti-pups.org!
It should be safe to make your flight reservation 15-30 days before the beginning of the training camp.
Should we rent a car?
We do not suggest renting a car. Once the recipient receives the dog, we ask that you do not leave the hotel without one of our staff members, thus the car would most likely sit in the parking lot. We do have transportation for public outings. We do go on shopping excursions. Note: If you have a power wheelchair or scooter, you may need to provide your own transportation unless other arrangements have been made with us prior to camp.
What transportation is available to/from the airport?
We suggest a cab from the Lincoln airport to the hotel. From the Omaha airport, there is a shuttle (OMALiNK).
What amenities does the hotel offer?
- Free Wifi
- Free breakfast
- Indoor pool
- Laundry facilities
- Business Center
- Gym
- Microwave
- Mini-Fridge
What is the climate like in Lincoln, Nebraska in June?
Summer Camps: The month of June is characterized by rapidly rising daily high temperatures, with daily highs increasing from 78°F to 88°F over the course of the month, exceeding 96°F or dropping below 67°F only one day in ten. Daily low temperatures range from 57°F to 66°F, falling below 49°F or exceeding 73°F only one day in ten. June/July... HOT, just darned hot--90s plus humidity.
Fall Camps: The month of October can vary widely with temps from high 50's to mid 70's.
What is the dress code for camp?
Dress is casual for camp. T-Shirts (preferably without sayings on them) and jeans are fine. While June is shorts weather, we ask that you do not wear shorts as we do take a lot of photographs. Tennis shoes or supportive sandals are also fine; we prefer no flip flops. Plan to bring a light jacket. The hotel does have a pool if you desire to swim (seizure response clients should only swim in the presence of their care provider). If you have issues with fluorescent lighting, you may want to bring sunglasses (we also do some outdoor activities).
How much money should we bring?
You can bring as little or as much as you wish, however, most things are provided for you during camp. You may want to bring monies for miscellaneous expenses, snacks at the movie, or dog toys at the pet store. Otherwise, lodging, meals, activities, and supplies for your dog is provided.
What should we purchase ahead of time for the dog?
We encourage you to wait to shop for your dog until after you return home from camp. We will provide food, food/water bowls, toys, basic grooming supplies, etc while you are here. We will also send a 5lb bag of dog food home with you to get you by, until you can visit a pet store upon your return home. If you want to purchase a crate, we recommend this one: Midwest iCrate Single or Double Door Crate 42x28x30 (check prices at Amamzon.com before purchasing locally).
Can we have visitors at camp?
We apologize, but no, we don't allow visitors such as friends and 'extra' relatives to visit you at camp (other than your caregivers). This time is to be spent BONDING with your new service dog and we sequester you to remove distractions from that process, even if you live in Lincoln.
How are meals handled during camp?
Breakfast is available at the hotel. Lunch and the evening meal is typically catered in by volunteers or restaurants. We will also visit some restaurants during your stay. No one has ever complained about going hungry at camp... it's usually the opposite!
What is camp like?
The first few days of camp are mostly spent in the classroom. You will be learning and practicing the commands your dog knows. Once you can manage your dog on your own, we will be going out into the community to practice what you have learned. There will be a test at the end of camp, so plan to do your best! Once you have passed your test we will have graduation (one-two ceremonies) the last day of the camp. You will travel back home either the same day (one graduation) or the following day (two graduations). A meal usually follows the graduation.
Is graduation really held in a prison?
Yes, it is. While that may seem scary to some, it is not. We provide this opportunity for the inmate trainers to meet you and feel the appreciation that you have for them training your new service dog. It's what keeps them in this program and helping more individuals like yourselves. Going into the prison does require a pat search, which is not a lot different than airport security.
What is the dress code for graduation?
Casual to business-casual attire (see limitations in ‘What not to wear’ section). We provide you with one of our t-shirts at camp. We typically all wear that same t-shirt and jeans or pants (although not required).
WHAT NOT TO WEAR TO GRADUATION:
- Khaki colored clothing: tops or pants that are entirely khaki colored are not permitted. Visitors are not allowed to wear a combination of both khaki colored pants and shirt at the same time when they visit. A visitor may wear khaki pants or khaki shirt, but never at the same time.
- Shorts are not allowed.
- Skirts/dresses/skorts/culottes… the length should be below the knee.
- V-neck tops are not permitted unless there is another top underneath. The undershirt must be no lower than 2 inches below the neck (no cleavage showing). The shirt needs to rest naturally at the bottom of your neck.
- Tight fitting shirts, halter tops, tube tops, crop tops, backless tops, low cut shirts, tank tops, sleeveless shirts/dresses, shirts with zippers, spaghetti string tied tops or other clothing revealing bare shoulders, midriff, backless tops, muscle shirts, are not allowed. See through clothing is also not allowed (should not be able to see skin, bra or undershirt under clothing).
- Shirts must be tucked in.
- Leggings, stirrup pants, spandex and stretch pants (or any tight fitting pants such as ‘skinny jeans’) are not allowed.
- Coats, jackets, and sweaters are not allowed (blazers or suit jackets are ok).
- Undergarments are required (pantyhose with dresses)
- Shoes with rollers or cleats are not allowed.
- Uniforms not allowed.
- Hats or caps may not be worn in the visiting area.
- Clothing with offensive logos or messages, signs or symbols are not allowed
- Hooded shirts, sweaters or sweatshirts.
- Coveralls are not allowed.
- Jewelry limitations: 1 ring, 1 pair of earrings, 1 watch, 1 necklace, 1 religious medallion, 1 medical alert jewelry item. Bracelets are not allowed.
Most of your family and friends will be anxious to meet your new service dog, and you may want to schedule a "reveal" party. Please don't. The first few months after you get home are a critical bonding time for you and your dog. Even immediate family members living in the home with you will be limited! Please ask family to respect the process and be joyous for your new adventure from a distance.
Have more questions? Just email us at info@domesti-pups.org!