DOG CARE

REQUIREMENTS were REVISED effective January 1, 2004.

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  1. Tell some of the characteristics of 10 breeds of dogs, OR give a short history of one.
    Do the following:
    1. Briefly discuss the historical origin and domestication of the dog.
    2. Describe some common characteristics of the dogs that make up each of the seven major dog groups.
    3. 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 on a sketch) at least 10 body parts. Give the correct name of each one.
  3. Present a report signed by a parent or guardian describing the care you have given your dog for 2 months. Include these items: feeding schedule, food used, housing, exercising, grooming, and bathing. Tell what has been done to keep the dog alert and healthy.
    Do the following:
    1. Explain the importance of house-training, obedience training, and socialization training for your dog.
    2. Explain what "responsible pet ownership" means.
    3. Explain what issues (including temperament) must be considered when deciding on what breed of dog to get as a family pet.
  4. Present a written report showing about how much it costs to keep your dog for 2 months.
    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", "take it", "drop it", "fetch" or "get it", and "drop it".
  6. Do at least TWO of the following:
    1. Describe what should be done to remove fleas, ticks, and lice from your dog.
      Discuss the proper vaccination schedule for a dog in your area from puppyhood through adulthood.
    2. Describe the symptoms of the following: distemper, rabies, mange, ringworm. Explain what you would do if your dog showed these.
      Discuss the control methods for preventing fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites (worms) for a dog in your area from puppyhood through adulthood.
    3. Describe the proper treatment for sore ear, sore eye, fits, removing something swallowed by a dog, removing something stuck in its throat.
      Explain the importance of dental care and tooth brushing to your pet's health.
    4. Explain first aid for a dog bite. List the things as needed in every dog owner's first aid kit.
      Discuss the benefits of grooming your dog's coat and nails on a regular basis.
    5. 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.
  7. Do the following:
    1. Explain the precautions to take in handling a hurt dog.
    2. Show how to put on an emergency safety muzzle.
    3. Explain how to treat wounds. Explain first aid for a dog bite.
    4. Show how to put on a simple dressing and bandage to the foot, body, or head of your dog.
    5. Explain what to do if a dog is hit by a car.
    6. List the things needed in every dog owner's first-aid kit.
    7. Tell the dangers of home treatment of a serious ailment.
    8. 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. Tell the dangers of home treatment of a serious ailment. Report on a visit to a veterinary hospital, or report on a visit to an animal shelter.
    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.

* The activities used to fulfill the requirements for the Dog Care merit badge may not be used to help fulfill the requirements for other merit badges.

BSA Advancement ID#: 41
Pamphlet Revision Date: 2003
Requirements last updated in 2004

Page updated on: November 18, 2021

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