Who we are...

As an affiliate of the Dog Scouts of America national organization, we are committed to fostering the relationship between human and dog and increasing public awareness of the great things that dogs can do when this relationship is strong and healthy.

The Dog Scouts of America Mission:

It is the purpose of Dog Scouts of America to:

Promote, enhance, and give recognition to the importance of the human/companion animal bond, through a variety of Educational activities and publications.

Conduct research, education and service related to humane education and the human/companion animal bond.

Encourage public education and community involvement on the part of its members.

Support the involvement in the art, skill and discipline of animal behavior modification through operant conditioning and other non-traditional, non-punishment-based training methods, for the purpose of teaching various skills and activities to animals which will improve the quality of their lives and make them a more valuable resource to the community.

Mahatma Gandhi once observed that the character of a society can be measured by the way that they treat their animals. Unfortunately, in our culture of convenience, we suffer greatly from a "disposable pet syndrome." Dogs are seen as nothing more than playthings, property to be abandoned as soon as their appeal wears off and their care becomes more challenging. Millions of dogs are abandoned every year for no other reason than that their

“In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn't merely try to train him to be semihuman. The point of it is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly a dog.”

- Edward Hoagland
former owners are unable to understand how to mold their behavior to make them the wonderful companions and citizens that they can be.

While there are many organizations such as the Humane Society and other animal rescue organizations that do a fine job of saving all the pets that they can, their numbers are precious few compared to the task at hand. Would it not be better to simply help people to learn how to build a bond with their pets before the services of these organizations are even required? Our troop is committed to enjoying the companionship of our own pets and raising public awareness of responsible pet ownership through activities and behaviors which follow the "Dog Scout Laws."

The Dog Scout Laws:

1. My dog must be safe with people and other dogs. I will always be courteous when I am with my dog in public. We will set good examples of a responsible parent and a well-trained dog. I will socialize my puppy and continue the socialization through out his or her life so that he or she will not fear novel stimuli, strange people or new dogs.

2. My dog must be well mannered, so that he or she will be accepted in public places. I understand and accept responsibility for teaching my dog proper manners using non-abusive methods like positive reinforcement training.

3. My dog must not be allowed to eliminate in an unseemly manner. I will refrain from letting my dog urinate on buildings, statues or other people’s things, and I promise to always carry plastic bags and clean-up supplies to pick-up fecal matter. In an effort to reduce the negative impact of irresponsible dog parents, I will make attempts to educate, provide clean-up bags to and clean-up dog waste left by those less educated in responsible dog parenting.

4. I must obey leash laws and other rules when accompanying my dog to a park, business or other place where dogs are allowed. In an effort to reduce the number of places that refuse admittance to dogs, I will not let my dog be a nuisance and will keep my dog under control at all times. I will not allow my dog to harass wildlife. I will be familiar with and obey any laws regarding my dog such as license requirements, travel safety and vaccination documentation. I will not represent my Dog Scout in a way that will mislead the public regarding his or her right to accompany me in public places.

5. My dog should be helpful whenever he or she can be and I will utilize my dog’s skills to allow the dog to assist with certain tasks and become more helpful. I promise to have my dog learn all that he or she can.

6. My dog must never be tied up and left unattended. I understand that I am unable to protect my dog from harm if he or she is tied in place where people and animals can harass him or her. I also understand that attaching a dog to a fixed object can cause location guarding and increase the chances of a person being bitten. I promise to never leave my dog in a vehicle unattended if there is any chance he or she could get hot, cold or be harassed or injured by humans or other animals. I will teach my dog that a crate is a safe place.

7. I will always show kindness and caring toward my dog, so that others can observe the joys of responsible and loving dog parenting and appreciate the bond between my well-behaved dog and myself.

8. I will provide basic care for my dog. I will strive to feed my dog the best food I can afford and to educate myself about why some dog foods are better than others. I will not let my dog become over weight. I will provide the health maintenance that my dog needs to be healthy and comfortable. I will keep my dog clean and well groomed, including nail trimming. I will provide housing for my dog that allows him or her to be a member of the family, enjoying the same level of comfort that I provide for myself. I will create at least a basic emergency care plan for my dog in case I am hurt or otherwise unable to care for my dog. My dog will always wear some form of identification.

9. I will travel safely with my dog contained in a crate that is attached to the vehicle or in an accident rated seatbelt designed for dogs. This will help keep the dog safe during travel, will reduce the distractions I have while driving and could save my dogs life in an accident.

10. I will strive to live by the Dog Scout Parent’s motto: “Our dog’s lives are much shorter than our own, let’s help them enjoy their time with us as much as we can.” I will help my dog uphold the Dog Scout motto: “Let us learn all that we can, so that we may become more helpful.”

The Jacksonville troop will eventually be able to provide for certification for the awarding of merit badges in each of the four core skills areas: Trails, Obediance, Agility, and Water Safety. The process to become approved to test in each of the various activities within these categories is rigorous, so if you or someone you know might be interested in learning how, please let us know. Most of all, we are organizing this troop to have fun! Teaching our beloved companions to be the best they can be should not be tedious or difficult. We will be holding regular fun activities to share time with our pets and each other, so check back on the events calendar often!

Finally, I want to thank you again for your interest in our group. Once we are up and running, all are welcome to attend a meeting or event to see if this is for you before joining, so I hope to meet you soon!

What we do...

Education

Education is critical to helping humans to understand how to have the best possible relationship with their dog and for dogs to learn how to be the best companions for their humans. This goal is fulfilled with a three-prong approach: education for members to help them understand their dogs, education For dogs to help them be helpful citizens, and education for the general public to help them understand that all dogs and all humans can share the same bond.

There are an untold number of loving dogs discarded every year simply because their owners did not have the tools to instill good behaviors in their pets. In many ways, a dog owner is a parent -- they are charged with the tasks of teaching their canine

“The world was conquered through the understanding of dogs; the world exists through the understanding of dogs.”

- Friedrich Nietzche
“children” right and wrong, the ways that they should treat other people and dogs, and it is their responsibility to provide the basic needs of life to their animals. All too often, though, dogs are looked upon as property. It is our goal to educate about the power of the human / canine bond and to promote in all people the deepest possible expression of that bond.

Recognition

If you and your companion excel in living by the dog scout rules and are always striving to learn new things, you deserve to be recognized! Through the Dog Scout badge program, you and your companion have the chance to earn merit badges in many activities within the four main categories of trails, agility, obedience, and water safety beginning with the Dog Scout Badge and culminating in the designation of "Honor Scout" for high achievers. Each badge has specific tasks and behaviors to master, so each is a meaningful symbol of quantifiable mastery in that area. You do not have to earn merit badges to be a member of the troop, but the time you spend with your companion preparing will be beyond value for both of you!

Community Service

If you are considering joining a Dog Scout troop, chances are you already cherish your beloved companion. Through the year, our troop will engage in a variety of community service endeavours geared toward further honing our bonds with our dogs, providing an example to the world of
“He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.”
- Unknown
the joy that comes from our relationships with our companions while serving the community in which we live. Through participating in our community service initiatives and many of our other activities, you and your companion even have the opportunity to earn the Community Service badge to recognize your commitment to sharing the Dog Scout way beyond yourself.

What to expect...

While training is a big part of how we accomplish our goals, we are not a training club or class. The most important part of being a Dog Scouts member is “fun with a purpose.” None of our activities will ever be mandatory and you and your companion will never be judged by others. We are here to enjoy our dogs. So, despite all of the idealistic concepts we have mentioned here, Dog Scouting is FUN!