David Sidman K-9 water rescue training
David Sidman K-9 water rescue trainingIsrael news photo: Aharon Hyman

Looking for something special to give your pooch for Pesach? How about a vacation in the Judean sun with skills training?

Welcome to KelevLand, a canine “pet resort and academy for dogs.”

The campus is located in Mitzpe Yericho, a scenic community in the Judean Desert, located south of Jerusalem towards the Dead Sea, and next to a river that feeds into the Jordan River.

Owned by Shmuel Edelman and his wife Leah, KelevLand offers boarding, a “full schedule of fun activities,” professional, “caring” staff, and yes, “canine summer camp” complete with swimming pool, agility, early morning desert hikes and “walks in the river.” 

For real.

Billed as Israel’s “only high-tech dog kennel” KelevLand provides a convenient option for families who don’t know what to do with the family pet when they themselves need to get away for vacation but are anxious about the care their dog might –or might not– receive.

“Comfortable accommodations” come equipped with air conditioning, a bed, and a webcam for 24-hour surveillance. A pick-up and drop-off service makes it easier for owners to deal with separation problems and having to worry about how young children might respond to leaving their pooch.  A veterinarian is on call.

The place also offers training services – including obedience classes -- by an experienced trainer, for those who are having difficulties such as housebreaking, excessive barking, stranger aggression, and running away.

David Sidman began his career in 2000 as a handler in the IDF K-9 ‘Oketz’ unit, where he served for three years. He followed that up with certification as a Police K-9 trainer in North Carolina.  Sidman has also has consulted with the Israel Police and the Jerusalem Light Rail about their working dogs.

“I trained explosive detection dogs during the Second Intifada and received citations for successfully discovering explosives,” he told Arutz Sheva in a phone interview Monday evening. “I am grateful for the education I received in the unit. I also consulted and competed in Police K-9 trials in the U.S. following my service,” he added.