






Getting
Your 4-H Dog Ready for the Fair
(or any show)
THE DAY BEFORE
Getting your Dog Ready:
Ears
cleaned
Eyes:
cleaned - no redness or discharge; should be bright and alert
Coat: check
for fleas; treat if necessary
Brushing:
use flea comb, regular brushes; shed'n'comb works very well for removing excess hair!
Nails: trim
if necessary; can use emery board
Should
bathe dog; use dog/puppy shampoo, flea shampoo if needed. Rinse very well!
Do not get
water in the dogs' ears
THE DAY OF FAIR
(expect to be at the show until 3:00 or 4:00 pm)
These are just some suggestions - if you think of others, let the rest of us know!







Dress appropriately: hair pulled back away from face, blouse (any color), slacks or skirt,
tennis shoes are allowed.
It is always a good idea to take pictures of grooming, getting ready to show, at the show, vet visits, etc.; anything else that would be of interest in your dog project. There is a Dog Poster Section to enter at the Fair; you can enter in Recordkeeping, too. Project photographs taken through the years are a requirement when you go on to state-level competition in 4-H.
Throughout the day of the show, try to watch some of the other classes: costume class, obstacle course, more advanced classes, team, junior showmanship. This way you will have some ideas on what challenges (!) lie ahead.
Please don't leave the show early, or at least not until you are sure that all your judging is done. Repeat - you could be at the show until 3 or 4 p.m.
Make lunch plans.
If anyone needs help getting to or from the show, perhaps you could do some carpooling.
REMEMBER TO:
GROOM YOUR DOG
PRACTICE HEEL/SIT, LONG SIT & DOWN
SMILE FOR THE JUDGE!
Have a good time and let it show through to the judge.