Dog Care Merit Badge Pamphlet Dog Care Merit Badge

Dog Care


These were the requirements from 2013 until the revisions made in 2017

To see the changes made in 2013, Click here.

To see the CURRENT requirements, Click here.

For the previous requirements, Click here


  1. Do the following:
    1. Briefly discuss the historical origin and domestication of the dog.
    2. Describe some common characteristics of the dogs that make up each of the seven major dog groups.
    3. 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 one.
  3. Do the following:
    1. Explain the importance of house-training, obedience training, and socialization training for your dog.
    2. Explain what "responsible pet ownership" means.
    3. 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, 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. 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:
    1. Discuss the proper vaccination schedule for a dog in your area from puppyhood through adulthood.
    2. Discuss the control methods for preventing fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites (worms) for a dog in your area from puppyhood through adulthood.
    3. Explain the importance of dental care and tooth brushing to your pet's health.
    4. Discuss the benefits of grooming your dog's coat and nails on a regular basis.
    5. 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.
  7. Do the following:
    1. Explain the precautions to take in handling a hurt dog.
    2. Show how to put on an emergency muzzle.
    3. Explain how to treat wounds. Explain first aid for a dog bite.
    4. Show how to put on a simple dressing and bandage the foot, body, or head of your dog.
    5. Explain what to do if a dog is hit by a car.
    6. List the things needed in every dog owner's first-aid kit.
    7. Tell the dangers of home treatment of a serious ailment.
    8. 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.
  10. Learn about three career opportunities for working with dogs. Pick one and find out about the education, training, and experience required for this career, and discuss this with your counselor. Tell why this profession interests you.

* The activities used to fulfill the requirements for the Dog Care merit badge may not be used to help fulfill the requirements for other merit badges.


BSA Advancement ID#: 41
Requirements last updated in: 2013
Pamphlet Stock Number: 35884
Pamphlet SKU Number: 615322
Pamphlet Revision Date: 2012

 
Worksheets for use in working on these requirements: Format
Word Format PDF Format
 

Blanks in this worksheets table appear when we do not have a worksheet for the badge that includes these requirements.


Page updated on: May 08, 2022



Scouts Using the Internet Cartoon - Courtesy of Richard Diesslin - Click to See More Cartoons
© 1994-2024 - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Site Map | Disclaimer | Project Team | Contact Us | Privacy Policy

Materials found at U. S. Scouting Service Project, Inc. Websites may be reproduced and used locally by Scouting volunteers for training purposes consistent with the programs of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) or other Scouting and Guiding Organizations. No material found here may be used or reproduced for electronic redistribution or for commercial or other non-Scouting purposes without the express permission of the U. S. Scouting Service Project, Inc. (USSSP) or other copyright holders. USSSP is not affiliated with BSA or WOSM and does not speak on behalf of BSA or WOSM. Opinions expressed on these web pages are those of the web authors. You can support this website with in two ways: Visit Our Trading Post at www.ScoutingBooks.com or make a donation by clicking the button below.
(U.S. Scouting Service Project Donation)


(Ruth Lyons Memorial Donations)