Dogs - Care and Training Honor

Vocational Activities

Requirements

  1. Describe the care needed for adopting a dog. Explain the following:
    • How to select a dog (what is needed for a responsible choice)
    • Registration (for kennel dogs, "pedigree")
    • Veterinary care/deworming/vaccination

    Answer: 1) How to select a dog: choose responsibly, evaluating the available space at home, the time the family has to dedicate to the animal, the size and temperament of the breed, and the family's lifestyle. Give preference to responsible adoption and make sure everyone at home agrees and is ready for the long-term commitment. 2) Registration (pedigree): dogs from kennels may have a pedigree, the document that proves the animal's lineage and breed, issued by official canine organizations (in Brazil, the CBKC). The pedigree records the ancestors and guarantees the purity of the breed; it is also advisable to microchip and register the dog with municipal agencies when required. 3) Veterinary care/deworming/vaccination: take the dog regularly to the veterinarian, keep the vaccination schedule up to date (including rabies and the polyvalent V8/V10 vaccines), deworm periodically according to professional guidance, control fleas and ticks, and take care of proper feeding and hygiene (bath, brushing, teeth, and nails). — Adopting a dog is a commitment: choosing responsibly and keeping vaccines, dewormer, and veterinary visits up to date is the basis of animal welfare.

  2. Do at least 2 of the following:
    • Describe what can be done to remove ectoparasites (fleas, ticks and others) from your dog.
    • Mention some diseases, pests and parasites that dogs can acquire.
    • Explain what you should do after a dog bite.
  3. Describe the ways to train a puppy (bathroom needs, destruction of objects).

    Answer: • Bathroom needs: set a fixed spot for the dog to relieve itself (pee pad or outdoor area), always take it out after eating and sleeping, and reward it (affection/treat) when it gets it right — without violent punishment. • Destruction of objects: offer proper chew toys, burn off energy with walks and play (boredom causes destruction), put away valuable objects, and correct it firmly and patiently, always reinforcing good behavior. The key is patience, routine, and positive reinforcement. — Training a puppy is routine and positive reinforcement: rewarding the right behavior works much better than punishing the wrong one.

  4. Explain in detail how a dog should be bathed and what the general care is for its hygiene.

    Answer: Bath: use warm water and shampoo made for dogs (never human shampoo), wet the body while avoiding water in the ears and eyes, lather, rinse well, and dry with a towel (and a warm blow-dryer, if the dog accepts it). The frequency varies according to the breed (generally every 15 to 30 days). Other hygiene care: brush the fur, clean the ears, trim the nails, brush the teeth, and keep flea and tick control up. — Proper hygiene (bath with the right product, ears, nails, and teeth) keeps the dog healthy and well cared for.

  5. Take on the responsibility and commitment of feeding and watering a dog for a period of at least 2 to 3 months.
  6. Train your dog until you can successfully demonstrate the following*:
    • Heel: Your dog should walk at your left side and sit when you stop. Your dog should stay seated without being distracted by outside interests (people, other animals and food in general).
    • Stand for examination: Your dog should allow judges and doctors to touch it.
    • Recall: Your dog comes when called (by name), sits directly in front of you and moves to your left side at the heel command.
    • Stay: the dog remains seated or lying down for an indefinite time, leaving only on command.