Youth Program

A Journey of Discovery, Connection & Leadership

Our progressive four-level program takes young people from learning basic dog safety to becoming confident leaders who teach others. Every child can progress at their own pace.

Age Groups

Every level is designed for all ages—but we tailor activities and discussions to fit each group's developmental stage.

Puppy Pals

5-7 years

Our youngest learners discover the basics through play, stories, and hands-on activities.

Pack Scouts

8-10 years

Building confidence and deeper understanding through interactive group challenges.

Trail Blazers

11-13 years

Taking on leadership roles and exploring more advanced concepts.

Alpha Leaders

14-18 years

Ready to mentor others and make a real impact in their communities.

Four Levels of Achievement

Progress through each level at your own pace. Earn patches and certificates as you develop new skills and understanding.

Dog Safety Explorer patch
LEVEL 1DISCOVER

Dog Safety Explorer

Where the journey begins

Discover how dogs communicate and how to stay safe around them. This foundational level teaches children to recognize dog body language, understand boundaries, and develop confidence around canines.

Recognize happy, scared, and warning signals
Practice safe approach techniques
Understand personal space and boundaries
Know when to ask permission before petting
Identify safe vs. unsafe situations
4-6 sessions
Earn patch & certificate
All age groups welcome
Canine Communicator patch
LEVEL 2CONNECT

Canine Communicator

Building deeper bonds

Connect through understanding, respect, and responsible interactions. Students deepen their knowledge of canine behavior and learn to communicate effectively with dogs.

Interpret complex body language signals
Use calming signals effectively
Understand dog emotions and stress
Practice responsible interaction techniques
Build trust through positive communication
4-6 sessions
Earn patch & certificate
All age groups welcome
Canine Ambassador patch
LEVEL 3TAKE ACTION

Canine Ambassador

Making a difference

Take action in your community and make a difference for dogs. Ambassadors learn about animal welfare, shelter support, and how to advocate for dogs in need.

Understand shelter and rescue operations
Plan and execute community service projects
Advocate for responsible pet ownership
Educate peers about dog welfare
Support local animal organizations
6-8 sessions
Earn patch & certificate
All age groups welcome
Junior Instructor patch
LEVEL 4LEAD

Junior Instructor

Teaching the next generation

Lead by teaching younger kids and modeling responsible dog leadership. Junior Instructors develop teaching skills and help facilitate program sessions.

Assist in teaching younger students
Lead group activities and discussions
Demonstrate proper dog handling
Mentor peers through the program
Develop public speaking and leadership
Ongoing mentorship
Earn patch & certificate
All age groups welcome
Pack/Team Challenge patch
GROUP ACTIVITY

Pack/Team Challenge

Perfect for scout troops, school groups, and community organizations. Teams work together to complete challenges, earn points, and demonstrate their dog safety knowledge as a pack!

Register Your Group

Ready to Start the Journey?

Whether you're registering an individual child or bringing a whole group, we're excited to welcome you to the Learn to Speak Dog community.