Ruff Troops Program Adapts "Scouting" for Canines

Doing good deeds, acquiring new skills and helping the community are the foundations of any good scout troop, and the 20 members of Ruff Troops are no exception - even though they each have four legs.

Ruff Troops, a pioneering training program for dogs and their owners, was founded in 2006 by three staff members at Best Friends Clinton Township Michigan Pet Care Center. The canines, with their human companions, meet monthly at Best Friends for classes in which they complete various skills - from "Roller Joring" and "Mud Puppy" to First Aid and Search & Rescue. Upon fulfilling a set of requirements, the pooped pups are rewarded with highly prized patches for their troop vests (and treats, of course).

Kharma, a shepherd/husky mix, is leading the Troop with a total of 10 patches - and she's well on her way to earning more. The newest member of the troop, Harley, just received her first badge this week, but her owner is determined to catch up quickly. New members are welcome to join at any time.

The highly coveted patches are not easily earned - participants must complete a series of tasks or skills to receive the professionally embroidered badge. Fulfilling the requirements can take anywhere from one class (Paw Painting) to four weeks (Camping, Hiking, Agility, Trickster).

Be Prepared
"We started Ruff Troops as a continuing education program for graduates of basic and advanced obedience classes," explains Janice Robinson, a co-founder.

The curriculum was specifically created to involve both human and pooch participants. "One of the most important things you can do for a dog is teach his owner," says Zaj, who is a professional dog trainer. "Too many dogs are surrendered because they weren't socialized well or they exhibit behavioral problems - Ruff Troops helps correct those issues by involving the pet owner as much as the dog."

For example, to earn a Hiking badge, the handler must be able to read a compass, know how much the breed can carry and how far it can travel, identify heat exhaustion (in both canines and humans) and take care of sore or injured feet (again, both canine and human).

Lisa Kavanagh, owner of troop member Harley, says that until Ruff Troops, she never followed through with anything for Harley. Once a rambunctious dog, Harley is much calmer now because she's out working & being challenged at Ruff Troops. Beau's owner says that Ruff Troops has changed the formerly shy and skittish little papillon into a fearless agility lover.

The required skills are tailored to the particular participant. At four pounds, Beau cannot perform the same amount of tasks as Storm or Kai, the German Shepherds in the group. And Molly, the Boston terrier, is not expected to carry the same amount of gear in her backpack as the bigger breeds in the troop.

Challenging AND Fun Right now Ruff Troops offer 30 patches for members. But what distinguishes Ruff Troops from other training programs is its focus on fun. Local residents can look forward to finding the valiant canine scouts and their owners at local parks and campgrounds this summer sledding, tracking, pulling carts and "roller joring" (pulling their owners, who are on skates). "People are drawn to our pack of vest-wearing dogs," says Zaj. "It's obvious to see how much fun we're all having."

As advocates for pet welfare, Ruff Troops has been invited to participate in dog walks & local fundraisers, as well as events for the Grosse Point Animal Rescue Society. They are also planningto raise funds for local pet rescue organizations.