Start a troop

As a troop leader, you are an abassador of DSA and expected to promote only reward based training methods (no constricting collars, electric collars, leash pops or harsh methods) and to help people in your troop be better parents for their dog(s) through education about responsibility for their dog(s).

The information found on the DSA website and below can provide topics of disscussion for many, many troop meetings and training days! So if you don't already understand or use reward based training, such as clicker training, now is the time to start your education about a fun and effective way to train that will strengthen the bond you have with your dog.  It will help him or her learn more than you ever thought possible (and all while completely enjoying the learning process!) If you have any questions, feel free to ask on the discussion list, or email the Certification Program Director.

Quick overview of the "start a troop" process:

PHASE ONE: Connect with DSA.
Get listed as "future troop" and have DSA's support, get assigned a mentor (once we have that program established), potentially be eligible for small amounts of grant money.
Requirements: Troop Leader is a DSA member, has two additional DSA members interested in joining the troop, provides DSA with their contact information and area to be served by the troop and completes/passes the troop leader written test. Troop Leader agrees to abide by the policies set forth in the Dog Scout Troop Guidebook (positive training, inclusion of all, upholding the DSA laws and mission, etc.).

PHASE TWO: Earn Official Troop and Troop Leader status.
Get your troop number and be an official active troop
Requirements: Host at least 2 activities/meetings for people interested in joining your troop or to introduce DSA in your community, earn the Dog Scout badge on at least one dog (alternatives are available if you cannot do this within 1 year of being listed as a future troop), advise DSA of the name and contact information of the "emergency contact" for your troop and have co-leaders also submit written tests. Timeline: no more than 12 months from completion of phase one

PHASE THREE: Maintain Official Troop and Troop Leader Status.
Maintain an active troop so your troop can remain listed on the DSA website.
Requirements: Join the DSA Leaders Yahoo Group, create a system to verify DSA membership of your troop members (& keep your own membership current), host at least 1 troop activity per quarter, submit end of the year reports in a timely manner, update the DSA calendar regarding your troop activities and share your troop activities with others by sending troop news to the newsletter editor.

Information for Troop Leaders (and those wishing to become Troop Leaders):

Getting Started:
     1.     Current troop locations by state

     2.     Troop Leaders Guidebook (.pdf) Large file
     3.     Written Test for Troop Leaders (Word)
     4.     Is troop leadership for you? (.pdf)
     5.     Suggestions for your first troop meeting  (.pdf)
     6.     Evolution of a troop (Article by a Troop Executive)
                6a. Troop Officers and responsibilities (Sample)
     7.    DSA Position on Punishment

For Existing Troops:
     8.     Some games for troop meetings (.pdf)
     9.     Leadership Retreat - registration and info Now open for registration!

    10.    Advice for leaders- Avoiding Burnout (.pdf)
    11.    Activity Waiver Sample (.pdf)
    12.    Resolving conflicts
    13.    Dealing with difficult situations - NEW- Helps you understand when you can limit or cancel
                                                                a troop member's membership
    13.   PowerPoint presentation to introduce DSA to troop members and general public
    14.    Troop member info sheet sample (.doc) If you need an easy way to keep track of your troop
                      members, their contact info and DSA membership expiration dates, try this form.
    15.    Guidelines for troops regarding money
    16.    Step by step instructions for creating a story board (for booth displays)
    17.     End of year Troop Reporting SHORT FORM  (word doc.)
               17 a.  ADDENDUM for end of year report (word doc.)

If you or someone in your troop is interested in becoming DSA certified to administer badge testing, please read this infomation: "How to become a Scoutmaster or Evaluator".

Becoming a Non-Profit:
    18.    How to become a non-profit troop        UPDATE: Lonnie's email: DogScoutCamp@gmail.com
                  a.  Sample Authorization Letter      Send these forms to: 5040 Nestel Rd, St Helen, MI 48656
                  b.  Sample Organizational Document
                  c.  Sample Description of Activities(Excel file)

Hosting a mini-camp:
    19.     Guidelines for hosting a camp or mini-camp (NOTE- camps held by a troop that are
                        open to non-members and advertised as a DSA function need to follow these
                        guidelines. Check with the Certification Program Director if you have questions.)
                   Contract for hosting a camp or mini-camp

Troop Recognition Program: (updated 11-15-11)
    20.    Program Guidelines .pdf
    21.    Record Keeping Form for leaders .pdf
    22.    End of the year reporting form .pdf
    23.   End of the year reporting form (Word doc)
                  23a.  Addendum to the End of Year Report (word doc)
    24.   Quick Reference for troop members .pdf

If you have found this information helpful, please consider a donation so DSA can continue to provide useful information that helps people all over the world make life better for dogs.