Requirements
1. Do the following:
a. Briefly discuss the historical origin and domestication
of the dog.
b. Describe some common characteristics of the dogs that
make up each of the seven major dog groups.
c. Tell some specific characteristics of seven breeds of
dogs (one from each major group), OR give a short
history of one breed.
2. Point out on a dog or a sketch at least 10 body parts. Give
the correct name of each one.
3. Do the following:
a. Explain the importance of house-training, obedience
training, and socialization training for your dog.
b. Explain what “responsible pet ownership” means.
c. Explain what issues (including temperament) must be
considered when deciding on what breed of dog to get
as a family pet.
4. For two months, keep and care for your dog.* Maintain a
log of your activities during this period that includes these
items: feeding schedule, types of food used, amount fed,
exercise periods, training schedule, a weekly body weight
record, grooming and bathing schedules, veterinary care, if
necessary, and costs. Also include a brief description of the
type of housing/shelter arrangements you have for your dog.
5. Explain the correct way to obedience train a dog and
what equipment you would need. Show with your dog
any three of these commands: “come,” “sit,” “down,”
“heel,” “stay,” “fetch” or “get it,” and “drop it.”
6. Do the following:
a. Discuss the proper vaccination schedule for a dog in
your area from puppyhood through adulthood.
b. Discuss the control methods for preventing fleas, ticks,
heartworms, and intestinal parasites (worms) for a dog
in your area from puppyhood through adulthood.
c. Explain the importance of dental care and tooth
brushing to your pet’s health.
d. Discuss the benefits of grooming your dog’s coat and
nails on a regular basis.
e. Discuss with your counselor any seasonal conditions
(like hot summers, cold winters, or extreme humidity)
where you live that need to be considered for your dog.
f. Discuss with your counselor the considerations and
advantages of spaying or neutering your dog.
7. Do the following:
a. Explain precautions to take in handling a hurt dog.
b. Show how to put on an emergency muzzle.
c. Explain how to treat wounds. Explain first aid for a
dog bite.
d. Show how to put on a simple dressing and bandage
the foot, body, or head of your dog.
e. Explain what to do if a dog is hit by a car.
f. List the things needed in every dog owner’s first-aid kit.
g. Tell the dangers of home treatment of a serious ailment.
h. Briefly discuss the cause and method of spread, the
signs and symptoms and the methods of prevention of
rabies, parvovirus, distemper, and heartworms in dogs.
8. Visit a veterinary hospital or an animal shelter and give a
report about your visit to your counselor.
9. Know the laws and ordinances involving dogs that are in
force in your community.
10. Learn about three career opportunities for working with
dogs. Pick one and find out about the education, training,
and experience required for this career, and discuss this
with your counselor. Tell why this profession interests you.
* The activities used to fulfill the requirements for the Dog Care merit badge
may not be used to help fulfill requirements for other merit badges.
Resources:
Scouting.org Merit Badges - Requirements
boyscouttrail.com Merit Badges