HORSHAM dog owners and their pets can now earn badges for their efforts as part of Dog Scouts.
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Horsham Dog Obedience Club will run Dog Scouts throughout the year.
President Tarni Rees said the club was the second in Victoria to adopt the program.
She said the program originated in America and now Bendigo ran it as well.
Miss Rees said Dog Scouts operated similar to regular Scouts and gave dogs the chance to earn badges.
“We feel that this program will give dog owners new and fun things to try as well as being informative,” she said.
She said eight events throughout the year allowed club members and non-members to become involved.
The first event is on February 22 and is for a dog first aid badge.
Other badges include free walking, agility, cafe dog, tracking, improvisation obedience, dog games and dog shaping.
Miss Rees said a trainer would travel from Bendigo for the dog first aid badge event.
“Dogs and handlers will participate in a canine first aid course, with handlers using their own dogs to find heart rates and pulse rates,” she said.
“They will also learn to lift and examine their dog. The course is aimed at providing enough
information to the handler so that they do not panic in a situation where their dog might be injured.
“It also aims to provide information useful for stabilising a dog to transport it to the vet.”
Miss Rees said each Scout activity would cost club members $10 and non-members $20.
She said a Dog Scout bandana was also available for $10.
Miss Rees said people could visit the club’s Facebook page or call her on 0447 745 296 to find out more.
“These activities, while a great deal of fun for dogs and handlers, help handlers appreciate the
connection they have with their dogs,” she said.
“These activities provide an opportunity to experience specific canine events but, more importantly, give handlers the encouragement to try something new with their dogs.”