Spokane 4-H Dog Project Rules & Guidelines

Membership

1. The following groups are identified for activity participation:
   • Primary: K-2nd grades (K needs to be 5 years old by Jan. 1 of the current 4-H
     year.)
   • Junior: 3rd-5th grades
   • Intermediate: 6th-8th grades
   • Senior: 9th-12th grades (12th grade not reached 19 years old by Jan. 1 of the current
     4-H year.)
2. Members must be enrolled in the dog project to participate in dog events.
3. Primary members are not eligible for state fair.
4. IT SHALL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE EXHIBITOR TO KNOW ALL THE
   RULES. Failure to follow the rules may be basis for disqualification.

Dog Eligibility

1. 4-H members need not own their 4-H project dog. A lend-lease agreement is required and must be kept with project records. The dog must be under the members care, management and training 60 days before an official county exhibit activity. The dog may not be shown by another person in any event except another 4-H member in which a shared-dog agreement must be kept in each member’s record.
2. 4-H members may have an Activity dog. An activity dog does not have to qualify for Dog Eligibility Rule 1. Activity dogs can participate in all dog events. Placing and ribbons will be given to activity dogs but will not be eligible for state fair.
3. Two members in the same family may share a dog as their project. There must be an agreement in each member’s records about the shared duties. The two family members may not show the dog in the same class at the same show.
4. Dogs may be any age (but old enough to have had their shots to compete in events outside their club. Dogs may be any breed, mixed or purebred, except wolf or coyote hybrids. Dogs may be spayed or neutered.
5. Blind and/or deaf dogs are allowed. Dogs that are lame or have other handicap may be used if the member brings a statement from a veterinarian stating that the use as a 4-H project animal will not have adverse effects on the dog’s health.
6. Bitches in season are allowed. When in season, bitches must wear doggy britches. The show superintendent must be notified if a bitch is in season at check-in.
7. The club leader may evaluate and exclude vicious and/or uncontrollable dogs from club participation after consulting with the 4-H Office Staff.
8. A completed dog record will be recognition of your project animal.
9. A copy of a veterinarian signed proof of rabies vaccination, proof of Distemper, and any lend/lease agreement must be submitted each year at the 4-H event.

Ribbons and Awards

The Danish System of Awards will be used at 4-H designated events. Every participant will receive a flat blue, red, or white ribbon. Rosettes may be awarded in addition to the Danish System Awards. Grand & Reserve Champion Awards may be awarded to the top score in each age division if that score qualifies for a blue ribbon. Ties will be broken only if there are more than two tied. Ties will be broken by run off.

Point divisions for ribbons will be:

• Showmanship: Blue 90-100, Red 70-89.5, White 69.5 and under.
• Obedience: Blue 185 – 200, Red 170 – 184.5, White 169.5 and under.
• Advanced Novice and Above: Blue 170 – 200, or Red 100 – 169.5, White 99.5 and under.

Participation In Activities

Requirements for dogs:

1. Dogs that exhibit aggressive, and/or unsocial, and/or problem behavior, that cannot be controlled by their handler, are a serious safety issue. Leaders, Superintendents, 4-H educators and Judges have the immediate authority to excuse or place restrictions on such dog’s participation in 4-H activities. All dogs involved in a fight will be sent home. A fight is considered contact with another dog.
2. Prong, spike collars, head collars, electric collars, muzzles and flexi leads are not allowed at a show.
3. Showmanship is required for each dog at all 4-H Spokane County 4-H Dog Shows.
4. A member may show a maximum of 2 dogs per show.
5. The member will decide which dog is shown as the second dog and that dog will receive Danish ribbons only.
6. Before attending county activities for the first time, a dog must demonstrate to a dog club leader (using the Canine Good Citizen Test as a measure) that the dog is obedient, and the handler can control the dog.
7. Only dogs entered in novice and higher classes may be off leash at any time, and then only in the show or practice ring.
8. Dogs may be shown with minor non-contagious ailments; however, this is a show management decision and a veterinarian’s certificate may be required. If you have a question about this, call the 4-H office.
9. Show personnel may dismiss a visibly ill animal from participation at any point of a show.
10. You may move your dog up in obedience classes during a 4-H year. If you move down in obedience classes during the 4-H year, you will not be able to qualify for state fair with that dog.
11. If you receive a blue ribbon score at county qualifying show in obedience, a minimum of 3 times, you must move up to the next level in obedience the following year.
12. Point divisions and state fair qualifications:
    • Showmanship:
      • Blue Ribbon, 90-100 points
      • Red Ribbon, 70-89.5 points
      • White Ribbon, 0-69.5 points
    • Obedience:
      • For Pre Novice and Novice passing scores for Blue and Red ribbons shall also be comprised of more than 50% of the available points in each exercise.
      • Pre Novice and Novice Point Breakdown:
        • Blue Ribbon 185-200 points
        • Red Ribbon 170-184.5 points
        • White Ribbon 0-169.5 points
      • For Advanced Novice and Above:
        • Blue Ribbon 170-200 points
        • Red Ribbon 100-169.5 points
        • White Ribbon 99.5 and below
    • State Fair Qualification:
      • Pre Novice and Novice:
        • Pre Novice and Novice exhibitors must qualify as part of the county quota.
        • Exhibitors receiving a red ribbon in both Showmanship and Pre Novice or Novice are not eligible for State Fair competition.
        • Exhibitors receiving a white ribbon in either Showmanship or Pre Novice or Novice are not eligible for State Fair competition.
        • Exhibitors receiving a blue in obedience AND Showmanship will be taken first to fill the quota. Followed in order of preference by:
          • Blue in Showmanship – Red in Obedience
          • Red in Showmanship – Blue in Obedience
          • Highest Score will be taken first.
          • Advanced Novice and Above:
        • Advanced Novice and above entries must be part of the county quota. In Advanced Novice and above obedience classes an exhibitor may qualify by the following:
          • Blue in Showmanship and a minimum score of 100 points and passing a total of at least one half the number of exercises in the class in Advanced Novice and above.
          • Red in Showmanship and a Blue in Advanced Novice or above.
        • Exhibitors receiving a red ribbon in both Showmanship and Advanced Novice or above are not eligible for State Fair competition.
        • Exhibitors receiving a white ribbon in either Showmanship or Advanced Novice or above are not eligible for State Fair competition.
13. Record Books are required to be completed and turned in by August 1st, to go to State Fair.

Requirements for all persons attending the event:

1. Volunteer staff must adhere to the policies in EM0758 Washington State Youth Program Policy.
2. All volunteers, participants, and parents must adhere to the Washington 4-H ethics code stated in C1000 A Valuable Partnership.
3. Use of alcoholic beverages and/or illegal substances by adults and youth is prohibited at all 4-H sponsored events Use and possession of any tobacco products is prohibited by all 4-H aged youth at all 4-H activities.
4. No abuse of animals. (Example: striking your dog.)
5. Prong, spike collars, head collars, electric collars, and muzzles are not allowed in a show.
6. No coaching of youth while they are in the ring or showing their dogs.
7. Only 4-H members may groom or school a show dog while on the grounds.
8. The ring is off limits to everyone except the working show personnel.
9. Members only may approach the judge for information, not to dispute a placing, and only after judging is completed.
10. All exhibitors must participate in Herdsmanship if offered. No eating or drinking during herdsmanship.
11. Show personnel or leader can ask any 4-H member, their parent or visitor to leave the grounds if behavior is unacceptable.
12. At a benched show, there is no eating or drinking in the benched area.
13. Exhibitors must dress tastefully. See page 9 EM4927E WA State Guide to 4-H Dog Project Showmanship Manual for guidelines.

Protests:

When an individual is assisting with a 4-H show or event, no one should interrupt or interfere in any manner. If you have a problem with the procedures, you may submit comments to the superintendent in writing. A judge’s decision representing his or her preference, cannot be protested unless it is alleged to violate the rules. A protest must be submitted in writing to the Spokane County 4-H Staff within 24 hours of show.

Other Guidelines

• See current Washington State 4-H Fair Premium List for qualification requirements for State Fair. Because of limited allocations to State Fair, the final decision for who will represent Spokane County will not be made until all qualifying events have been held, allocations have been designated, and scores have been ranked in order (highest to lowest). Selection for state fair will be ranked by the member’s highest showmanship score added to their highest obedience score for each dog and member.
• The Spokane County 4-H Dog Project will conduct their activities in accordance with the publications EM4927E WA State Guide to Dog Project Showmanship and EM4924E WA State 4-H Dog Program Guidelines unless stated in these General Rules.
• If any questions arise not covered by these publications or rules, please refer to current copies of the AKC materials provided 4-H members as described in EM2778 4-H Publications and Projects.
• If there is confusion about a rule or requirement and no clarification can be located, the benefit of the doubt is given to the 4-H member.

Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger

This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation. The evaluator walks up to the dog and handler and greets the handler in a friendly manner, ignoring the dog. The evaluator and handler shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness, and must not break position or try to go to the evaluator.

Test 2: Sitting politely for petting

This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler. With the dog sitting at the handler’s side, to begin the exercise, the evaluator pets the dog on the head and body. The handler may talk to his or her dog throughout the exercise. The dog may stand in place as it is petted. The dog must not show shyness or resentment.

Test 3: Appearance and grooming

This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the owner, to do so. It also demonstrates the owner’s care, concern and sense of responsibility. The evaluator inspects the dog to determine if it is clean and groomed. The dog must appear to be in healthy condition (i.e., proper weight, clean, healthy and alert). The handler should supply the comb or brush commonly used on the dog. The evaluator then softly combs or brushes the dog, and in a natural manner, lightly examines the ears and gently picks up each front foot. It is not necessary for the dog to hold a specific position during the examination, and the handler may talk to the dog, praise it and give encouragement throughout.

Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)

This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog may be on either side of the handler. The dog’s position should leave no doubt that the dog is attentive to the handler and is responding to the handler’s movements and changes of direction. The dog need not be perfectly aligned with the handler and need not sit when the handler stops. The evaluator may use a pre-plotted course or may direct the handler/dog team by issuing instructions or commands. In either case, there should be a right turn, left turn, and an about turn with at least one stop in between and another at the end. The handler may talk to the dog along the way, praise the dog, or give commands in a normal tone of voice. The handler may sit the dog at the halts if desired.

Test 5: Walking through a crowd

This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places. The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three). The dog may show some interest in the strangers but should continue to walk with the handler, without evidence of over-exuberance, shyness or resentment. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise the dog throughout the test. The dog should not jump on people in the crowd or strain on the leash.

Test 6: Sit and down on command and Staying in place

This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler’s commands to sit and down and will remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers). The dog must do sit AND down on command, then the owner chooses the position for leaving the dog in the stay. Prior to this test, the dog’s leash is replaced with a line 20 feet long. The handler may take a reasonable amount of time and use more than one command to get the dog to sit and then down. The evaluator must determine if the dog has responded to the handler’s commands. The handler may not force the dog into position but may touch the dog to offer gentle guidance. When instructed by the evaluator, the handler tells the dog to stay and walks forward the length of the line, turns and returns to the dog at a natural pace. The dog must remain in the place in which it was left (it may change position) until the evaluator instructs the handler to release the dog. The dog may be released from the front or the side.

Test 7: Coming when called

This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler. The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog, and call the dog. The handler may use encouragement to get the dog to come. Handlers may choose to tell dogs to “stay” or “wait” or they may simply walk away, giving no instructions to the dog.

Test 8: Reaction to another dog

This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs. Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 20 feet, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 10 feet. The dogs should show no more than casual interest in each other. Neither dog should go to the other dog or its handler.

Test 9: Reaction to distraction

This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations. The evaluator will select and present two distractions. Examples of distractions include dropping a chair, rolling a crate dolly past the dog, having a jogger run in front of the dog, or dropping a crutch or cane. The dog may express natural interest and curiosity and/or may appear slightly startled but should not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness, or bark. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise it throughout the exercise.

Test 10: Supervised separation

This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners. Evaluators are encouraged to say something like, “Would you like me to watch your dog?” and then take hold of the dog’s leash. The owner will go out of sight for three minutes. The dog does not have to stay in position but should not continually bark, whine, or pace unnecessarily, or show anything stronger than mild agitation or nervousness. Evaluators may talk to the dog but should not engage in excessive talking, petting, or management attempts (e.g, “there, there, it’s alright”).

OBEDIENCE CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

PRE NOVICE – Exercises: Heel on leash, Figure 8 on leash, Stand for Examination on lead, Recall on leash, Long sit (1 minute) on leash, Long down (3 minutes) on leash.
NOVICE – Exercises: Heel on leash & Figure 8 on leash, Stand for Examination off leash, Heel off leash, Recall off leash, Long sit (1 minute) off leash, Long down (3 minutes) off leash.
ADVANCED NOVICE – Exercises: Heel on leash, Stand for Examination off leash, Heel free & Figure 8, Drop on recall, Long sit (3 minutes) handler across ring, Long down (3 minutes) handler out of sight.
GRADUATE NOVICE – Exercises: Heel free & Figure 8, Drop on recall, Recall with dumbbell, Recall over high jump, Recall over broad jump, Long down (3 minutes) handler out of sight.
OPEN – Exercises: Heel free & Figure 8, Drop on recall, Retrieve on flat, Retrieve over high jump, Broad jump, Long sit (3 minutes) handler out of sight, Long down (5 minutes) handler out of sight.
GRADUATE OPEN – Exercises: Signal exercise, Scent discrimination, Directed retrieve, Moving stand and exam, Go out, Directed jumping.
UTILITY – Exercises: Signal exercise, Scent discrimination, Directed retrieve, Moving stand and examination, Directed jumping.

RALLY CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

NOVICE – Exercises are on leash. 10 – 15 stations (Start and Finish not included) with no more than five (5) stationary exercises per class.
ADVANCED – Exercises are off leash. 12 – 17 stations (Start and Finish not included) with no more than seven (7) stationary exercises per class.

AGILITY CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

BEGINNER – Obstacles: A-Frame, Pause table (sit), Open tunnel (2-3), Bar jumps (4-6). 8 – 11 obstacles. The class is not timed. All dogs will be shown on a leash wearing approved collars.
ELEMENTARY – Obstacles: A-frame, Pause table (sit or down), Open tunnel (2-3), Closed tunnel (chute), Dog walk, Bar jumps (3-5), Broad jump. 10 – 12 obstacles. The class is not timed. No leashes allowed.
Elementary A – handler uses short training tab
Elementary B – handler uses no training tab
PRE-NOVICE – Obstacles: A-frame, 8” – 12” Dog walk, Pause table (sit or down), Open tunnel (2-4), Closed tunnel (chute), Tire jump, Broad jump, Bar jumps (4-6) (or wing jumps or panel jump or Double bar jump). 12 – 14 obstacles. Standard time is 75 seconds. Dogs shown off leash.
NOVICE – Obstacles: A-frame, Pause table (sit or down), Open tunnel, Closed tunnel (chute),
Dog walk, Tire jump, Broad jump, Double bar jump, Weave poles (6), See saw, Bar jumps (or wing jump or panel jump). Dogs shown off leash. The standard course time will be computed at 2 yards per second, but not exceeding 75 seconds.
OPEN and EXCELLENT – Uses AKC regulations for agility trials. 4-H agility rules supersede the AKC regulations. Obstacles: Same as the NOVICE class, except addition of the following: Additional bar jumps to meet required number of obstacles and weave poles (6-12).

Equipment:

Crates need not be new, but must be intact and in good working order with a latching door. Water must be offered to all dogs at least once every hour in a clean bowl. Equipment must be appropriate for the class, correct size and in good repair. No prong (pinch) collars, halti (head) collars, muzzles, or flexi leads. Max leash length is 6 ft. Training equipment may be utilized at non-qualifying county events and activities. Examples: head halters (Halti or Gentle Leader), muzzles, prong collars.

Clothing:

Closed toe shoes only for all classes. Please wear appropriate showmanship clothing with skirts at or just below knees (business like attire). Boys should have dress pants (no blue jeans) shirt, tie, and/or vest/jacket. Underwear should not be showing. Obedience clothing should consist of long pants and nice shirt (no t-shirts with sayings) or you may wear your showmanship clothing. No shorts allowed. Long hair must be pulled back and bangs kept out of eyes. No rings, noticeable body jewelry, or dangly earrings. Nail polish should be clear or light colored if worn.

Dogs:

Must be clean (white areas white!!!) and dark areas dark, free of parasites, mats, etc. Teeth should be clean of excessive tartar. Ears must be cleaned. Toenails must be trimmed. Coats should be in good condition without bare spots, crusty lesions, or scabbed areas. Grooming should be appropriate for the breed and the dog should be groomed as close to how it would appear in the breed ring as possible. (ex. shaved faces, feet, and tails on poodles). Mixed breeds should be clean and well groomed with a neat appearance. A veterinarian will be consulted if there is any doubt to the health or safety of the dogs involved and their decision will be final. Rabies certificate required, and proof of distemper required. Bring photocopies of proof of BOTH shots, and turn them into the show superintendent immediately upon arrival. No exceptions.

General behavior:

No unsupervised children. 4-H’ers caught behaving inappropriately, or exhibiting discourteous behavior to the other exhibitors will be given one verbal warning. They will be asked to leave the show/booth at the second warning and not allowed to return. 4-H’ers not in the show ring during the show must be with their dog waiting quietly in the waiting area or seated in the bleachers with the dog crated. 4-H’ers are expected to be courteous to those in the ring and remain quiet. You may talk, but it should be in a quiet, inside voice that will not be disruptive to the dogs being shown. There will be no running outside of the ring allowed. Dogs must be on leash at all times unless in the obedience ring or crated.

Dog and handler must demonstrate to 4-H leader basic obedience to include all pre-novice exercise before beginning agility training. An ability by handler to control the dog off leash must be demonstrated before being allowed on contacts or over jumps.

Dog should be free of shoulder, knee, hip, and back problems to be allowed on raised contacts or over jumps. Raised contacts consist of (a-frame, dog walk, table, and teeter).

Handlers must be at least in the junior age group to begin agility training with an appropriately obedience trained dog.

Dogs must be at least 1 yr of age to be allowed to participate in training. Large breed dogs (50 lbs or more) must be 18 months old to begin training. (Use state rules for other questions.)

All beginning training should be done in a secure enclosed area (inside or outside) with secure footing for the dogs and handlers to ensure safety. Concrete floors must be matted if jumps or raised contacts are used.

No beginning dogs on contacts without spotters present on opposite side of equipment. If large dog is being handled or if a junior member is training a beginning dog, then 2 spotters must be used with one on either side of the dog.

Beginning dogs may have collars, but collars must be non-tightening (no training collars, martingales, head collars, etc) a spotter must be present at all times and handler must do all work at a walk. Leashes may be used on contacts at low levels at a walk, but may not be used on raised contacts. Leashes must be nylon or leather, no chain leads or flexi-leads.

Advanced dogs or dogs on raised contacts at full height may not have collars or leashes on to prevent injury to the child and/or the dog should the dog become entangled in the equipment.

Handlers and dogs must have taken formal agility training to include not only contacts and jumps but also agility handling skills prior to being allowed to enter a 4-H agility competition. Agility classes may be taught by 4-H leader if 4-H leader possesses knowledge and equipment to train in agility or may be taken at any local dog training club. Proof of completion of such classes must be furnished to 4-H leader or 4-H office prior to entering first class. Certificate of completion or signed note from instructors shall suffice as proof.