Dog Scouts of America

We have recently gotten involved in the Dog Scouts of America (DSA), and I wanted to explain why we enjoy being in Dog Scouts, and why you might want to get involved.

Why Dog Scouts?

Dog Scouts of America is not about competition in training or sports, and it exclusively uses positive reinforcement methods in teaching dogs to become better citizens. This is something I really believe in, because in a time where dog legislation is on the rise, how dogs behave in society now will determine what we will be able to do with our dogs in the future. Dog Scouts provides a training philosophy which embraces the training methods I use and promotes the idea of dogs being good citizens. It also allows us to try things with our dogs that we might not be able to through competitive venues such as lure coursing, hunting retrieving, water racing, and steeplechase. Dog Scouts are encouraged to teach their dogs skills that will help in fund-raising activities, so that they may be valuable members of society.

What does it mean to be a Dog Scout?

To earn badges, a dog must first earn the DSA badge. The requirements for this badge include basic skills such as sit, down, stay, heel, and come, as well as a leave it with food, toys, and an animal, and that the dog is friendly with dogs and humans. To earn the badge the handler must show that they are a responsible dog owner, which includes that you must always carry poop bags, and that you know how to correctly handle your dog in public. A dog who has these skills is a good citizen, and even if the dog has some issues, if the handler knows how to handle their dog, the dog is not a danger or even annoyance to society. By earning this badge, the dog is then able to earn a variety of other badges in a huge range of activities, which gives the dog and handler an opportunity to try something they never thought of before, like teaching your dog to paint, or play a musical instrument. The more skills a dog has, the more confident they are, and the more likely they are to be a good canine citizen.

Why Join Dog Scouts?

If you have ever wanted to try more activities with your dog, or if you do not always want to compete with your dog, just show off your skills, then Dog Scouts is the place for you. It can be fun to compete with our dogs, but there are some sports or activities that don’t have competitions, or they aren’t available to all breeds or mixed breeds. Other people just don’t like competitions, but would still like to have something to show for what their dog can do. If you would like your dog to be a valuable member of society, and be a good representative for dogs in general, then you can make that a reality through this wonderful organization.

The Omegan Border Collies are members (and founders) of Troop 184, Rocky R.E.D. Rovers, located in Colorado. Learn more at http://www.coloradodogscouts.net