Virtual Dog Care Merit Badge

What:  Learn all about how to properly care for your furry friend! In this course, we will learn about what it means to be a responsible dog owner and will put you to the test – to complete this badge it will require that you take over your dog’s care for two months! You will learn training techniques that will be used to teach your dog basic obedience and safety commands, but can also be used for advanced tricks! We will discuss different breeds of dogs and their specific needs, veterinary care, and what you can do to make sure your dog is as happy and healthy as they can be! Learn what YOU can do to make a difference not only in your dog’s life, but for dogs who need help in your community! We will be taking a close look at the Greyhound breed with our assistant instructor, Quigley!

 Meet your Counselor - Rachel Sowersby is a District Executive in the Southeast District and is passionate about animal welfare. In her free time, she loves spending quality time with her four-legged best buddy and is active in several greyhound community groups and rescue organizations. She can’t wait to share her knowledge with you!

Quigley is an 8-year-old retired racing greyhound! “Bart’s Game Day” had a successful racing career in Sarasota Florida before retiring at the ripe old age of 3, upon adoption he was renamed Quigley.  In his retirement, Quigley enjoys very long naps on the couch, walks with his family, and plenty of well-deserved treats!

WHO: Open to all Scouts BSA members.

HOW:  The Dog Care Merit Badge will be taught in a virtual classroom. The class has a capacity of 20 Scouts. Small classroom size provides all students with the opportunity to share and interact with the counselors and other Scouts. Scouts should be prepared to be challenged and to join the conversation! Participants who do not engage with the class may not receive credit for the badge. Scouts must be prompt for all badge sessions. Late participants may not receive credit for all requirements. Scouts must use a device with video to access this class.

Before beginning work on any merit badge, scouts are to have a discussion with their unit leader regarding the specific badge and counselor.

WHEN: This class will be held virtually over three sessions:

June 18, 2020 10:00AM-12:00PM

June 23, 2020 10:00AM-12:00PM

June 25, 2020 10:00AM-12:00PM

Scouts must attend all three sessions to complete the offered requirements.

After registering, Scouts will receive a link and login information via email the day of the scheduled class. Scouts will also receive instructor details that can be used to connect to the counselor on Scoutbook. This assures that completed requirements are easily recorded. 

PREREQUISITES:   

Requirements NOT completed in class: 4 – we will begin requirement in class, but will take two months to complete

Requirements completed as homework: 5, 9

Suggested supplies/prep-work for students:

1. You must own a dog to participate in this class. Please be prepared to introduce your furry friend to the group at the start of the first class!
2. You will need a “training clicker” for this class. They are inexpensive and available online at places like Amazon or Chewy.com, or at your local pet store (Petco and Petsmart are doing curbside pickup!) If you are unable to get a clicker, a whistle will also work.

Here are a few that will work for this class!

  https://www.petsmart.com/dog/training-and-behavior/clicker-training/top-paw-training-clicker-5275736.html

https://www.amazon.com/PetSafe-CLKR-RTL-Clik-R-Trainer/dp/B0057H1HZI/ref=sr_1_9?crid=3TCW4HK20I51O&dchild=1&keywords=clicker training for dogs&qid=1591886662&sprefix=clicker%2Caps%2C161&sr=8-9