Note: The use of the term “parent” has been used to describe the dog’s handler, owner, caretaker, etc. because DSA defines parent as:  A person who raises, nurtures, loves, provides for, teaches and protects a younger being so that he or she can become a welcome and productive member of society.  This comprises all the tasks involved in raising a youngster to be an independent adult.  Parenting begins even before the youngster is born or adopted, it is a part of the relationship within a family and it is something that lasts a lifetime.

Many people who share their lives with dogs have the same level of bond with their dogs as most people have with their human children.  While we recognize that as far as the law is concerned, dogs are considered property, we feel the relationship is much greater than that of object and property owner.  Being a responsible dog owner involves parenting.

The local troop offers numerous activities to encourage the development of the bond between you and your dog.  These activities include: Weekly walks at local parks, monthly meetings (that include activities, games and education), camp outs, water fun such as swim days and kayak/canoe trips, seasonal day trips, introduction to various dog sports, positive training and events for dogs and their people.

We strive to help in our community by participation in, and development of, various fund raisers for local humane societies, breed rescues, assistance dog programs and shelters as well as raising money to buy bullet proof vests and other safety equipment for police K-9's and search and rescue dogs.  Some members help out at local shelters with the care and adoption of the animals too!  Some of our members benefit people within the community with the registered Therapy Dogs in our troop by visiting hospitals, nursing homes and other care facilities.  The troop leader was a member of a Dog Bite Prevention committee and has done "bite prevention" talks at  elementary schools, for kids scout troops and for other groups.  She has also developed some handouts for school aged children that can be requested for distribution by anyone.  If you would like to help expand this program or know of a group that could benefit from a Bite Prevention talk, just let Chris know!

Becoming a troop member:

If you would like to join us in our missions while strengthening the bond with your dog, check out the Join Us page, then contact us for info about our next outing or check the calendar.

The local troop members participate in many of the activities listed below. 

Note: Badges can be earned through DSA for the activities that are marked with an asterisk*.  The local Dog Scout Evaluator is certified to administer the testing for the activities in bold font.

See the Dog Scouts of America Website (http://www.dogscouts.org ) for a complete listing of possible badges and the requirements for each (there are over 60 badges!) that your dog can earn once he/she has earned the Dog Scout title/badge.

Agility* Therapy Visits* Backpacking* Carting* Coursing*  Crafts Dock Diving* Dog Camps Dog Scootering* Day Trips Dog Walk-a-thons Education Flyball* Frisbee* Games Herding* Hiking*  Biking* Rally Obedience* All Dog Band* Travel Safety*     Click on logos below for excellent clicker training information:

Hunt & Field Trials* IMPROV Obedience* Musical Freestyle* Manners* Performance Art* (tricks) Painting* Pho'dog'graphy* Positive Training* Pulling Weight* Rollerblading Search & Rescue* Skijoring* Sledding* Tracking* Water Work* Week-end outings Letterboxing* Geocaching* Dog Care* Disaster Preparation* Terrier Racing/ Steeplechase*