Dog Care Merit Badge

Introduction

The Dog Care Merit Badge is all about learning how to take care of man's best friend. You'll learn how to keep your dog healthy, happy, and well-behaved. By the end of this merit badge, you'll be a pro at taking care of dogs!

Merit Badge Requirements

Explain the general care of a dog.
Show that you are able to recognize common dog illnesses and injuries.
Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while a dog is hiking or camping.
Do the following:

a. Show that you have cared for a dog for four months. This experience may be with your own dog or with another dog.
b. Discuss the reasons for sterilizing pets and the problems that pet overpopulation causes for animal shelters and society.

Show that you have taught a dog the following commands: heel, come, sit, down, and stay.
Show that you know how to safely restrain a dog in order to administer a pill.
Do ONE of the following:

a. Show how to groom and care for a dog.
b. Show how to prepare and show a dog in conformation.
c. Show how to train a dog in agility.
d. Show how to train a dog in obedience.

Lesson

Hey there, scouts! Are you ready to learn how to take care of your furry friends? Let's start with the basics. Dogs need food, water, exercise, and love. Just like humans, dogs need a balanced diet to stay healthy. Make sure to feed your dog high-quality dog food and give them fresh water every day.

Exercise is also important for dogs. Take your dog for a walk or run every day to keep them healthy and happy. And don't forget to give your dog plenty of love and attention!

Now, let's talk about common dog illnesses and injuries. Can you name some common illnesses that dogs can get? That's right, things like ear infections, fleas, and ticks. It's important to keep an eye out for these things and take your dog to the vet if you notice any symptoms.

And what about injuries? Dogs can get cuts, scrapes, and even broken bones. If your dog gets injured while hiking or camping, do you know what to do? It's important to know basic first aid for dogs, like how to clean a wound and how to make a splint.

Now, let's move on to training your dog. Teaching your dog basic commands like "heel," "come," "sit," "down," and "stay" is essential for keeping them safe and well-behaved. It takes patience and consistency, but with practice, your dog will be a pro in no time!

Finally, let's talk about grooming. Dogs need regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and shiny. Brush your dog's fur regularly and give them a bath when they start to smell. And don't forget to trim their nails!

Questions

What are some common dog illnesses?
What should you do if your dog gets injured while hiking or camping?
What are some basic commands you should teach your dog?
Why is grooming important for dogs?

Remember, if you have any questions or need help completing this merit badge, don't hesitate to reach out to your merit badge counselor. Good luck!

Schedule

Week	Task
1	Research and write about common dog illnesses and injuries
2	Take care of a dog for four months and write about your experience
3	Teach your dog basic commands and write about the process
4	Choose one of the following: groom and care for a dog, prepare and show a dog in conformation, train a dog in agility, or train a dog in obedience