Downeast Dog Scouts Troop #159 Troop Leader, Robyn Douglas, has been recognized as a Scoutmaster by the Dog Scouts of America. A Scoutmaster is a person certified by the Dog Scouts of America to evaluate members and their dogs for the Dog Scout Title. In order to become a Scoutmaster, Ms. Douglas submitted a written test and recorded documentation of herself training and teaching a person how to prepare for the Dog Scout Test, as well as testing several dogs and handlers.

Scoutmasters have an understanding of positive reward based training, testing guidelines for the Dog Scout test, teaching skills and the ability to be fair and impartial when testing. The testing standards and evaluation criteria for the Dog Scout Title are the same regardless of where the testing is taking place. The Dog Scout Certification is not a “walk-in” testing situation. A Scoutmaster must observe the dog on at least three different occasions interacting with people and other dogs. The Dog Scout Title is meant to be earned as a symbol of a certain level of training.

To become a Dog Scout, each dog and handler must pass twenty two requirements that show the handler has taught the dog a level of obedience and that the Dog Scout’s companion is a responsible dog parent. The handler must do a good job of controlling the dog and the dog must display a sound temperament. The Dog Scout written test reflects the handler's knowledge and understanding of the Dog Scouts of America positive training and handling techniques, canine body language, and management of the dog's environment. Test behaviors include: "leave it" with food and another animal, safe and comfortable around strangers and other dogs, heel, sit, down, stay, come and clean up. Dogs and handlers who pass the Dog Scout Test receive the official red Dog Scout bandana, Dog Scout ID tag, and can begin to earn merit badges.

The Dog Scouts of America do not require that dogs and handlers earn the Dog Scout Title to be members. Working on the Dog Scout Title is a great way to learn new things, have fun with your dog, and begin to earn merit badges. The Dog Scouts of America offer over seventy merit badges including: Backpacking, Hiking, Letterboxing, Geocaching, Camping Canoeing, Agility, Art, Rally, Tricks, Manners, Tracking, Carting, Therapy dog, Community Service, Herding, First Aid, Dog Care,Travel Safety and more.

The Downeast Dog Scouts Troop # 159 has six dogs and handlers who have achieved their Dog Scout Titles. The Downeast Dog Scouts Troop is a membership organization in Hancock County that promotes responsible dog ownership and increases the awareness of the human/canine bond. The troop comes together to learn, socialize and help others in the community. The Downeast Dog Scouts Troop is a non profit sub-group of the Dog Scouts of America. Information about the Dog Scouts of America is available at www.dogscouts.org. For more information about the Downeast Dog Scouts Troop #159 contact: downeastdogscouts@yahoo.com or 207 266-5807.