DOG OBEDIENCE PROJECT REQUIREMENTS: See the General Animal Project Guidelines section of this Exhibit Guide for a more complete listing of project requirements. 1. Feed, train, and care for your own or family dog. Exceptions to using the family dog will be decided on a case by case basis by the 4-H Dog Advisory Committee, and must be addressed by May 15. 2. Dog may be registered or unregistered, male or female. 3. The appropriate level dog activity book and Animal Record Sheet completed and initialed by an adult 4-H leader must be turned in prior to the beginning of the dog show for a 4-H'er to exhibit an animal at the fair. 4. A 4-H member and his/her dog must go through the project together. If at any time there is a loss of dog, the member may begin over with a new dog. 5. The first year, Section A is for 4-H members with no previous formal dog training experience, with a dog which has had no formal obedience training. While first year, Section B is for 4-H members with previous dog training experience (4-H or otherwise), coming back with a new dog, or for 4-H members with no experience whose dogs have had formal training which disqualifies them for first year. 6. For county fair purposes, a member who wishes to show 2 or more dogs may do so. However, the member must be in at least the second year of the dog project. Any additional dog shown must be exhibited in obedience to participate in agility, showmanship, or other classes. The same dog may not be shown by more than one member. Members may not show 2 dogs in the same obedience or agility class. Each dog may be shown in only 1 obedience class. 7. Exhibitors must be enrolled in 4-H Dog Obedience in Marshall County prior to May 15 th in order to compete in the State Fair Dog Obedience Show. 8. Dogs must be at least 6 months old by May 1 of the first year to participate in the obedience and showmanship training classes. To compete in agility the dog must be 1 year old by the show date. 9. Females in season will not be allowed at the show or training classes. 10. Females due to whelp near show date will be excused from the show by the Superintendent. 11. Training meetings will be held on a county level. Member should attend 80% of the county training meetings. The most attended record will be determined each year based on the obedience training sessions only. Members failing to bring their dogs to training meetings prior to June 1 will train in a separate area from the remainder of the training dogs until such time as the superintendent and their committee determine that the dog and handler have reached a sufficient level of safety and proficiency. 12. Dogs must wear a well fitted slip, buckle, or martingale collar made of leather, fabric or chain in order to be exhibited in obedience classes. The leash may be of fabric or leather and must be 6 feet in length. Collar tags will not be allowed in the 4-H show. 13. Ribbons will be based on scores earned before the judge at the fair. 14. Uncontrollable dogs will be excused from classes - members will still attend. Excessive and/or inhumane treatment of a 4-H dog by a handler or family member, as determined by the 4-H Dog superintendent and his/her committee, will be grounds for disqualification of the 4-H exhibitor. 15. If outside help is needed, dog leaders will work to obtain help and make it available to the whole class. 16. Special problems not covered by these rules will be reviewed by the 4-H Dog Advisory Committee, referring to the guidelines of the American Kennel Club, Inc. 17. Appropriate attire is required in all dog training classes. In all cases regarding appropriate attire, the decision of the project superintendent is final. 18. Appropriate attire is required for all dog exhibition. In all cases regarding appropriate attire, the decision of the project superintendent is final. Dog Showmanship: Girls dress, skirt and blouse, culottes, dress pants. Boys dress pants,
dress shirt, coat and tie (optional). Slick dress shoes or smooth surface boots such as Western boots, high heels, slip-on shoes, clogs, crocs or any type of sandal, loose fitting or unsafe footwear are not considered appropriate attire. Dog Obedience & Agility: Exhibitors will wear suitable footwear (no sandals or open-toed shoes). Exhibitors will wear capri-length or full-length pants (no shorts or short skirts). Exhibitors will wear full-length shirts (no bare midriffs or cut-offs). Halter tops, or muscle shirts are not allowed. Shirts need not have full stand-up collars, but plunging necklines, spaghetti straps, and bare backs are not allowed. Logo ed t-shirts should bear only 4-H club or breed logos. NOTE: In the interest of safety to others associated with the 4-H program, any dog displaying signs of aggression will not be allowed to continue in the project. Offending animals must be removed from the premises immediately, and will, for the life of the dog, no longer be eligible for 4-H training or exhibition. HEALTH REQUIREMENTS 1. A health certificate is not required to exhibit a 4-H dog. 2. The Dog Vaccination Form (4-H 671) must be properly completed. All required vaccinations are to be given by a licensed veterinarian. No home vaccinations are allowed. All designated areas of 4- H 671 must be completed by a licensed veterinarian. All blanks that require a date must be individually dated; no lines, arrows, ditto marks, etc. are allowed). 3. Form 4-H 671 must be checked and signed by a Dog Club leader on or before the first dog handling meeting. Dogs will not be allowed to attend training sessions until form is checked. Vaccinations must then remain current through the date of the county 4-H dog show. 4. A 4-H dog may not be exhibited showing any symptoms of any communicable disease. DOG OBEDIENCE CLASSES 1. Class 1A (not repeatable): For 4-Hers with no previous formal dog training experiences with a dog which has received no obedience training prior to January 1 of the current year. 2. Class 1B (not repeatable): For 4-Hers with previous dog training experience (4-H or otherwise) coming back with a new dog, or for 4-Hers with no experience whose dogs have had training which disqualified them for 1A competition. 3. Class 2A (not repeatable with the same dog): For 4-Hers and dogs which have completed 1A or 1B. 4. Class 2B (repeatable): For 4-Hers and dogs which have completed Class 2A but are not ready for third year work. 5. Class 3A (not repeatable): For 4-Hers and dogs which have completed second year work. 6. Class 3B (repeatable): For 4-Hers and dogs which have completed Class 3A but are not ready for fourth year work. 7. Class 4A (not repeatable): For 4-Hers and dogs which have completed third year work. 8. Class 4B (repeatable): For 4-Hers and dogs which have completed Class 4A but are not ready for fifth year work. 9. Class 5A (not repeatable): For 4-Hers and dogs which have completed fourth year work. 10. Class 5B (repeatable): For 4-Hers and dogs which have completed Class 5A but are not ready for sixth year work. 11. Class 6A (not repeatable): For 4-Hers and dogs which have completed fifth year work. 12. Class 6B (repeatable): For 4-Hers and dogs which have completed Class 6A. 13. Veterans (repeatable): For 4-Hers whose dogs are at least seven (7) years old or are physically challenged. The dog must have completed at least Class 2B in previous years. Dogs who are physically challenged must be accompanied by a letter from a veterinarian stating that the dog is unable to perform jumping and/or retrieving exercises. A letter from the veterinarian must be shown before training classes begin. 14. Class Service Dog A (Score Sheet #4-H 753): For 4-H ers with no previous service dog training experience.
15. Class Service Dog B (Score Sheet #4-H 753): For 4-H ers with previous service dog training experience (4-H or otherwise). SERVICE DOG 1. Exhibitors are to bring a copy of identification from their Service Dog group that shows the date the exhibitor was designated as the Service Dog raiser for their current Fair entry. 2. Dogs trained through 4-H for a Service Dog program are not allowed to be shown in 4-H showmanship, agility and/or 4-H drill team competition. 3. 4-H Dogs being raised for a Service Dog program may wear their identification collar tags and/or insignia. 4. Only dogs being trained for a recognized service program are allowed to be shown in any service dog class. CLASS DESCRIPTION 1. Class Service Dog A (Score Sheet #4-H 753): For 4-H ers with no previous service dog training experience. 2. Class Service Dog B (Score Sheet #4-H 753): For 4-H ers with previous service dog training experience (4-H or otherwise). DOG SHOWMANSHIP CLASSES Grade determined as of January 1 of the current calendar year. Novice - for 4-H'ers with no prior showmanship training (if going to State Fair you must show in your class, as determined by grade). (grades 3 5 only) Junior grades 3 5 Intermediate grades 6-8 Senior grade 9 and above The showmanship score card will include: Line up and stack All go round Examination of dog Individual gait Appearance and attitude of handler Total DOG AGILITY CLASSES The 4-H Dog Agility program is based on guidelines from the United Kennel Club. Some modifications to the UKC rules have been made to provide a program suitable for 4-H handlers of all grades. 1. A dog entered in 4-H agility class must have also been shown in an obedience class in the current Marshall County 4-H Fair. 2. The veterinarian completing form 4-H 671 must verify, on the form, that the dog is physically able to compete in agility classes. If competing in the Veterans class because of a physical challenge, the health form must be accompanied by a signed letter from a licensed veterinarian verifying the dog s ability to compete in the agility division. 3. Each class will offer four (4) divisions based on the dog s height at the withers. Dogs 7 years and over (Veterans) may jump one jump height lower than their actual height. Make sure you indicate on your entry form if your dog needs to be scheduled as a Veteran. Height at Withers Beg. A Beg. B Int. Adv. Exc. Veterans Div. Toy Up to and including 10 4 Hurdles, 4 Table None Div. 1 Over 10 and including 14 8 Hurdles, 8 Table 4 Hurdles, 4 Table
Div. 2 Over 14 up to and including 20 14 Hurdles, 14 Table 8 Hurdles, 8 Table Div. 3. Over 20 20 Hurdles, 20 Table 14 Hurdles, 14 Table 4. All agility work will be done on a flat, buckle collar. a. Class 1 must use a 6 lead to run the course. b. All other classes will be off lead. 5. Scoring will be based on the Indiana State Fair rules starting with and subtracting performance faults on a set course time. Time faults for course time exceeding the set time will be deducted. 6. If a dog fouls in the ring during the walk through there will be a 10 point deduction in the agility score. If a dog fouls in the ring during the scored run, it will be considered for exhibition only. Beginning Class 1 Beginning A Neither 4-H member nor dog have previously participated in Agility. 4-Her s must use 6 leash (not repeatable Class 2 Beginning B 4-H member or dog has participated in Agility before, either with the current dog/handler, or a different dog/handler. Exercises must be off lease. Dog should repeat Beginning B until they can perform at intermediate level work. Intermediate (must be off leash) Class 3 Intermediate A 4-H member has not previously participated in Intermediate Agility. (Not Repeatable) Class 4 Intermediate B 4-H member has participated in Intermediate Agility before, either with the current dog, or a different dog. This Intermediate B class should be repeated until the dog can perform advanced level work. Advanced (must be off leash) Class 5 Advanced A Class 6 Advanced B 4-H member has not previously participated in Advanced Agility. (Not Repeatable) 4-H member has participated in Advanced Agility before, either with the current dog, or a different dog. This class may be repeated. Excellence (must be off leash) Class 7 - Excellence A Class 8 Excellence B 4-H member has not previously participated in Excellence Agility. (Not Repeatable) 4-H member has participated in Excellence Agility before, either with the current dog, or a different dog. (May be repeated) Veterans
Veterans Agility Level of Difficulty will be determined by lowest level of work previously completed by dogs. (If all members have completed advanced level work course will be advanced) Veterans veteran dogs (same criteria as for obedience) will jump heights 1 division below their actual height; except for Toy dogs which will jump regular height. The will be at the hurdle height for each division. See State Fair rules for any clarification needed. On leash Beginning A Beginning B Intermediate Advanced Excellence Obstacles Hoop Tunnel Weave Poles (9) Weave Poles (9) Tire Jump Closed Tunnel Teeter Totter Hoop Tunnel Closed Tunnel Teeter Totter Hoop Tunnel Swing Plank Sway Bridge Repeat one Obstacle Tire Jump Hurdles OR Pause Jump Select from the list: Select from the list: Any 6 from list: Long Hurdle Window Jump Any 8 from list: Long Hurdle Window Jump Any 8 from list: Long Hurdle Window Jump Scoring 3 obstacles 3 obstacles 6 obstacles 7 obstacles 7 obstacles or
Pause Jump 9 hurdles 9 hurdles 6 hurdles 8 hurdles @ 10 pts. 8 hurdles (may repeat to reach total of 9) (may repeat to reach total of 9) @ 10 pts. Gamblers class if available is only for those who participate in an obedience class and agility class. Costume Class Each entry consists of one exhibitor and one of their currently enrolled dogs. Entries consisting of more than one exhibitor or dog or any other combination will be for exhibition only. **Note** All B classes The Superintendent, Trainer and Leaders will determine when the dog is ready to move to the next class. **Note** If a dog fouls the ring in a given event (obedience, agility, or showmanship) they will not be allowed to compete for Grand and Reserve Champion in that event, regardless of placement in the class. All classes beyond Obedience, Showmanship and Agility will be offered at the 4-H show as time and location permit. This will be determined no less than 1 week prior to the 4-H show date and will be determined by estimated run time and the show location availability, as determined by the Superintendent.