July - August, 2006     Page 1     Page 2

Pet dental health (continued)

 

Dog Scouts
Fun for you and your dog!

I recently discovered a national organization that's just up my alley and I'm sure it's the right fit for many Petsitusa.com readers as well. The organization is Dog Scouts of America, a non-profit organization decicated to

educating the public about responsible dog ownership, increasing the human/canine bond, and helping dogs and their owners learn new things in a fun, relaxed, atmosphere. One of my favorite things about this organization: they do all of this through positive training methods!

Established by Lonnie Olson in 1995, Dog Scouts holds five-day camps in Michigan and three-day mini-camps throughout the country that allow dogs and their owners to learn and experience new things. These achievements are recognized with merit badges awarded for skills like backpacking, agility, search and rescue, and water safety. Any dog may become a Dog Scout. The only requirement is that the dog and owner pass a test proving that the owner is responsible and the dog is well mannered and not aggressive toward humans and other dogs.

Dog Scouts members also participate in community activities with their local troops. For example, dogs and their owners may walk in a walk-a-thon or help clean up a public park. Others serve as therapy dogs, visiting people in hospitals. Some local troops will meet with a local Boy Scouts Troop to teach the youngsters about responsible dog ownership.

The Dog Scouts website is also chock full of information for dog owners. Everything from raising a puppy (visit this site before you bring your new puppy home!) to finding a lost dog or dealing with the loss of a cherished pet. There is also an email discussion list for Dog Scouts members.

So, by now you're wondering how you can join? First, visit the Dog Scouts website and check their locator map to see if there is a troop near you. There are currently 25 troops around the country, but don't panic if there isn't one near you! You can still join Dog Scouts of America without a local troop, and who knows, you just may decide to start a troop in your area, just like I did!

Cara Vacchiano is the owner of Buddy's Chance, a professional petsitting and dog training business in Austin, Texas. She is also the owner/author of the Positive Dog Training Blog.

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