DOG - eduScapes

A Pathfinder By:
Carrie E. Watson
February 2014
Choosing and
Caring
For Your Dog!
Getting Started
Purpose
Are you getting a dog? How do you know what kind of dog to get?
Should you buy a dog at the pet store or adopt one from a shelter?
Or maybe you want a dog but you need to convince your parents.
Use this Pathfinder to locate all the information you need
to choose your new best friend!
Need
Did you know?
2.7 million dogs and cats are euthanized
(put to sleep) every year?*
Even more animals than that end up in
shelters waiting to find homes.
Common reasons for getting rid of a dog include:**
Cost of Care
No Time for Pet
Apartment/House Doesn’t Allow Pets
No Place to Keep Pet (Backyard/Fence)
Pet Bites
Be responsible!
Before you bring a dog home,
be sure you’re getting the right pet for you!
*Humane Society / **PetFinder
Getting Started
Words to Know
Breed
The kind of dog such as Lab or Collie.
Canine
Another word for dog. Sometimes K9.
Dog Trainer
A person that teaches dogs.
Nutrition
Feeding your dog the right kind of food
so he can grow properly and be healthy.
Mixed Breed
When a dog is a “mix” of two breeds
such as a Basset Hound and a Beagle.
Pure Breed
When a dog is only one breed.
Shelter
A place where dogs (and other animals
go) when their owners don’t want them.
You can also go to a shelter to get a dog.
Vaccinations
Dogs receive “shots” each year to stay
healthy and prevent things like rabies.
Veterinary (Vet)
A doctor that takes care of animals.
Other words you don’t know?
www.dictionary.com
Hear the word and read the definition!
Electronic Materials
What are Electronic Materials?
Electronic materials include things such as websites, online videos, audio books (ones you listen
to), e-books (for your Kindle or iPad or other
device) and apps for your smart phone or device.
Why Use Electronic Materials?
Electronic Materials make finding information
easy. You can pull up a web-site from your
computer or a phone and compare it to other
web-sites. You can quickly look up words you
don’t know or find a picture if you don’t know
what something looks like. You can watch a video
online to see how to do something. Electronic
Materials let you do a lot of research from one
location whether it’s at home, at school or in the
library.
Me and My Dogs
Sammy, Tippy, King, Daisy, Bandit, Scrappy, Streak
and Heinrich are the names of all the dogs I’ve loved!
I know how important it is to pick the right dog. I’ve
had Streak since she was a puppy. She is seven years
old and can be aggressive (mean) so I can’t let her
play with my daughter. Bandit is my daughter’s dog.
She loves him and they play well together. Streak
and Bandit do not like each other. It’s a hard
situation to live with! I hope this Pathfinder helps
you pick the right dog for your family, your home
and your life.
Choosing
Web Site: http://www.animalplanet.com/
Page: http://www.animalplanet.com/breed-selector/dog-breeds.html
Work through ten questions including:
“What size dog do you want?”
“How much time can you devote to exercising your dog daily?”
“What kind of temperature tolerance does your new dog need to have?”
The web-site will provide you with your top match as well as runners up. You can read a short
summary on the dog and then click learn more to get even more details on the breed. You can also
select from a list of dog breeds to read about a particular breed.
Web Site: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/
Page: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm
Answer a twelve question quiz to find out what breed of dog might be best for you. Questions include:
“What size yard do you have?”
“What kind of protection ability do you want your dog to have?”
The web-site will return your list of suggested dogs along with links you can click to learn more about
the dogs.
Video: http://www.youtube.com
Page: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9khrqxVpAc
Dogs 101: How To Choose a Puppy – This five minute video created by Animal Planet gives
suggestions from experts on how to choose a puppy and what questions you should ask.
Includes fun footage of puppies being bad!
Cost
Web Site: http://www.petcostcalculator.com/
Cost Calculator - By entering a few fields such as dog size and activity level, this site will tell you
how much it could cost to take care of your pet. Please keep in mind that expenses vary
depending on the dog food you select, the cost of vet care in your area, etc.
Web Site: http://www.peteducation.com
Page:
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2
106&aid=1543
This article describes the many costs associated with getting a dog. Have you thought about a
fence to keep your dog in the yard or the price of stain cleaner if he/she has an accident on the
carpet? A chart includes 27 costs associated with dogs for the first year and then future years.
Costs to
Consider
Food / Bowls
Leash / Bedding
Vaccines / Medicine
Veterinary Services
Training Materials
Grooming
Breeds
Book: The Dog Encyclopedia
By: DK Publishing
Hardcover, 360 Pages
Available at www.amazon.com
This book is a great resource to see photographs of over 400 breeds of dogs. It covers topics
such as the history of the breeds, care, health and training.
From Amazon.com:
With an extensive photographic catalog of more than 400 dog breeds, organized by to
FCI groupings, each profile describes the breed's uses and character, lists compatible
owner traits, and shares fascinating facts about the breed's origins.
Dog owners, breeders, and fans will also learn about canine anatomy and body systems;
instinct and behavior; how dogs interact with humans; and the essentials of good care.
The book gives expert advice on equipment, handling, exercise, play, feeding, grooming,
and breeding. Basic dog training is also covered, and an invaluable section on health will
enable you to identify problems quickly and know exactly what to do in an emergency.
Dog Encyclopedia, The. London: DK Publishing. 2013.
Breeds
Web Site: http://www.petfinder.com/
Page: http://www.petfinder.com/dog-breeds/
Use the home page to search the listings of thousands of pets available for adoption. Search by
location, breed, age and gender to find pets that meet your criteria. (Always consult your
parents before contacting an adopting agency.) The Dog Breeds page lets you select a breed to
learn more information such as average size and personality traits.
Web Site: http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk
Images:
http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/picturelibrary/
Default.aspx
This link takes you to The Kennel Club Library. The library has over 70,000 images of dogs. You
can search for a specific type of dog or click a category such as “Working” or “Art.” You can
contact the library if you are looking for a picture you can’t find. The images are copyrighted so
you must ask permission before using them.
You may e-mail them at: [email protected]
What’s Photographic Copyright?



Photographers have the exclusive right to reproduce their photographs (right to control the
making of copies).
Unless you have permission from the photographer, you can’t copy, distribute (no scanning
and sending them to others), publicly display (no putting them online), or create derivative
works from photographs.
Copyright infringements—reproducing photos without permission—can result in civil and
criminal penalties.
Information from PPA. www.ppa.com
Breeds
Web Site: http://www.pedigreedatabase.com
Images:
http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/breedinfo.
pictures
Photographs of over 240 dog breeds. Click on each photo to enlarge.
Web Site: http://www.akc.org
Page: http://www.akc.org/breeds/index.cfm
Select a breed by name or group from a drop down box or type in the name of the breed
you’re interested in. Selecting a dog will give you information about the dog and if it’s the
right dog for you.
While the AKC promotes pure breed dogs, there is plenty of information available that applies
to all dog owners. Check out the pages related to being a responsible dog owner and keeping
your dog healthy.
From the Web Site:
“The American Kennel Club is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its Registry,
promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Founded in
1884, the AKC® and its affiliated organizations advocate for the purebred dog as a family
companion, advance canine health and well-being, work to protect the rights of all dog
owners and promote responsible dog ownership.”
Bringing Your
Dog Home
Web Site: http://www.paw-rescue.org
Page: http://www.paw-rescue.org/dog_guide.php
This page covers everything you need to know about bringing your new dog home including a
shopping list, introducing the new dog to other pets, establishing a routine, changing its name
and bedtime.
Web Site: www.hartz.com
Page: http://www.hartz.com/Dogs.aspx
Page: http://www.hartz.com/Dogs/Getting_Started/New_Dog_Checklist.aspx
Hartz offers information on many areas of dog care such as nutrition, health and grooming. The
New Dog Checklist is a great guide to make sure you have everything you need to bring your
new friend home.
Supplies Tip
Beware supply lists that are
provided by a pet store or web
sites that sells pet supplies.
These places want to sell as
much as possible and you might
end up buying more than you
need. Make a list before you go
and only buy what is on your list.
If a sales person suggests other
items, consider them carefully
before purchase.
Dog Care
Web Site: http://www.bestfriends.org
Page: http://bestfriends.org/Resources/Pet-Care/Dogs/
Page: http://bestfriends.org/dog-fun-things-to-do.aspx
This page offers information on the health and care of your dog. My favorite page is “Fun
Things To Do With Your Dog.” From Agility to Backpacking to Trick Training, this page has great
ideas of ways to play with your dog and include him/her in your activities.
From the Web Site:
“For so many animals, it was the beginning of a miracle. It was the 1980s. Shelters
across America routinely killed cats and dogs as the primary method of handling
unwanted pets. Around 17 million animals perished every year. Older, sick and problem
animals were the first to go. Then, a group of friends began taking some of those
"unadoptables" to a safe haven to heal. With proper care and patience, the vast
majority of these animals found loving forever families. The remaining animals spent the
rest of their days romping in the new sanctuary. That group of friends who cared so
deeply about animals grew and flourished and became Best Friends Animal Society, a
501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.”
Web Site: https://www.avma.org
Page: https://www.avma.org/public/Pages/default.aspx
The American Veterinary Medical Association provides several resources to help care for your
pet. Information on vaccines (shots) for your dog, preventing dog bites and what to do in an
emergency is all covered here. There is also a tool to find a veterinary in your area.
Dog Care
Web Site: http://www.aspca.org
Page: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care
The ASPCA Dog Care page covers a wide range of topics from general dog care, seasonal tips,
finding a vet and nutrition. They cover more uncommon issues such as what to do if you’re
allergic to your pet and Halloween safety tips.
From the Web Site:
This site is maintained by The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
(ASPCA). “Founded in 1866, the ASPCA was the first humane organization in the Western
Hemisphere. Our mission, as stated by founder Henry Bergh, is “to provide effective
means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.” While
there are SPCAs and humane societies all over the country, the ASPCA is not directly
affiliated with them. However, the ASPCA works nationally to rescue animals from abuse,
pass humane laws and share resources with many shelters across the country.”
Web Site: http://www.humanesociety.org
Page: http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/#.Uvf_OWAo6P9
The dog page of the Humane Society provides many helpful resources on the care of animals.
Safe pet treats for dogs and caring for dogs in cold weather are just a few of the topics covered.
From the Web Site:
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection
organization, rated the most effective by its peers. Since 1954, The HSUS has been
fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on
programs. We rescue and care for tens of thousands of animals each year, but our
primary mission is to prevent cruelty before it occurs. We're there for all animals, across
America and around the world.
Training
Book: Puppy Training for Kids: Teaching Children the
Responsibilities and Joys of Puppy Care, Training, and
Companionship
By: Colleen Pelar
Paperback, 96 Pages / Also Available as an e-book
Available at www.amazon.com
Now that you’ve brought your puppy home, what do you do with it? This book will help you
learn everything you need to know about training your puppy to be the kind of dog you want.
From the Inside Flap:
Kids and dogs are naturally attracted to each other, and this brand-new title tells boys
and girls what they need to know about exercise for their puppy, selecting chew toys,
clicker training, teaching their puppy to meet both human and animal friends, and much
more.
Purchasing puppy supplies / Housetraining and socializing your puppy / Understanding
your puppy's behavior and body language / Keeping your puppy out of trouble / The
basics of puppy training / Fun and games with puppies
Pelar, Colleen. “Puppy Training for Kids: Teaching Children the Responsibilities and Joys of
Puppy Care, Training, and Companionship.” Hauppauge, NY: Barrons Educational
Series. 2012.
Video: http://www.youtube.com
Page: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1VPCv83EU4
Dogs 101: Puppy Training – This four minute video gives you advice from experienced dog
trainers about how to start training your puppy. Includes tips on play before bed and
removing food and water in the early evening to get your puppy to sleep longer at night.
Training
Audio Book: From Day 1 to Adulthood: How to Make Your Puppy
Loving and Obedient
By: Amy Morford / Narrated By: John Eastman
1 Hour 6 Minutes
Also Available in Paperback and E-book formats
Available Available at www.amazon.com and www.audible.com.
There is more to training your puppy than getting it to potty outside and sleep through the
night. This audio book will take you through the entire first year of training your puppy.
Morford, Amy. “Puppy Training: From Day 1 to Adulthood: How to Make Your Puppy Loving and
Obedient.” Narrated by John Eastman. Sanford, FL: Mojo Enterprises. 2013.
E-Book: Good Dog! Kids Teach Kids About Dog Behavior and
Training
By: Evelyn Pang and Hilary Louie
Age 8+ / Grades 3+ / 88 pages
Also Available in Paperback format
Available at www.amazon.com
This book will help you learn how to tell if you dog is happy or sad, if he wants to play or be left
alone. Learning your dog’s moods and how to deal with them can help you keep your dog
happy and prevent your dog from biting you or someone else.
Pang, Evelyn and Hilary Louie. “Good Dog! Kids Teach Kids About Dog Behavior and Training.”
Wenatchee, WA: Dogwise Publishing. 2008.
Training
Mobile App: http://www.proplan.com/p5/
Available for iOs and Android
Do you have a tablet or a smart phone? Download this great app so you have training
information close at hand no matter where you are.
From the Site:
Purina® Pro Plan® P5 will provide step-by-step instruction, helpful video demonstrations,
and insight from top Pro Plan® trainers. With their guidance, anyone can teach their dog
something new. From basic commands to agility, this app is an ideal companion for your
journey to greatness. Discover the greatness in your dog with the help of P5.
Web Site: http://www.cesarsway.com/
Cesar Millan is a top dog trainer. You might have seen him on the TV show Dog Whisperer. His
site provides information on dog behavior, dog training and dog rescue. He covers serious
topics such as dog aggression to funnier topics like what to do with a dog that licks too much.
Training Tips
The most important thing to remember when
training your dog is to stay calm. The more
frustrated you are, the less likely your dog is to
behave. Speak in a firm but neutral tone. You can
be loud but don’t yell. If you’ve had enough for
the day, your dog probably has too. It’s ok to take
a break and play! Remember, you didn’t learn in a
day and neither will your dog. It’s a long process
but it will pay off in the end. Stick to it!
Training
Web Site: http://www.apdt.com
Page: http://www.apdt.com/petowners/
.
This site offers tips on how to find a dog trainer and choosing the right dog trainer. There is a
page dedicated to choosing the right dog and where to find a dog. There are free e-learning
courses available as well. The downloads and handouts page provides more information on
these topics as well as fun activities to do with your dog and Dog Park information.
From the Site:
This site is maintained by the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. “The APDT is
dedicated to building better trainers through education, promoting dog-friendly methods
and encouraging their use. Our membership is composed of trainers from across the
spectrum of training philosophies who have an interest in furthering their knowledge of
positive training.”
Web Site: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/
Page: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/articles/dogwalk.htm
This advertises itself as the “one-stop shop for dog information.” It is entertaining and
informative all at the same time.” I recommend the article, “The Proper Way to Walk a Dog.”
Various Topics
Web Site: http://www.hillspet.com
Page: http://www.hillspet.com/dog-care.html
Page: http://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/dog-diseases.html
Page: http://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/mature-adult-dog-whichside-of-seven.html
The Hills Pet Nutrition page covers several topics such as routine care and nutrition. The site
lets you select the age of your dog to get information related to your pet. The dog disease
page is perfect for learning about illnesses that can affect your dog. Trying to guess your
dog’s in age human years is also fun!
E-Periodical: http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/
This online magazine offers information on puppy care, selecting dog food, training, health
and senior (old) dogs. There is an option to search for articles on the specific topic you’re
interested in such as “activities.” Some information is only available to subscribers. (Never
subscribe to anything without first asking your parents.)
Nutrition
Web Site: http://www.vetmed.vt.edu
Page:
http://www.vetmed.vt.edu/vth/sa/clin/cp_handouts/Nutrition_Adult_Do
g.pdf
Nutrition Adult Dog. Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine.
This five page article outlines the various needs of adult dog nutrition. Page two tells how you
should select the right food for you dog. Page four offers tips for measuring your dog’s food and
when you should feed your dog each day. Page five warns against foods that could make your
dog sick such as feeding them raw meat or chocolate.
Web Site: http://www.petmd.com
Page: http://www.petmd.com/dog/centers/nutrition
PetMD is written and approved by vets. The site provides articles related to pet nutrition such
as the type of food you should feed your dog and what treats you should offer. There are
slideshows related to various topics. Similar to “The Food Pyramid” for humans this site offers
“The Pet Bowl” to outline the different nutrients your dog needs each day.
Web Site: http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu
Page: http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/cliented/anatomy/
This page of the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine provides the
anatomy of a dog. You can click on different parts of the dog – such as the lungs – to learn
more.
Other
Web Site: http://www.fbi.gov
Page: http://www.fbi.gov/fun-games/kids/kids-dogs
Find out how dogs are involved with the FBI on this fun page! Click on the picture to read about
how dogs are involved with service, therapy, finding bombs and sniffing out drugs! This shows
that dogs don’t have to be a special age or breed to be useful. Dogs range from Border Collie to
German Shepherd and were born as far back as 2001!
Web Site: http://www.safekidssafedogs.com/
Page: http://www.safekidssafedogs.com/html/printables.html
This site covers multiple topics including the “Best Dogs” and “Why Dogs Bite.” “Printables” is a
great page. Be sure to read “A Family Guide to Dog Safety” and “Dog Safety for Students.”
From the Web Site:
“Through education of child, parent, dog owner and the public in general, dog-related
accidents can be lessened greatly. The Project is always being adapted and
expanded. Presently, we cover children, dog owners, expectant/pre-adoptive families,
field/delivery workers, and adults.”
More Information
Local Help
Search Terms
Looking for a dog or a vet in your area? Try
the Yellow Pages or a Google search. Try
the following search words with your city
and state.
Looking for more resources? If conducting your own
search, couple the following terms with the word dog:
Veterinary
Breed
Animal Shelter
Care
Humane Society
Cost
Pet Adoption
Nutrition
Dog Park
Training
Behavior
Search Tips
When searching online, you have to remember that anyone can post anything on the internet. You
have to evaluate your online resources for accuracy. Here are some criteria I used when selecting
my resources:
Who provided the information? Are they in a position to provide information on this subject?
Using the Nutrition Adult Dog article for example, it was posted by a Veterinary College, therefore,
the source is reliable. However, I wouldn’t want to use an article about human nutrition from this
same source.
Is the information timely? Try to see if the site has been updated recently. Some information
doesn’t change often (training techniques) but other information such as treating pet illnesses can
update frequently.
Look for mistakes such as misspelled words and grammatical errors. If you find multiple errors, look
for a better source.
Check your facts. Look for the same information from another source to verify its accuracy. If you
find differences, try a third source. If you still don’t have a definite answer, go to your local library
and ask the librarian to help you.
Database
Another option for more information is to search a database. If you live in Indiana, you can use INSPIRE
offered through the Indiana State Library. If you do not live in Indiana, visit the web site for your state
library and see if similar access to online databases is available. (Many public and school libraries also
have database subscriptions.)
I am going to walk you through how to use Kids Search.
First you will have to obtain a user name and password. If you’re an Indiana resident, use this link:
http://www.in.gov/library/inspire/account_creation.html. Otherwise, consult your state, local or school
library for access.
There are
several ways to
find
information in
this database.
You can type a
word in the
Find box and
then click Go.
You can do a
Detailed
Search that lets
you input
several search
criteria or you
can click the
Icon that goes
with your
topic.
Database
I clicked on the Animals icon. I
know that dogs are mammals
so I have selected Mammal and
I typed DOG in the search box.
Then I will click Go.
This particular search gave me
92,782 entries! I can filter the
results by Magazines,
Newspapers, Photos, etc. or I
can go through the results page
by page.
Database
92,782 entries is too many! I
went back to the search page
and entered dog AND training.
By connecting search terms
with AND the database will
search for entries that have
both of those words.
You can also use the word OR.
That search will give you entries
that have either dog or training
but not necessarily both.
By entering dog AND training
my search results have been
narrowed to 5,610 entries. You
can keep changing your search
criteria to receive fewer entries.
Database
A detailed search lets you set
additional limits for things such
as date of publication, reading
level and number of pages.
If you’re at a public or school
library, be sure to ask your
librarian for help with your
search!
Ideas for
Libraries and Teachers
Project 1 – R.E.A.D.
Since the R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dog) Program started at the library, the librarian has
overheard numerous children express interest in getting a dog – specifically a puppy. Daisy, the
program dog, is an older dog, laid back, calm, well-groomed and extensively trained. The librarian is
worried that the kids don’t understand the time, money and commitment that goes into owning a dog.
In response to this issue, she sets up the following program.
Four hours on a Saturday.
Cover the basics language relating to dogs (see Getting Started).
Have the kids write down the type of dog they would like and then complete the Dog Breed
questionnaires (see Choosing). When they have a few options, ask them to research the breeds further
and note the characteristics of each breed (energetic, aggressive, sheds, drools). Ask them to make
notes of how this will fit into their lifestyle.
Ask the kids to complete the cost calculator (see Cost).
Next is a visit from the local veterinary. He will discuss the care of dogs such as feeding, grooming,
nutrition and health issues. Have the vet bring a dog or two into the library to demonstrate things such
as brushing teeth and trimming nails. Have him discuss the costs associated with owning a dog.
See Dog Care and Nutrition to have kids look up additional information.
Break for lunch – I suggest hot dogs and puppy chow (the dessert).
Have the R.E.A.D volunteer come in to discuss the training that Daisy went through and have her talk
about the differences of Daisy when she was a young dog versus a middle aged dog.
Have a local dog trainer bring in a dog/dogs he is currently working with. Show the kids some
techniques and let them work with them on their own. Show them that getting them to sit and heel
isn’t as easy as it looks!
Let the kids browse the Training resources.
Finish the day by brining everyone together to discuss what they’ve learned, the responsibilities and
hard work of dog ownership. Be sure to include the parents so they can see what the kids have learned.
Ask each child if they have made any new decisions about owning a dog.
Ideas for
Libraries and Teachers
Project 2 – Volunteer Program
The local animal shelter is in need of volunteers and asks the local school if there is a service
organization with the school that would like to help. A group is found and the students are excited to
work with the dogs. However, only about half of the students have ever worked with dogs before. The
shelter requires volunteers to pass a general knowledge test before being allowed to work directly with
the animals. As the school organization counselor, ask to review this test so you can prepare your
students properly.
Have the shelter provide a list of dogs that are frequently found in the shelter. Beagles, Shepherds,
Labs, etc.
Have all the students read through the Breeds resources to learn more about the breeds they will likely
be working with.
Have all the students review the Safe Dogs / Safe Kids resource in the Other section. Ask them to
identify signs of aggression and how to handle an aggressive dog.
Have all the students learn about illnesses in dogs and what symptoms to watch for. (See Care.)
Have students who have not worked with dogs before spend extra time in the Care resources to learn
the basics about feeding, grooming and general care of dogs.
Have the review the Nutrition page to learn what they can and cannot feed a dog.
Have all the students look at the resources in the Training section. Many dogs are given to shelters due
to bad behavior. Make sure the kids learn the basics such as getting a dog to sit, lay and “drop it.”
Ask the shelter to bring in a few dogs for the students to work with.
Take the students on a tour of the shelter.
Finally, schedule a time with the shelter administrator to give the test to your students.
Ideas for
Libraries and Teachers
Project 3 – Dog Lovers Reading Club
Read dog themed books and then use the resources provided in this pathway to research and discuss
dog-related issues in the book. Mixing fiction with nonfiction encourages reading and learning in
children that might otherwise balk at research.
Sample Book List
Old Yeller
By: Fred Gipson
Research rabies in dogs. Also known as hydrophobia.
Where the Red Fern Grows
By: Wilson Rawls
Research the training of coon dogs.
Research the bond between dog/dog and human/dog.
Because of Winn Dixie
By: Kate DiCamillo
Research the benefits, challenges and risks of taking in a stray.
The Incredible Journey
By: Shelia Burnford
Research a dog’s sense of direction.
Research the bond between humans and dogs.
Marley and Me
By: John Grogan
Research how a dog ages (dog years versus people years).
Baree: The Story of a Wolf-Dog
By: James Oliver-Curwood
Research hybrid dogs.
Research wolves and the difference between wolf and dog.
Check your local public or school library for additional titles!
Ideas for
Libraries and Teachers
Project 4 – Acclimating Students to a Service Dog
Service dogs are used for a number of reasons. They can guide a blind person, detect seizures and alert
their masters to low blood sugar levels. Dogs are also used by safety personnel such as security guards
and police officers.
Situation 1
A student recently obtained a service dog. This dog comes to school with the student daily. Some
students are afraid of the dog, some don’t understand why they can’t bring their own dog to school and
others think it’s unfair that the student gets to go outside between classes when the dog needs to use
the restroom.
Use the resources in this Pathfinder to teach students more about the dog. Have them research the
Breed and find out what traits make them a good service dog. Find out what other dogs are used for
assistance. Look at resources under Care to help them understand the needs of the dog such as a water
bowl under the student’s desk and the extra time outside for potty breaks.
If appropriate, use the database to research the student’s illness/disability to help students better
understand what the student is dealing with and how the dog can help.
Situation 2
The school has a full time security dog. The school was recently awarded a service dog that is trained to
sniff out drugs and bombs and subdue people who might be in the school (a gunman for example). This
is a large German Shepherd and many of the younger students are afraid of it while the older students
torment it to see if they can get a reaction.
Use the resources in this Pathfinder to teach students more about the dog. Have them research the
Breed and find out what traits make them a good service dog. Research the Training required to teach
the dog how to act in certain situations.
If possible, have the security officer bring the dog into the classroom and let it interact with the
students that are afraid.
If possible, have the security officer demonstrate the dog’s capabilities and show how the students are
safer because of its presence. Point out the dangers and risks associated with tormenting this type of
dog to those students who don’t respect the dog and its abilities.
Ideas for
Libraries and Teachers
Project 5 – Girl Scout Badge
Girls Scouts have the opportunity to earn a Pet Care Badge by completing select activities. Each year a
Girl Scout can make their own badge if one is not available in an area of their interest. The Society for
the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Los Angeles (spcaLA) put together a program to be completed to
obtain a Pet Care badge. (This badge is not directed specifically at dogs but a child could choose a dog
for their focus.)
Below are the areas that are addressed and the coordinating section(s) of this Pathfinder.
1. To Have or to Have Not (Breeds / Cost / Care)
2. Be Responsible
3. Add it up (Cost)
4. Facts of Life (Care / Database)
5. Staying Healthy (Care)
6. Don’t Pass It On (Care / Database)
7. Healthy Diet (Nutrition)
8. Animal Talk (Care / Other)
9. Book It (Breeds – Specifically the Image resources)
10. Other Ways to be Around Animals
See the full details of the program to tailor it to your Girl Scout Troop. Pages 2-4 http://www.girlscoutsla.org/documents/Pet_Care_Patch.pdf
For additional information on the Girl Scout Program you can visit:
http://www.girlscouts.org/
For additional information on Girl Scout Badges you can visit:
http://forgirls.girlscouts.org/badges/
Ideas for
Libraries and Teachers
Project 6 – Boy Scout Pet Merit Badge
Boy Scouts have the opportunity to earn a Pets Merit Badge by completing select activities. (This badge
is not directed specifically at dogs but a child could choose a dog for their focus.)
Below are the areas that are addressed and the coordinating section(s) of this Pathfinder.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Present evidence you have cared for a pet for four months.
Write in 200 words or more about the care, feeding, and housing of your pet. (Care)
Tell some interesting facts about it. (Breed / Database)
Tell why you have this kind of pet. (Breed)
Give local laws, if any, relating to the pet you keep.
Show that you have read a book or pamphlet, approved by your counselor, about your kind of
pet. (Care / Training – Specifically the book resources)
7. Discuss with your counselor what you have learned from what you read.
8. Do any ONE of the following:
a. Show your pet in some pet show.
b. Start a friend raising a pet like yours. Help your friend get a good start.
c. Train a pet in three or more tricks or special abilities (Training)
Learn more about the Merit Badge:
http://www.boyscouttrail.com/boy-scouts/meritbadges/pets-merit-badge.asp
Merit Badge Worksheet:
http://usscouts.org/mb/worksheets/Pets.pdf
For additional information on the Boy Scout Program:
http://www.scouting.org/
Ideas for
Libraries and Teachers
Project 7 – 4-H Dog Curriculum
The 4-H Program has created its own curriculum for its 4-H dog program. While each of the three levels
has its own guidebook, this Pathfinder can be used in conjunction with the curriculum.
The learning objectives of each level and their corresponding Pathfinder area are listed below:
Level 1: Wags and Wiggles
“Youth learn basic skills for dog care and training. Activities include knowing breeds, selecting a dog,
knowing the parts of a dog, keeping a dog healthy and groomed, training and much more.”
Pathfinder Areas – Breeds / Choosing / Nutrition (specifically the anatomy page) / Care / Training
Level 2: Canine Connection
“Youth explore more about dog health, nutrition, and care, genetic problems, population control,
showmanship, training, ethics and budgeting.
Pathfinder Areas – Nutrition / Care / Training / Cost
Level 3: Leading the Pack
“Experienced youth investigate responsible breeding, diseases, caring for geriatric dogs, training, service
dogs, dog roles and careers related to dogs. This guide provides youth with numerous leadership
opportunities.”
Pathfinder Areas – Breeding / Care / Training
Learning Objectives obtained from:
http://www.4-h.org/resource-library/curriculum/4-H-dog/
For more information concerning the 4-H organization:
http://www.4-h.org/
Ideas for
Libraries and Teachers
Project 8 – Delicious!
Would you like to have a simple list of e-resources
accessible from your computer, tablet or iPhone?
Would you like to be able to share
these resources with your friends?
Please visit my Delicious page and search on the tag
DOG
for a listing of all the e-resources included in this project.
Other common tags include:
Choosing / Cost / Breeds
Home / Care / Training
Nutrition
https://delicious.com/carrie4552