Common questions, plain answers.

WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads Of Great Students) is a family and community engagement educational initiative.

Two primary goals: (1) provide positive male role models for the students, demonstrating by their presence that education is important, and (2) provide extra sets of eyes and ears to enhance school security and reduce bullying.

WatchDOGS are fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and other father figures who volunteer for at least one day each year at participating schools. Volunteers sign up through launch events or by contacting their school directly. A Top Dogs team coordinates scheduling and identifies volunteer opportunities.

During volunteer days, participants may read and work on flash cards with students, play at recess, eat lunch with students, patrol the school entrances and hallways, and assist with traffic flow. They wear official t-shirts and dog tags identifying their role.

Yes. The program has a great track record of bringing fathers and father figures to school for the whole day, and many volunteers sign up for additional days after their initial experience.

Schools must first complete the 7 Steps to Success on-demand video training, then meet with their principal to confirm support, and finally purchase a Startup Kit. Contact the National Office for inquiries at 1-888-540-3647 or info@dadsofgreatstudents.com.

Required viewers include principals and assistant principals, PTA representatives, the Watch Dog School Representative, school counselors, and Top Dog Coordinators and team members.

The series of videos is short and on demand. Each module is broken up into short segments that you can review at your own pace. The National Office is the only authorized provider.

No. Training is designed for program administrators and coordinators. However, WATCH D.O.G.S. suggests your Watch Dog School Representative, Top Dog Coordinator, and Top Dog Team listen to the training at least once each year.

The WATCH D.O.G.S. Startup Kit costs approximately $500. Multiple payment options are accepted, including purchase orders and Title I funds.

Elementary and Secondary Startup Kits are available with different contents. Schools must complete training before ordering.

No. Each school that would like to start a WATCH D.O.G.S. program must take the 7 Steps to Success training and purchase its own kit.

Schools should budget for two annual launch events. Additionally, volunteers should purchase their own official WATCH D.O.G.S. uniform t-shirt rather than having schools purchase them in bulk, though schools may stock extras for resale.

Yes. Costs vary based on delivery method and location. Estimates are available through the online store or by calling the office. Additional fees may apply outside the continental United States.

This is a matter of priorities, not economics. Schools can use purchase orders, Title I funds, or PTA funding for launch events. Fundraising through community donations is also recommended.

Approved schools can log in with their unique school code and password, then select invoice as a payment option at checkout.

Yes. The DOGStore is a 24/7 online ordering center for administrators, teachers, Top Dog Coordinators, parents, and WATCH D.O.G.S. volunteers.

Schools log in with their code and password through the DOGStore, select their renewal pack, choose a payment method, and receive direct shipment.

Yes. The program offers the implementation guide and training materials in Spanish. All major documents are in Spanish, including the WATCH D.O.G.S. poster set. Spanish-language training calls are also available.

Texas schools and districts are charged sales tax without exception. Contact the National Office for questions about other states.

No. Almost all WATCH D.O.G.S. programs are funded by the school or by the school's PTA program. Use existing school infrastructure.

Yes. Schools can request W9 forms via email at info@dadsofgreatstudents.com.

Yes. WATCH D.O.G.S. is the only authorized producer of apparel carrying the mark; every t-shirt, hat, or other piece of branded apparel must come from the official DOGStore. Active programs in good standing receive permission to use our logos digitally (school website, newsletters, social posts, internal flyers). Any other physical use is strictly prohibited without express written consent. We approve certain custom uses case by case (for example, a custom banner for a launch event, a customized gift for ten years of service, or a table cloth for the sign-up table). Email info@dadsofgreatstudents.com before producing anything; the full policy lives at /brand-use.

Contact the National Office at 1-888-540-3647 to have your password reset.

Email changes to info@dadsofgreatstudents.com with name, role, email, phone, school name, city, and state.

Call your child's school and ask for the Top Dog Coordinator or the Watch Dog School Representative to find out a date you can sign up. If your school is on the National Platform, you can also enter your program's school passcode on this site to land on its public page.

Contact your school's Top Dog Coordinator or Watch Dog School Representative to reschedule your volunteer date.

The policy accepts exchanges on apparel within 30 days if unwashed, in original condition, and with tags attached. Customers pay return shipping. Damaged items can be replaced or refunded. Non-exchangeable items failing those criteria will not be eligible.

Contact the National Office at 1-888-540-3647 (DOGS) or email info@dadsofgreatstudents.com.