Welcome to Dog Scouts of America ~ the only REAL organization for Dog Scouts!
DSA Mission
To improve the lives of dogs, their owners, and society through humane education, positive training, and community involvement.
DSA Vision
We envision a future where dogs remain in happy, lifelong homes with responsible owners. In this vision, all dogs are seen as a useful and welcome part of the community, because people take responsibility for socializing, training, containing, and caring for them. We strive to create a world where people view their dogs as part of their family and all dog owners have the knowledge they need to raise well-mannered canine citizens.
DSA Values:
- We stand for responsibility – to the dogs in our care, to our communities, and to each other.
- We recognize the importance and benefits of the relationship between people and companion animals, and seek out ways to enrich this bond.
- We believe encouraging compassion and kindness toward our canine companions builds a more compassionate and kind world.
- We strive to create a better understanding and quality of life for our dogs and all animals in our world.
- We believe that our members make a difference by setting an example, developing skills and embracing opportunities to share our philosophy with each other and inspire people to join us.
- We know that sharing positive ways of training and problem-solving helps to keep dogs in lifetime homes and out of shelters.
In Dog Scouts, people help dogs, dogs help people, and the whole community benefits.
DSA is an organization which does not discriminate against any breed. If a small dog, like Lonnie’s Welsh Corgi, “Weasel,” wants to pull a dog sled, then she should be able to learn to do so (which she did, and enjoyed tremendously). If you want to try herding with your non-herding breed, you should be able to do so and DSA will enable you to earn a merit badge as proof of your dog’s skills.
Any dog can become a Dog Scout. The only requirement is that the dog and owner must be able to pass a test, proving that the owner is responsible and the dog is well mannered and not a danger toward humans and other dogs. The owner will receive an embroidered merit badge. These badges can then be displayed on the dog’s backpack, Dog Scout uniform, crate cover, or travel bag.