Winter of Wags 2021

Are you ready for fun-filled learning and bonding opportunities that will make this a winter filled with smiles and wags?

Whether your dog is young or old, just beginning their puppy training or a pro, Dog Scouts always provides something for every dog's age and training level while accommodating the wide range in handler knowledge and abilities - our Winter of Wags 2021 virtual fundraiser will do the same.

For this winter we've taken the criteria for First Aid, Travel Safety, Disaster Prep, Massage & Naked Dog Obedience, as well as an introduction to the pulling badges and applied them to weekly activities so you can focus on mastering each skill before moving on to the next. This means you'll have plenty to do if you're sheltering in place due to weather or pandemic restrictions and looking for something to brighten the dark days of winter or if you're able to partially or fully access the great outdoors and want activities to engage with your dog and explore your surroundings.

By the end of 4 weeks you'll both have acquired skills and knowledge that will increase your dog's confidence, deepen your relationship, develop your communication skills and add a multitude of positive experiences to enhance your dog's quality of life to make this a month to remember in your journey together.

You will also have progressed along the checklists for the merit badges highlighted during the event and be ready to take your videos and answer the questions to submit if your dog is already a Dog Scout or save for future submission once your dog has earned the Dog Scout title.  PLUS your dog will have acquired proficiency in skills that can be applied towards a number of other badge requirements, and improved his reliability in everyday life skills.

What you’ll get:

• 4 weeks filled with learning new skills, exercising the mind, building the human-canine bond and broadening your horizons by applying learned behaviors in fun new ways

• A special patch designed just for this fundraiser, with the opportunity to purchase up to 2 additional patches when registering

• Online support through a closed Facebook group where you can ask questions and share your pictures and progress (Group is moderated and only open to WOW2021 participants so you'll only see WOW2021 and DSA-related posts)

• Weekly Wag Sessions - live instruction via Zoom on one or more of the scheduled activities (meetings will be recorded for those who cannot attend the live session)
  

• Two Badge Labs - Zoom workshops focused on the criteria of the First Aid and Massage badges.  Participants will have the opportunity to demonstrate the handler/dog requirements for badge sign-off

• A digital participation book which includes each participant and a collage of counselor-selected activity pictures from each week

• Certificate of Participation

How it works:

Starting February 7th, you’ll receive access to an activity guide each week for four weeks under the categories of Great Outdoors!, Skills to Teach, Fun and Games, Responsible Pet Parenting and Arfs & Crafts.

You may choose to complete all of the activities or pick those that you wish to focus on based on the time you have available or what appeals to you the most. This virtual camp has something for dogs of all levels, with skills appropriate for the beginner dog as well as advanced skills for dogs with lots of experience.  Activities will provide opportunities for both indoor and outdoor interactions with your dog, and you can choose where and when you complete them.

Along with the weekly activity guide, you'll get written and/or video instructions so that you can confidently teach your dog(s) new skills, play the games and complete the enrichment activities. Videos will be supplied for special skills. We will also provide links for those who want to explore a topic in more depth. The activity guide is easy to use and understand.