The purpose of Dog Scouts is to promote responsible pet ownership and "to improve the lives of dogs, their owners, and society through humane education, positive training, and community involvement." (Dog Scouts of America) Dogs and their owners have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities to earn merit badges.
The first badge, the Dog Scout title is earned for demonstrating basic obedience, similar to the requirements for the CGC (Canine Good Citizen) or a therapy dog test. It is a pre-requisite to earning all other badges.
All training must be positive (no force - choke chains, leash corrections, shock, etc.) and clicker training is encouraged. Food may be used in training but not in testing.
For more information about the Dubuque Dog Scouts troop, contact Cindy Ludwig via the contact form on this website.