The future of our canine friends, dog sports and activities, and the Dog Scouts of America organization truly lies with today’s youth! To encourage our younger generation in becoming responsible dog parents and participants in a wide variety of activities with their dogs, DSA now offers a Junior Scout badge to young dog handlers, ages 6 to 16. The Junior Scout program offers youngsters an opportunity to earn a Jr. Scout badge through local Dog Scout troops or at summer DSA camps. Children in the age 6-16 group may choose to attempt the Jr. Scout badge rather than the adult Dog Scout badge, guided by troop or camp leaders as to the most appropriate Scout badge to seek. It should be noted that children 6 years of age or younger will receive a Certificate of Achievement and will be observed – but not actually tested – in the Jr. Dog program; this youngest group will not be eligible for merit badges until they reach the age of seven.
Dog Scouts of America initiated the Junior Scout Certification program in the summer of 2005, testing this new curriculum with 8-year-old Richelle Meyers, who worked very hard with her rather difficult miniature Schnauzer, Oreo, in earning the first ever Junior Scout badge in this new program. They proved that the Jr. Scout curriculum is an effective new DSA program in which our young people and their dogs can be most successful.
The Junior Scout program, still in its developmental stage, is subject to evaluative review and change. Members and troop leaders are invited to provide input as we attempt to refine this certification program.
A chart that outlines the basic minimal requirements of children seeking the Jr. Scout is shown below. Children and their dogs who meet the standards required for those in the age groups of either 7-12 or 13+ will be eligible to earn the following merit badges:
Puppy Paddler Back Packing
Agility Obstacle Course 1 Agility Obstacle Course 2
Good Manners Phodography
First Aid Letter Boxing
Geocaching 101 Tricks
Clean Up America 1 and 2 Temperament Test
Art of Shaping (Painting and Music Badges)
Other badges may be added as the Jr. Scout program develops.
Jr. Scouts need to perform the following skills for a certified Scoutmaster:
Junior Scout Checkoff/Test Items
_____ dog is friendly and comfortable with strangers
_____ child has mastered the use of the phrase, “please get your dog back”
_____ child knows how to encourage a proper greeting behavior between dogs
_____ dog is friendly and comfortable with other dogs
_____ child can have dog perform a “Leave it” with food
_____ child can have dog perform a “Leave it” with another animal
_____ dog can demonstrate the ability to heel on a loose leash without pulling
_____ dog will sit when child stops while heeling
_____ dog will sit on child’s cue
_____ dog will lie down on child’s cue
_____ dog will come when called by the child
_____ dog will stay in either a sit or a down position, while child steps away
_____ At least two plastic bags are carried by the child at all times
_____ child consistently practices responsibility and picks up dog's waste
_____ child knows the dog scout laws and promises to uphold them
The chart below outlines the exceptions to the above requirements children in each age group can use in earning the Junior Scout Certificate (age 6 and under) or the Junior Scout Badge (ages 7-16).
Troop leaders and instructors at DSA camps will, in general, follow the Criteria for DSA Junior Scout Certification Evaluation Guidelines for Scoutmasters. Please refer to Criteria for DSA Junior Scout Certification.
The following guidelines apply to all age groups:
Responsibility: Picks up after the dog
Safe: Can play nicely with his/her dog and safely greet another dog. Knows safety rules (how to approach a dog, what to do if a loose dog approaches, riding their bike around dogs, etc.)
Friendly: Dog is friendly with people and other dogs
Caring: Child shows love and respect for the dog, knows how to protect the dog by standing up for him and learning to train him.
Exceptions to the above check-off list based on age:
6 & under
Ages 7-12
Ages 13-16
Treats can be used to lure the dog into the proper position or get the dog to do the desired behaviors
Down: May use treats
Come: From 6' (leash length) handler is stationary, no treats
Instead of heeling, the child needs to show he or she can walk the dog on leash without the dog pulling.
Stay: 4' leash length away for 10 seconds
Leave it: Dog should notice food, child may remain stationary and get the dog to back away from the food. Dog will not need to do "leave it" with an animal. Should get two good responses in a row.
Children in this age group are not formally tested, but simply observed in their interactions with the dog to see if they are able to complete the required items
Come: from 4' (leash length), handler can back up calling the dog, no treats
Heeling: Child can get the dog into heel position and walk 30 steps with the dog staying in proper position. Include a right and left turn. No treats, minimal hand targeting
Stay: child can be right next to the dog. 10 second duration of a sit or down.
Leave it: Dog should notice food, child may remain stationary and get the dog to back away from the food. Dog will not need to do "leave it" with an animal. Should get two good responses in a row. Dog should not "mug" the child at any time for any treats the child may have.
Come: from 4' (leash length), handler can back up calling the dog, treats allowed
Heeling: Child can get the dog into heel position and walk 20 steps with the dog staying in proper position. Hand targeting is allowed, but no treats.
Leave it: Dog should notice food, child may remain stationary and get the dog to back away from the food. Dog will not need to do "leave it" with an animal. An adult can help the child hold the leash. Dog should not "mug" the child at any time for any treats the child may have.
