Dogs

Dog Project

Whether you are preparing to purchase or adopt your first dog or you just want to learn more about the dog you currently own, the 4-H Dog Project will teach you how to select the right dog, how to properly feed and groom your pet and the basics of training, judging and showing. 4-H dog members can also learn about agility, record keeping and public presentations.

4-H Project Record Books are an important part of all 4-H projects.  In the Dog Project, you will keep records on:

• Vaccinations record and dates.
• Expenses: Veterinary, food and supplies, training fees, etc.
• Income:  Awards, pet sitting jobs, sales of puppies, etc.
• Training record for your dog.
• Experience in community service, club activities, any offices held, dog activities, presentations, etc.

The State 4-H Dog Camp is a weekend event held in May at 4-H Camp Farley in Mashpee, MA. This event gives youth the opportunity to take their dog to camp to improve on their handling, grooming and obedience skills plus have a fun time at camp.

A State 4-H Dog Show is held in the month of May.  This is a great opportunity for members to meet other 4-H dog enthusiasts from across the state and prepare for the Eastern States Exposition 4-H Dog Show in September in West Springfield, MA.

It is recommended that club members or their families own a dog, although it not a requirement.

If you are interested in becoming a 4-H Dog Club Leader or if you would like to join an existing club, please contact one of our staff listed below.

DOG RESOURCES:

American Kennel Club:
www.akc.org

Eastern States Exposition 4-H Dog Show Rules:
www.thebige.com/upload/docs/04ag4hdogpacket.pdf

Points to Consider When Purchasing Companion Animals

Members:  may request one free copy each of the AKC publications listed below.  See address below under Leaders section:

• Obedience Regulations
• Junior Showmanship
• Dogs--A General information Booklet
• Canine Summer Safety
• Winter Care for Canines
• Getting Started Series
• Rules Applying to Dog Shows

Leaders: may request one free copy of each of the AKC publications listed above, and the following:

• AKC Order Form
• Canine good Citizen Program Information

For further information, please contact:

Carrie Chickering-Sears
Director of Community Education in Animal Agriculture
University of Massachusetts Amherst Veterinary & Animal Science Dept.
111 North Maple Street
Hadley, MA 01035
Phone: 413-549-3257
email:  ccsears@umext.umas.edu