One in three dogs will get cancer. Six million dogs will be diagnosed this year. Without treatment, most will die within the year. Wild Blue Dogs is a non-profit dedicated to raising funding for treatment and research for canine cancer, and they do it through events that are genuinely fun for dogs and their people.

The centerpiece is their week-long summer and fall camps on the shores of South Lake Tahoe. These aren’t just playtime—they’re structured learning experiences run by certified professional trainers who work on agility, hiking, tricks, problem solving, recall, and scentwork. You’ll also find less common offerings like kayak and paddle boarding sessions, canine core-conditioning and balance work, and therapy dog training classes. If your dog has never tried any of these activities, camp is a smart way to explore what clicks for them while knowing the instruction is solid. The lake setting itself is huge—your dog gets to work in one of California’s most beautiful environments rather than a typical training facility.

What makes Wild Blue Dogs Camp stand out is that it’s the only non-profit dog camp in the country. Every dollar from camp fees goes directly toward their mission. You’re not just giving your dog new skills and an exhausting week of good experiences; you’re actively supporting cancer research and treatment for other dogs. The instructors understand this dual purpose and bring real energy to it.

The camps fill up, so if you’re interested, you’ll want to reach out early in the year to ask about availability and get specifics on dates and what your dog would be learning. Previous campers have posted videos online showing what a typical day looks like, which is helpful for deciding if it’s the right fit. Bring a dog who’s ready to work hard and learn.