4-H Dog Program Policies

Section 2: General Rules

Age and Enrollment

1. Membership in 4-H is limited to the following age groups:
   • Cloverbud: 5 to 7 years of age
   • Junior: 8 to 10 years of age
   • Intermediate: 11 to 13 years of age
   • Senior: 14 to 18 years of age
2. Age is determined as of October 1st of the current 4-H year.
3. All 4-H members must be enrolled in the dog program to participate in 4-H dog events.
4. Cloverbud members are not eligible for out-of-county activities or competitive events.

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Dog Care Project Requirements

1. Each member is expected to have access to one or more dogs. This means a member may borrow, rent, or lease a dog for a project. This should be indicated in the member’s 4-H Record Book. The dog must be under the 4-H member’s care and training at least 60 days before a qualifying show, as stated in the Washington State 4-H Policies and Procedures.
2. Two members may share a dog as their 4-H project. There must be an agreement in each member’s record about the shared dog. However, if two members are in the same age group, they must not be in the ring at the same time. The manner of a runoff is to be at the discretion of the judge, and counties may be more restrictive than the Washington 4-H Dog Program Policies.
3. Dogs may be any breed, mixed or purebred, but not wolf or coyote hybrids.
4. Dogs may be spayed or neutered.
5. Blind or deaf dogs are allowed. Dogs that are lame or have some other handicap may be used if the 4-H member provides a letter from a veterinarian stating that use as a 4-H project dog will not have any adverse effects on the dog’s health.
6. Dogs must have proof of rabies vaccination. Other vaccinations may be recommended by your veterinarian.
7. Bitches in season are allowed. When in season, bitches must wear doggy britches. The show superintendent must be notified at check in if a bitch is in season.
8. Dogs that exhibit aggressive, unsocial, or problem behavior that cannot be controlled by their handler, are a serious safety issue. Leaders and Superintendents have the immediate authority to excuse or place restrictions on such dog’s participation in 4-H activities. Leaders and Superintendents must inform their 4-H Extension Staff of their decision and the appropriate plan of action to follow. It is up to each county to decide what that action will be. Every effort should be made to see that the member is not excluded or excused. Alternative suggestions should be offered to the 4-H member and family.
9. To compete at the Washington State 4-H Fair, the dog must qualify at its county fair or other designated qualifying event, and be approved by 4-H Extension Staff in their respective county.

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Show and Ring

1. Ribbons and Awards: The Danish System of Awards will be used at 4-H designated shows and fairs. In this system every exhibitor will receive an award consisting of a flat blue, red, or white ribbon. Trophies, Grand or Reserve Champion Rosettes, or both may be awarded in addition to the Danish System Awards.
2. Conduct: The provisions of this rule shall apply to the dog owner, exhibitor, and family members of the person participating in the show or fair.
   • No one is allowed to coach exhibitors while they are in the ring.
   • The ring is off limits to everyone except working show personnel.
   • The judge should not be approached until judging is completed.
   • The judge may only be approached for information, not to dispute a placing.
   • Failure to follow the rules above may result in the dismissal of the exhibitor from the class or show.
3. Protest: When an individual is assisting with a 4-H designated show, no one should interrupt or interfere in any manner. If someone does not agree with what is being done, comments may be made in writing to the superintendent. A judge’s decision, representing that judge’s individual preference, cannot be protested unless it is alleged to violate the rules. Each protest must be lodged in writing by at least two exhibitors and an adult. Each exhibitor must be from a different club or county. In classes with a single exhibitor or participant, a single exhibitor may protest. The protest must be filed with the appropriate show superintendent within 12 hours of the time of the cause and the protest. A fee may be charged and accompany the protest which is refundable only if the protest is upheld. The protest will be acted upon by a committee selected by the fair manager. The committee decision will be final.

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Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations are available for participants, members, volunteers, and those attending 4-H sponsored events with a documented disability. If an individual has a disability and needs reasonable accommodations to fully participate in a 4-H program, the individual should contact their local WSU Extension Office. All accommodations MUST be reported to the State 4-H office. Reasonable accommodations will be forwarded to the contest superintendent prior to the event. Visit the Reasonable Accommodation page for more information.

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Handlers with Disabilities

Judges may modify specific procedural requirements of the rules to allow handlers with disabilities to participate fully and equitably. Handlers must be able to move around the ring independently, without physical assistance or guidance, except as outlined below.

At the judge’s direction, an assistant may position a handler who is blind before, between, and after each exercise. Dogs handled by handlers with disabilities are required to perform all components of each exercise as described in these rules. They will be scored using the same criteria as all other participants and will be penalized for failure to perform any part of an exercise. Under no circumstances may the scoring standards for any exercise be modified.

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4-H Ground Rules for Youth and Adults

Leaders and Parents: Please make members aware of the Ground Rules when they participate in 4-H activities. It is suggested that the 4-H Ground Rules for Youth and Adults be posted at every 4-H function.

Failure to comply with any of the following rules may result in dismissal by the show superintendent from a 4-H event and forfeiture of all awards. Failure to follow Washington State 4-H policy may result in the dismissal of a 4-H member from the 4-H Program. 4-H events are provided for under the auspices of Washington State University Extension. For youth safety, we ask that you help us enforce these rules:

1. Volunteers, members and parents must adhere to the Washington State 4-H Policies and Procedures;
2. Volunteers must agree to the Expectations of Behavior in the Washington State 4-H Adult Valuable Partnership Agreement
3. No alcoholic beverages.
4. No drugs.
5. No smoking or tobacco products.
6. No abuse of dogs.
7. Adults may not groom or school a show dog while on the grounds. Designated adults may help members with their project.
8. Show personnel may dismiss a visibly ill dog from participation.
9. All exhibitors must participate in Herdsmanship, if offered.
10. Leaders will ask a member of their club to leave the show grounds with his or her dog if behavior is unacceptable.
11. Only dogs entered in classes with off leash exercises may be off leash at any time, and only while in the show or practice ring.
12. At a benched show, there is no eating or drinking in the benching area.
13. Prong, spike collars, head collars, electric collars, and muzzles are not allowed on the show grounds.
14. Dogs may be shown with minor, non-contagious ailments. However, this is a show management decision and a certificate from a licensed veterinarian may be required.
15. Running or rowdy behavior is not allowed.

Dress Code:

Participants are 4-H members, leaders, and other adult volunteers participating in the activity or event.

• All clothing must be clean and in good repair without holes or ragged hems.
• Skirt lengths or shorts, even with leggings or tights, will be at the knee or slightly above the knee.
• Shoes must be closed toed, clean, appropriate, and safe for the activity.
• Mesh or sheer clothing is not allowed.
• Undergarments should not be visible, including while standing, during activities or competition.
• Clothing should be appropriate for the event. The following contests have specific dress criteria:
  1. Showmanship: Handlers should dress in a professional manner. Clothing and footwear should allow the handler to move freely while gaiting and presenting their dog. Clothing with pockets to hold bait, a comb, or toy are recommended. Handlers should consider clothing in a contrasting color to their dog to enhance the overall presentation. Accessories like scarves, neckties, and jewelry should be carefully selected to prevent any distraction from the presentation by flapping, hanging across the dog, or making noise.
  2. Obedience and Rally Obedience: Clothing and footwear should be appropriate for the ring conditions and allow the handler to move comfortably without interfering with the dog.
  3. Agility: Clothing and footwear should allow the handler to move safely and comfortably. Since agility is inherently an athletic event, handlers may wear shorts. Shoes that provide good traction for running and protect the entire foot are highly recommended.
  4. Judging Contest, Oral Reasons, and Public Presentations: Contestants should dress in a business casual manner, similar to Showmanship.
  5. Dog Bowl: Team shirts with a county or team logo are permitted. Only the first name of the team member is permitted on the shirt.
• Event coordinators may specify or vary the dress code to meet specific weather, activity, or event criteria. This should be stated ahead of time with the event rules and guidelines.
• WSU 4-H Dog Project Youth Development Program does not permit any form of advertising of tobacco, electronic cigarettes or vapor products, marijuana, or spirit or beer products, including clothing, at any 4-H-related event involving youth.
• Clothing may not promote violence, bullying, gang affiliation, or discrimination, may not include rude or offensive language or images, and should be selected to enhance a sense of belonging in the 4-H program.

Section 4: Classes and Divisions

The following list contains classes which may be offered at 4-H designated shows. Premium lists must state which classes will be offered. Other classes may be offered but must be designated as non-4-H classes. Classes are further divided by age division.

Showmanship

Washington State 4-H Guide to Dog Showmanship

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Obedience

Washington State 4-H Guide to Dog Obedience

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Agility

Washington State 4-H Guide to Dog Agility

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Rally Obedience

Not a state fair class. Washington State 4-H Guide to Dog Rally Obedience

• Rally Novice
• Rally Intermediate
• Rally Advanced
• Rally Excellent
• Rally Master
• Rally Choice

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Dog Judging Contest

Washington State 4-H Dog Judging Contest

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Dog Skill-a-Thon

Washington State 4-H Dog Skill-a-Thon Contest

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Dog Bowl

Not a state fair class. Washington State 4-H Dog Quiz Bowl Rules