Requirements

1. 1

   1. Dogs Through Time

   Do the following:

   Do all

   1. a.

      From Wolves to Companions

      Briefly discuss the historical origin and domestication of the dog.
   2. b.

      The Seven Dog Groups

      Describe some common characteristics of the dogs that make up each of the seven major dog groups.
   3. c.

      Breeds and Breed Stories

      Tell some specific characteristics of seven breeds of dogs (one from each major group), OR give a short history of one breed.
2. 2

   2. Knowing Your Dog

   Dog Body Parts

   Point out on a dog or a sketch at least 10 body parts. Give the correct name of each one.
3. 3

   3. Training and Ownership

   Do the following:

   Do all

   1. a.

      Training Foundations

      Explain the importance of house-training, obedience training, and socialization training for your dog.
   2. b.

      Responsible Pet Ownership

      Explain what “responsible pet ownership” means.
   3. c.

      Choosing the Right Dog

      Explain what issues (including temperament) must be considered when deciding on what breed of dog to get as a family pet.
4. 4

   4. Daily Care

   Two-Month Care Log

   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. 5

   5. Teaching Good Habits

   Obedience Basics

   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,” “get it,” “drop it.”
6. 6

   6. Keeping Dogs Healthy

   Do the following.

   Do all

   1. a.

      Vaccination Planning

      Discuss the proper vaccination schedule for a dog in your area from puppyhood through adulthood.
   2. b.

      Parasite Prevention

      Discuss the control methods for preventing fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites (worms) for a dog in your area from puppyhood through adulthood.
   3. c.

      Dental Care

      Explain the importance of dental care and tooth brushing to your pet’s health.
   4. d.

      Grooming and Nail Care

      Discuss the benefits of grooming your dog’s coat and nails on a regular basis.
   5. e.

      Seasonal Safety

      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.
   6. f.

      Spaying and Neutering

      Discuss with your counselor the considerations and advantages of spaying or neutering your dog.
7. 7

   7. Dog First Aid

   Do the following:

   Do all

   1. a.

      Handling an Injured Dog

      Explain precautions to take in handling a hurt dog.
   2. b.

      Emergency Muzzle

      Show how to put on an emergency muzzle.
   3. c.

      Wounds and Dog Bites

      Explain how to treat wounds. Explain first aid for a dog bite.
   4. d.

      Dressings and Bandages

      Show how to put on a simple dressing and bandage the foot, body, or head of your dog.
   5. e.

      If a Dog Is Hit by a Car

      Explain what to do if a dog is hit by a car.
   6. f.

      Dog First-Aid Kit

      List the things needed in every dog owner’s first-aid kit.
   7. g.

      Limits of Home Treatment

      Tell the dangers of home treatment of a serious ailment.
   8. h.

      Major Dog Diseases

      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. 8

   8. Community Connections

   Veterinary Hospital or Shelter Visit

   Visit a veterinary hospital or an animal shelter and give a report about your visit to your counselor.
9. 9

   8. Community Connections

   Local Dog Laws

   Know the laws and ordinances involving dogs that are in force in your community.
10. 10

    10. Future Paths

    Careers or Hobbies

    Choose 1

    Do ONE of the following:

    1. a

       Dog-Related Careers

       Identify three career opportunities that would use skills and knowledge in working with dogs. Pick one and research the training, education, certification requirements, experience, and expenses associated with entering the field. Research the prospects for employment, starting salary, advancement opportunities and career goals associated with this career. Discuss what you learned with your counselor and whether you might be interested in this career.
    2. b

       Hobbies and Healthy Lifestyles

       Identify how you might use the skills and knowledge in working with dogs to pursue a personal hobby and/or healthy lifestyle. Research the additional training required, expenses, and affiliation with organizations that would help you maximize the enjoyment and benefit you might gain from it. Discuss what you learned with your counselor and share what short-term and long-term goals you might have if you pursued this.