About Camp Dogs
We rehome puppies and now adult dogs from remote indigenous communities. The term "Camp Dogs" is commonly used for all domestic dogs living in remote indigenous communities.
Our pups and dogs have either been found or surrendered so several dedicated individuals will temporarily care for and drive the dog's many hundreds of km's to get the dogs to Alice Springs for us to arrange flights.
Indigenous people who know of our work may surrender pups or dogs because they feel they have too many and want us to find a good home for the dog, even if it is in the cities. The dog's welfare is their concern.
Because of the remoteness of these communities, there were too many dogs (introduced by the white man when the indigenous people were moved to missions) but now vets, often volunteers, travel to these communities to desex and educate and offer additional vet treatment. Conditions are very basic and the vets have to be highly skilled to operate in such conditions.
However, the results have been very encouraging and the indigenous people have a very strong bond with their dogs. The dogs may not live in fenced yards, walked on leads, and fed on top-grade dog food but they are never alone.
They are of mixed breed and come in all shapes and sizes. Research suggests there is very little dingo DNA in these dogs now.
The dogs often look like working dog crosses but have never "worked a day in their lives" nor their great grandparents. DNA tests are undertaken by some camp dog owners and the results often look nothing like the dog causing much entertainment or disappointment that their dog is not a kelpie or a dingo!
So we state "mixed breed". As such, they usually live long and healthy lives with fewer health issues. However, we recommend any dog owner allows for unexpected and routine vet bills, rather than expensive pet paraphernalia or toys, etc Puppies love a cardboard box!!!
Most of the dogs have had rich socialisation with other dogs, humans of all ages including children and often cats.
Like all dogs they need training and when young don't cope well with long hours alone. So they like city dogs benefit from dog walkers or doggie daycare if at home for long hours.
Older dogs may enjoy being the only dog and spending hrs alone if living with full-time workers.
The majority of our dogs end up with families, go to workplaces each day, some live happily in apartments or large properties. Some now live overseas.
