4-H Dog Scrapbook and Poster Project

The scrapbook should be the personal story, pictures and information of the 4-H'er and a dog (the member does not have to own the dog).  It is expected that the member will tell the story in her/his own way and make it as clear and readable as possible.    The scrapbook should show what progress the 4-H member has made in learning about dogs.

Scrapbooks:

*  should have a neat cover
*  should have a Table of Contents
*  should show a continuation of work for each year of participation in the project with each year in the project clearly marked
*  topics may be chosen from the list given below
*  writing may be done in pencil, ink or typed (1 medium per year)
*  no pamphlets are allowed, but members may use other informative materials like snapshots, clippings, hand drawings, photo copies, etc.

Poster:

The scrapbook is to be exhibited with a poster.  Posters should briefly explain a topic on dogs to the public.  Remember that an effective poster
        1) focuses on one main issue
        2)  attracts attention
        3)  tells the viewer the idea quickly

Notebook Requirements:

The first year in the 4-H dog poster/scrapbook project the member must write a personal story about where you got your dog, how you care for it and how you have trained it for the fair.  You must also write a short paper on an additional topic of your own choice or one from the list below.  A poster relating to the topic of your paper must accompany the notebook.

In you second, and subsequent, year(s) in this project you must clearly mark the year in your notebook (second, third, ...).  Write a brief continuation to your personal story (any new information, training, etc.) and choose two new topics to study and write about.  A new poster, which accompanies the notebook each year, must be related to one of these topics.

Topic Suggestions:

- breed history (you may choose a different breed and repeat this topic)
- care of your dog (feeding, grooming, health)
- dog nutrition (age-related needs, problems caused by poor nutrition, ...)
- vaccinations (common vaccinations and what they are for)
- other diseases (those not vaccinated for)
- three internal parasites (contact, symptoms and treatment)
- three external parasites (contact, symptoms and treatment)
- a serious genetic disorder (hip dysplasia, PRA, cataracts, VonWillebrands, thyroid disorder,...);
   (you may choose a different problem and repeat this topic)
- dental care
- grooming of two breeds (you may choose a different problem and repeat this topic)
- parts of the dog (including unsoundness and blemishes)
- advanced obedience dog training (open and utility)
- dogs and the law (legal responsibilities of the dog owner)
- dog-related careers
- travel safety for dogs (cars and trucks)
- opportunities for dogs to serve (leader dogs, paws with a cause, ...)
- the aging dog

prepared by Ingham County 4-H Dog project leaders: J. Baker, N. Carroll, J. Toy
March 1994