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Subject: 4-H

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Splat

Illinois (Northern)

MH
Posts:3136

03/25/2010 7:41 AM
Just owndering if anyone has any experience in showing dogs in 4-H. My son who is 9 soon to be 10 will be using Blitz who is now 9 months for 4-H. I am sure the club will know what to do and have some training and demonstrations. I was just trying to get info before going to the club meeting. I don't even know what type of things they show the dogs in...obedience, confirmation, agility ect.... My youngest son who is 6 is old enough to be a cloverbud (which is not a full fledge 4-H'r) and he wants to show Donner the now 2 month (14 week old) pup. Though I am not sure if he will be able to cuz I think the younger kids don;t show at the fair. However I am wondering if he can do all the classes. I believe Donner is old enough to start training, not really sure how good it will go with a 6 year old trying to train him, so I am asking for any advice in this...obviously I will be helping and I will still be working with both dogs.

jlp8cornell User is Offline

Ithaca NY

MH
Posts:461

03/25/2010 8:01 AM
I showed in 4H from 9-18yrs old. I showed in obedience as well as handling at local and state fairs. It was a great experience and i would recommend it to anyone. When I was old enough, I joined our local dog club as well. The 4H instructors were members of that group. I trained with both groups. 9 is the age minimum here. Fun time- heck I even beat 150 people at state fair in Grooming and Handling to win the division. Now that was a good memory!

Jen http://www.perfectpedigrees.com/4genview.php?id=2440

Texas Belle User is Offline

Austin, TX

MH
Posts:7855

03/25/2010 8:55 AM
I would second what Jen posted. I wasn't in 4H growing up (wish I had been), but I know many of my friends who show in obedience, conformation, etc work with kids in 4H around where they live. Some even judge 4H events. It is great for the kids and shorthairs are great for this because they are so enthusiastic and forgiving. I am sure you kids will have a blast.

Bev Quarles, the Pointer Sisters (Belle and Halo), the Outlaw GSP (Johnny Ringo) and the little Princess (Fauna) Yellow Rose GSPs "A dog has the soul of a philosopher." - Plato

Splat

Illinois (Northern)

MH
Posts:3136

03/25/2010 10:42 AM
I did 4-H growing up except I did horses and my brother and sister along with horses did sheep. So I had no idea what the expect for the dogs except that I remembered they do shows at the fair. I think 8 or 9 is the youngest for 4-H here and then they have the cloverbud group with is pre 4-H and that is 5 or 6 up to the 8 or 9 and I really have no idea what they do. I just hope with the ages of the kids and dogs they will do ok. I think my oldest should be fine with Blitz. My youngest might get frustrated with Donner but at least Donner can't drag him around like Blitz could!

CL66

MH
Posts:419

03/26/2010 4:33 AM
Can't add anything constructive as we don't have 4-H or a good equivalent over here. Just wanted to say i'm very jealous, it's a fab thing for the kids, when i was in michigan last year i taught some of the 4-H horse classes and loved it. Sigh.

Splat

Illinois (Northern)

MH
Posts:3136

03/26/2010 5:23 AM
I always enjoyed the horse program so I am hoping the dog one will be good too. I got in contact with them and I have the paper work...April 1 deadline! I also got the dates to the next meetings and orientation for dogs. The cloverbuds don't do dogs but they have an exploring farm animals. I will keep everyone posted on how things go...I am just glad to have thought of 4-H for finding somewhere for my kids to work with their dogs...alot of dog classes don't like to have to deal with kids and wanted me to do the classes, so 4-H is perfect!

Texas Belle User is Offline

Austin, TX

MH
Posts:7855

03/26/2010 7:02 AM
If you youngest is disappointed let you older son and Blitz teach the younger and Donner and they can all practice together. That way your youngest will have a head start when he is old enough. When I teach puppy class I prefer the kids. They tend to listen and try harder than adults and it gives me a chance to really educate them on dogs and set them down a great dog filled path for life. I also love how their faces light up when they do good. Very rewarding for me.

Bev Quarles, the Pointer Sisters (Belle and Halo), the Outlaw GSP (Johnny Ringo) and the little Princess (Fauna) Yellow Rose GSPs "A dog has the soul of a philosopher." - Plato

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