If you were ever looking for new ways to get involved and bond with your dog, Dog Scouts of America may be the perfect organization for you. Similar to Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Dog Scouts focus on responsibility, community involvement, and education. Founded in 1995, Dog Scouts is a nonprofit organization that continues to grow in more and more communities. There is an emphasis on dog owner responsibility, particularly towards the dogs in their care; thus, the organization requires time and effort on the part of the dog owner to ensure that they are providing a quality of life that is appropriate for a living, thinking, feeling being.
Through the efforts of Dog Scouts, challenging dogs who have behavioral problems are often able to be rehabilitated, thus preventing the dog from being judged a “lost cause” and/or put down. Likewise, it can help owners curb inappropriate behaviors early on in a dog’s development or simply prevent them altogether. The organization teaches owners how to engage with their dogs, understand your dog’s natural needs and desires, stimulate and exercise each dog’s and mental and physical capacity, and so on. Dog Scouts also provides owners an opportunity to socialize their dog among people and canines in a safe and supportive environment. And of course, communities love Dog Scouts because it places such a high value on raising well mannered canine citizens as well as responsible owners.
There are several steps to becoming a member of Dog Scouts or – more accurately – having your pooch be considered a Dog Scout. You can join the organization simply by paying but you and your dog will have to pass several tests to be a full fledged member. Because of the focus on responsibility and training inherent in the Dog Scouts organization, it is necessary for the owner to pass a Handler Test and for the dog to pass the Dog Scouts Certification Test which will indicate that your dog is willing and able to display exemplary behavior and that you, as their handler, are committed to doing the same. After passing these initial tests, you and your dog are full members and are eligible to pursue merit badges. Badge categories include obedience, agility, community service, nose work, trails, pulling, water, existing sports, and other miscellaneous badges. It is also critical that each dog performs the exercises willingly and confidently in order to receive their merit badge. Moreover, owners/handlers it can only use training methods that do not conflict with the Position on Punishment of the DSA.
To get started with Dog Scouts, visit their website at www.dogscouts.org to find out how to join a local troop or how to start one in your area. You can also find information regarding DSA dog camps and other events and you and your pup may want to check out. Although the camps can be pricey, getting started on the journey towards qualifying your dog as a Scout is inexpensive and may be fun and educational for the whole family.
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