DSM Ranking

The TENDERPAW is the first test for a DSM member.  This test shall be the prerequisite before a DSM member ventures into more exciting activities.  Upon passing this, the DSM member shall be awarded the TENDERPAW Badge.

Exercisers required to pass in order to earn the TENDERPAW Badge are :-

1.                    HEELING

Heeling teaches team work between human & their canine counterpart. This helps both parties have a mutual understanding and to work as a team. The ability to walk together without any tugging and loose leash even when there are distractions around.

2.             SIT & DOWN ON COMMAND

Basic prerequisite of dogs able to perform what is required of them at the time required.  The dog should be able to perform without any tugging, pushing or any harsh methods.  The ability of doing it should be a willing gesture.

3.             STAY IN POSITION

Optimum control for this exercise.  The understanding of the stay command is necessary either in the stand, sit or down position.  The length of  the stay shall be 20seconds for Stand, 30 seconds for Sit and 1 minute for Down.  The owner should be 10 ft / 3 meters away (this exercise shall be done off leash).  A manageable dog understanding how to behave especially around strangers, other dogs in a strange environment is essential to being a Dog Scout.  This exercise should be carried out in a group (min. 3).

4.             COME WHEN CALLED

Essential command that should be well taught to recall back the dog especially from danger.  Ability to do this from a distance of  20 ft / 6 meters away is required.  This test should be carried out individually but in the presence of other dogs and strangers.

5.             SOCIALIZATION

The ability to control own dog in the presence of others is essential to ensure accidents does not happen.  This shall include both humans and canines.  Dogs should be taught to respect each others boundary (min 3 ft / 1 meter apart).  Owners should teach their dogs to stay calm when meeting a stranger or other dogs.  Dogs should not confront other dogs by sniffing, climbing, lunging in any way.  A well behaved dog should be composed.  This test should be carried out individually but in the presence of other dogs and strangers (min 3 strange dogs).

During the TENDERPAW lessons, the owner shall also learn how the clean-up of waste, readily available with doggie bags, should be taught to respect wildlife and fauna, know how respect public property, shall always be helpful to the less fortunate, should always uphold the Dog Scout Motto and Laws which shall make up the part of the oral test.

The TENDERPAW test form and certification can be found with your DSM Membership Pack which is given free-of-charge upon signing up as DSM member.

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