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Requirements September 1995 until January 2004

1. Tell some of the characteristics of 10 breeds of dogs; OR give a short history of one.

2. Point out on a dog (or on a sketch) at least 10 parts. Give the correct name of each.

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.

4. Present a written report showing about how much it costs to keep your dog for 2 months.

5. Explain the right way to obedience train. Show with your dog any three of these commands: "Come", "Sit", "Down", "Heel", "Stay", "Take it", "Drop it", "Get it".

6. Do at least TWO of the following:

(a) Describe what should be done to remove fleas, ticks, and lice from your dog.
(b) Describe the symptoms of the following: distemper, rabies, mange, ringworm. Explain what you would do if your dog showed any of these symptoms.
(c) Describe the proper treatment for sore ear, sore eye, fits, removing something swallowed by a dog, removing something struck in its throat.
(d) Explain first aid for a dog bite. List the things needed in every dog owner's first aid kit.

7. Explain precautions to take in handling a hurt dog. Show how to put on an emergency safety muzzle. Explain how to treat wounds. Show how to put on a simple dressing and bandage to the foot, body, or head. Explain what to do when a dog is hit by a car.

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.

9. Know the laws and ordinances involving dogs in force in your town.

Requirements January 2004 until January 2013

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.

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, traing 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 winter, or extreme humidity) where you live that need to be considered for 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.

*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.