Handbook for 4H Dog Project

Rules for the Fair

Entries:

Leaders and members need to complete the pre-registration form for each 4H member.   Leaders bring the completed forms to the prefair meeting. The time and date are listed in the fairbook.  Forms are available at the 4-H office or on the Web at www.ingham.org/ce/4h/dog/dogregistration.htm.   Members also need to complete the fair office form at their community meeting.  Any members not pre-registered with the superintendent will not be allowed to show on Fair day.

Any member who finds that their fair tags are incorrect and they are entered in an incorrect class should have their leader report to the clerk before 9:00 am on Fair day.

Complaint Process:

Any complaints will be handled in accordance with AKC rules, which will be available at the Fair.

Ownership:

It is required that member's will show a dog that they have trained.  Dogs that have been professionally trained cannot be shown in obedience classes at the Fair.   One dog per child will be allowed in obedience classes.  Once a dog has advanced through 4H obedience classes, it will not be allowed to show in lower classes.

Dogs in Season:

Females in season will be allowed to show, but at the very end of the class.  THEY SHOULD BE KEPT AWAY FROM THE RING AND OTHER DOGS UNTIL THEY ARE CALLED.  Please notify the person giving you your armband that you have a female in season so that she can be properly scheduled at the end of her class.

Dog Behavior:

Any dog exhibiting aggressive behavior that is a threat to a person or another dog will be excused from the grounds by the judge or another designated person.

Awards:

Ch. Toy Farm Tilly O'Abergavenny, CD Memorial Award
This award is given each year to the member who, in the opinion of a committee, has shown the most interest in working with, playing with and learning about his or her dog.  The member may be new to the project.  To recognize the maximum number of members, a member may win this award only one time.   A rotating trophy is given when the award is presented.  When returned the following year, a permanent plaque is awarded.

Leaders should submit a written recommendation for the Tilly Award with entries at pre-registration.  An application form can be obtained in the 4-H Office or on the web at www.ingham.org/ce/4h/dog/tillyaward.htm.   A dog club vote is suggested.

Clean-up:

It is suggested that leaders establish a club area, away from the show ring, where the dogs are to be kept when not showing.  This will help prevent dog fights and is more considerate of those who are showing.

It is expected that each club area will be cleaned up before the members leave.   It is the responsibility of the owner to clean up after their dogs (baggies are recommended).

Judges:

Leaders submit a written recommendation for judges with an explanation and phone number before October 1. If more than one judge is recommended, the leaders' vote will determine the order in which the judges will be contacted.

Every effort will be made to secure a judge who will give oral reasons for placements.   Persons who have questions for the judge may ask them only after the section, not the class, is completed.

Membership in Club

Attendance:

It is recommended that members attend 75% of the dog club meetings.  Leaders may use their own discretion as to the appropriateness of a member and dog showing at the Fair.

Vaccination Proof:

Members must provide proof of DHLPP, rabies vac. and negative heartworm certificate at the first dog club meeting.

List of Materials Available to Leaders

4H Publications:
-- 4-H Junior Showmanship....(etc)
--  Wiggles & Wags, Canine Connection, Leading the Pack (4-H Animal Science Series)

AKC Publications:
-- American Kennel Club, 5580 Centerview Drive, Ste 200, Raleigh, NC  27606-3390
-- AKC video

Publications/Videotapes:
-- Ingham County Library

Scoresheet Samples:
-- 4-H Office

submitted by:
C. Ware, N. Carroll, J. Toy