4-H Dog Project
Program Contact
Amy Alder, 4-H Program ManagerPhone Number509-962-7565 Email Address • amy.alder@wsu.edu
Explore the National 4-H Dog Curriculum, and develop a stronger relationship with your dog and learn life skills along the way! This project area includes training dogs both as house pets and training service dogs.
Objectives
Dog Care and Training
Youth will:
- Exercise responsible pet care and ownership
- Practice methods of dog obedience training
- Recognize characteristics of dogs
- Study care, nutrition, health, breeding, and anatomy
4-H Dog Curriculum
Available from National 4-H Supply Service.
Youth explore dog web resources, breed origins, safety, locating a missing dog, socializing a dog, showmanship, tricks, health, feeding and controlling parasites.
Activities relate to body parts, selection, correcting behavior, house breaking a puppy, body language, controlling fleas, health care, grooming and how to train a dog to respond to seven basic commands. Age: Grades 3-5, but may be used by youth in any grade based on their project skills and experience.
Youth create a dog care budget, investigate inherited problems of dogs, conduct safety inventory, select dog food, observe veterinary procedures, teach dogs to do tricks, compare boarding kennels, etc.
Activities relate to selection and care, health and nutrition, behavior and training, and fitting and showing. Age: Grades 6-8, but may be used by youth in any grade based on their project skills and experience.
Youth assess a dog’s vital signs, explore functions of dog body systems, investigate dog breeding, consider needs of older dogs, conduct a class for puppies, recognize value of guide dogs, identify dog ownership laws, sponsor a dog fun day, explore careers with dogs, etc.
Recommended for use with a project helper, facilitator, or parent. Levels 1 and 2 are recommended as prerequisites, depending on age and experience. Target Age: Grades 9-12, but may be used by youth in any grade based on their project skills and experience.
Adult helpers can use this to guide youth as they explore: dog web resources, breed origins, safety, locating a missing dog, socializing a dog, showmanship, tricks, health, feeding and controlling parasites.
Activities in the youth books relate to body parts, selection, correcting behavior, house breaking a puppy, body language, controlling fleas, health care, grooming and how to train a dog to respond to seven basic commands.
In this Helper’s Guide: 13 pages are devoted to helping teach 23 basic & advanced dog obedience training exercises. Group activities include fun dog games, Canine Good Citizen, skillathons, pet therapy sessions, Dog Pyramid, dog quiz bowls & glossary games.
This resource handbook contains essential information for members taking a dog project and includes everything from selecting a dog that’s right for you, proper care, training techniques, dog anatomy, competition, and much more.
Ever wonder how prehistoric dogs met pre-historic humans? Want to know how dogs think and the meaning behind their body language? Curious about what keeps dogs happy and healthy? Discover these answers and the valuable roles these furry companions play in our lives. For beginning-level members who may or may not have a dog. Not for members enrolled in a dog project.
A Fear-less Approach to Understanding Dogs, Their Care, and Training
A Fearless Approach to Understanding Dogs, their care, and Training includes 5 different modules: History and Breeds; Dog Care, Husbandry, and Welfare; Communication and Behavior; Training; and Dogs in Society. This curriculum uses experiential learning and inquiry-based strategies to explore dog care and training to create meaningful educational experiences that involve learn-by-doing.
All About Pets Cloverbud Activity Booklet
All About Pets is an 8-page activity booklet exploring pets made especially for the Cloverbud age range (ages 5-8)!
For youth members, adult helpers and club leaders
Kittitas County 4-H Dog Project Committee Policy
For 4-Her’s in the dog project. A 2-page record for: dog’s profile, record of shots and medicines administered, training and exhibit record, and summary of expenses by yearly quarter.
C1084E – Rabies Vaccination Certificate
C1140E – All Washington State 4-H Dog Obedience Program Score Sheets
C1106E – Guidelines for Judging the WA State 4-H Dog Obedience Program
Helpful Resources
Activity Ideas
Washington Specific Reference Material
Washington 4-H has made an agreement with the American Kennel Club to allow members and leaders to use AKC educational materials.
Members, to receive publications, send a postcard to AKC with the following message: “I am a 4-H Dog Project member in Washington State, I understand that one (1) copy of each of the following materials is free. Please send me a copy of each of the following. Thank you”.
- Obedience Regulations
- Junior Showmanship
- Dogs – A General Information Booklet
- Canine Summer Safety
- Winter Care for Canines
- Getting Started Series
- Rules Applying to Dog Shows
Print your name, address, city, state, and zip code, and send postcard to:
American Kennel Club
5580 Centerview Drive, Suite 200
Raleigh, NC 27606-3390
Leaders may request one free copy of each of the AKC publications listed above, and the following:
- AKC Order Form
- Canine Good Citizen Program Information
Other Reference Material
From 4-H Programs
PetPALS Dog Behaviors – Ohio State University Extension, 4-H PetPALS
Each animal will react differently to changes in its environment, just as each person reacts differently to the stresses in his or her life. Some people deal better with stress than others, as do some animals. It is essential for 4-H’ers to know their pets well enough to be aware of their stress signals to avoid any unhealthy levels of stress.
PetPALS Stress in Animals – Ohio State University Extension, 4-H PetPALS
Each animal will react differently to changes in its environment, just as each person reacts differently to the stresses in his or her life. Some people deal better with stress than others, as do some animals. It is essential for 4-H’ers to know their pets well enough to be aware of their stress signals to avoid any unhealthy levels of stress.
4-H Animal Science Web Series: Dog Showmanship – Purdue Extension (YouTube video)
From Higher Education Institutions
How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth – Iowa State University Extension (YouTube video)
Are you having trouble brushing your dog’s teeth? Dr. Brenda Mulherin from the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center at Iowa State University is here to talk to you about ideas on how to make brushing your dog’s teeth easier.
How to Save Your Dog’s Teeth – Iowa State University Extension (YouTube video)
Do you wonder if your dog has a bad tooth? Dr. Brenda Mulherin from the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center at Iowa State University, is here to talk to you about what to look for if you think your dog is having dental issues and how to treat it.
From Related Organizations, Journals, and Professionals
American Kennel Club YouTube Channel
Puppy Information – American Kennel Club
The Association of Professional Dog Trainers