Douglas County 4-H Dog Project Handbook 2017

Douglas County 4-H Dog Project Handbook 2017 DOUGLAS COUNTY 2017, Regents of the University of Minnesota. University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer. 1

Purpose Welcome to the Douglas County 4-H Dog Project! This handbook was developed to familiarize you with the 4-H Dog project in Douglas County. Training and caring for a dog is one way to build the life of a young person. A number of life skills and character qualities will be indirectly taught or used in the process of caring for and training a dog. Some of these include responsibility, persistence, patience, record keeping, communication skills and much more. The Douglas County 4-H Federation reaffirms the purpose and objective of the 4-H program is the development of youth. Projects and activities are part of the 4-H program that enhance each individual s personal development. Events, such as the county fair, should be considered one aspect of youth development rather than the purpose of the 4-H program. Because the county show is a complex activity; rules, regulations and policies are not all encompassing. The Douglas County 4-H Program Coordinator will have final say in any rule clarification. This handbook can t answer every question, so feel free to contact the 4-H Program Coordinator or a dog project leader at any time. Created 2014 Source: Swift County 4-H Jodi Hintzen 4-H Program Coordinator University of Minnesota Extension Douglas County 320-762-3890 (p) 320-762-3871 (f) hintz010@umn.edu County Website: www.extension.umn.edu/county/douglas State Dog Website: http://www.extension.umn.edu/youth/mn4-h/projects/animal-science/dog/ The University of Minnesota is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status or sexual orientation. The information in this publication is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names were made with the understanding no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by University of Minnesota Extension is implied. 2

Table of Contents Purpose ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 2 Table of Contents ----------------------------------------------------------- Page 3 Goals ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 4 Requirements --------------------------------------------------------------- Page 4 & 5 Vaccinations ---------------------------------------------------------------- Page 5 Dogs That May Not Compete --------------------------------------------- Page 6 Aggressive Dog Policy ------------------------------------------------------ Page 6 Mistreatment of Dogs ------------------------------------------------------ Page 7 The Role of the Parent ----------------------------------------------------- Page 7 Attending Classes Outside of 4-H --------------------------------------- Page 7 Safety ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 8 What to Bring to Class ---------------------------------------------------- Page 8 Class Equipment Information ------------------------------------------- Page 9 Obedience ------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 10 Rally ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 11 Showmanship -------------------------------------------------------------- Page 11 Agility ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Page 12 Getting the Most Out of Dog Training ----------------------------------- Page 13 County Dog Show --------------------------------------------------------- Page 13-14 State Dog Show ------------------------------------------------------------- Page 14 Resources ------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 15 Trainer Contact Information ---------------------------------------------- Page 15 3

Goals The goals of the 4-H Dog program are to encourage 4-H members: to develop leadership abilities, build character and assume citizenship responsibilities. to experience the pride of owning a dog and being responsible for its care. to prepare your dog to be a good canine citizen. to promote greater love for animals and humane attitude toward them. to teach good sportsmanship in a friendly, competitive atmosphere. Requirements Each 4-H dog show or event in the state must meet the requirements of the 4-H dog project as approved by the State 4-H Dog Program Development Committee. 4-H Family completes the Affidavit and vaccination verification form. Forms are available at http://www.extension.umn.edu/youth/mn4-h/projects/animalscience/animal-id/docs/id-dog.pdf or in the Extension Office. You will need a veterinarian s signature, so plan ahead to meet the May 15 deadline. Even if a dog has been previously identified, it must be entered new this year. If you would like a copy of last year s ID form or photos, contact the Extension office. Once Affidavit and vaccination verification form is completed, form needs to be scanned and uploaded to mn.4honline.com. If you are having difficulties with this, please contact the office for assistance. 4-H family self-enters information for ALL project Dogs into 4HOnline and prints entry report for personal record. One dog can be ID'd by multiple family members. In those cases, the same dog should be entered under EACH member ID'ing that dog. Families should refer to the Minnesota 4-H Dog Rule Book at www.4-h.umn.edu/dog for details and limitations. If an animal is leased, the lease agreement must be scanned and uploaded in 4HOnline (bring hard copy to County Extension Office by May 15 if unable to scan). The lease form is available at www.4-h.umn.edu/animal-id. Photos (.jpg format) are a required part of the ID and should be uploaded into 4HOnline. If assistance with uploading photos is needed, contact the Extension office. NOTE: Data entry and uploading of information must be completed by 11:59 pm, May 15, 2017; you will not be able complete identification after that point. Dog rules and guidelines books can be found online and downloaded at www.4-h.umn.edu/dog under Important Project Information. These rule books contain IMPORTANT information about the dog project and every family should have a copy of the rule books that apply to their participation (Obedience, Showmanship, Rally and/or Agility). 4

Requirements Continued No puppies under 16 weeks of age (when the rabies vaccination is first given) are permitted to train or show. A minimum of 8 weeks of obedience training and 6 weeks of agility training is needed to participate in the county show. The Minnesota 4-H Dog Show rules permit you to show up to two dogs. You may compete in a maximum of eight classes. More than one child in a family may use the same dog for 4-H dog projects under the following rules: Only one 4-Her may train and show the dog in obedience with the exception of Brace. However, a dog can participate in only one Brace. If the 4-Hers are in different showmanship classes and only if there are not enough dogs in the family, they may share a dog for showmanship only. Only one person may train and show the dog in agility. The Minnesota 4-H Dog Show rules permit a 4-Her to lease (borrow) a dog to train and show in the dog project. If you will be using a dog that is not your own, you must provide the primary care for that dog from the time training begins until the State Dog Show. The lease form for dogs is available online at http:// www.extension.umn.edu/youth/mn4-h/projects/animal-science/animal-id/ docs/lease-fillable.pdf or in the Extension Office. It is the handlers responsibility to clean up after his/her dog. The handler is expected to have plastic bags at their disposal at all times. Douglas County Dog Project will provide a garbage bag or can to dispose of the solid baggies. If your dog soils the indoor practice area or agility obstacles, disinfectant and paper towels will be provided to reduce/eliminate any scent left by the dog. Vaccinations Your dog will be unable to attend any classes until your Minnesota 4-H Dog Project ID is submitted. All dogs are required to have current vaccinations for Rabies and DHLPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus). Your veterinarian is required to sign the Minnesota 4-H Dog Project ID. It is suggested you make a copy of the ID and keep with you especially if you are attending any dog fun shows. Please note even though ID s are not officially due until May 15, if youth plan to participate in dog training and this begins prior to May 15 you will need to have proof of vaccinations and turn your ID into the Extension Office before you participate in training. If you have questions, please contact the office. 5

Dogs That May Not Compete 1. No dog belonging to or residing in the same household as the judge may be shown in classes where that judge is officiating. 2. A wolf or wolf-hybrid or coyote or coyote-hybrid may not be shown in 4-H. 3. Any dog taped or bandaged in any way or having anything attached to it for medical corrective purposes. 4. Any dog with a physical condition what is detrimental to the health of the dog including pregnant dogs or dogs that have recently whelped. 5. A dog with an abnormal gait or other condition may only show with written confirmation from a veterinarian that the dog is able to complete. 6. Any dog with symptoms of communicable condition (kennel cough, mange, etc.) will not be permitted in class. 7. Female dogs in season are not permitted to compete at the State Show level. At the county level, female dogs in season may be shown at the project leader s discretion in Rally, Obedience and Showmanship classes. The dog should be the last dog in the ring and separated from other dogs. Cleanup is handlers responsibility. Female dogs in season may not show in Agility at the county level. Arrangements may be made by mutual agreement to allow such dogs to compete at another county s qualifying show when the dog is not in season. The judge must remove from competition any dog in season, any dog a handler cannot control, any handler who interferes willfully with a competitor or a competitor s dog, or any handler who abuses a dog. The judge may excuse from competition any dog considered unfit to compete, or any female dog so attractive to males as to be disruptive. 8. Dogs that are not enrolled in 4-H dog classes are not permitted to be present. Aggressive Dog Policy Any dog who attempts to bite or attack a human or other dog will be immediately removed from class or show. The situation will be reviewed by the county dog leader, the 4-H Program Coordinator and the family of the 4-Her involved. They may rule to put the dog on probation, work individually with the dog and handler, require the dog to wear a muzzle at all times, or in severe instances, expel the dog from classes and 4-H exhibitions for a period of time. It should be further noted that all dog bites are required to be reported by Minnesota law. It is also important to note that you are legally responsible for the actions of your dog. Everyone should have appropriate liability insurance (usually a part of your homeowner s insurance policy) for your own protection. 6

Mistreatment of Dogs Absolutely no abuse or mistreatment (verbal or physical) of dogs will be tolerated. Anyone caught hitting, kicking or otherwise physically abusing a dog will be immediately dismissed from class or show. Use care with dogs being left in cars in the summer months. The temperate inside a car parked in the sun (even with the windows rolled down) can be high enough to cause brain damage in only 10 minutes. Leaving a dog in a car in hot weather is considered abuse under Minnesota law and law enforcement are permitted to break into cars to rescue dogs. The Role of the Parent Parents (or a designated adult) of all regular 4-H members are required to stay at dog training for the entire duration whenever their children are present. Students with a driver s license may have this requirement waived with written permission signed by both a parent and the project leader. 4-Hers should not simply be dropped off and picked up later. This is to ensure help with a difficult dog and to provide transportation in case of an emergency. Parents must at all times remember that it is the 4-Hers responsibility and not the parents responsibility to do the actual training of the dog. A parent should not actively train the child s dog for them. It is acceptable for a parent to step in to assist a 4-Her who is having trouble controlling a large dog. It is unacceptable for a parent to train the dog in 4-H class or any other dog training class while the 4-Her is using this dog for the same activity (example: obedience). If a 4-Her is unable to attend training classes, the parent should not train the dog for the member. Parents should encourage daily, diligent practice and regular attendance. Attending Classes Outside of 4-H Attending training classes held by dog training clubs, community education and other sources is permitted. However, you are still required to meet the minimum requirements for our 4-H classes. (8 weeks of obedience training and 6 weeks of agility training) 7

Safety Safety is everyone s responsibility. Participation at a dog show is no fun if you or your dog gets hurt. Everyone must work together to minimize the risk! Watch your dog! Keep your dog on a leash at all times. Keep your leash short and your dog close to you. Be extra cautious when waiting in a line. Never run near other dogs. Running excites the prey drive in many dogs. Never approach a dog that is eating a treat or getting a drink of water. Do not touch anyone else s dog! New surroundings and situations may make a normally friendly dog nervous. Do not make eye contact with another person s dog or bend over another person s dog. Both of these actions are a threat in canine body language. Learn to read a dog s body language. Signs of aggression may include a lifted lip, a very soft (almost inaudible) growl, a tail held higher and stiffer than normal, or the hair on the back of the neck and upper back standing up straighter than normal. Be very cautious of timid/fearful dogs. They often bite from fear. Signs of a fearful dog include a head held lower, a tail tucked between their legs, backing away, etc. Certain breeds and un-neutered males are more likely to be aggressive. Use caution. Never put your face by any dog including your own. In the case of a dog fight, never try to separate the dogs with your bare hands. Fighting dogs will not take the time to look at what they are biting. If they are on leash, use their leashes to pull them apart. Don t endanger yourself by getting in the way. What to Bring to Class Good footwear. You should wear well fitting tennis shoes. Water and a bowl from home for your dog. Water bottles for you as well. Plastic baggies to pick up after your dog. Slip collar (no tags or attachments) and 6 leash. Flat buckle collar for agility. 8

Class Equipment Information Showmanship Your dog leader will help you choose the lead appropriate for your dog. Try to match the color of your dog as much as possible white lead on a white dog, tan lead on a tan dog, black lead on a black dog, etc. Douglas County provides these leads for use during practices and county shows. Obedience Members in Beginning Obedience will need a 6-foot long leather or nylon leash and a slip collar (no tags or attachments). A soft leather leash is recommended since it will not hurt the handler s hands like a chain or nylon leash can. Members in Foundation and Beginner Classes can now have/use a gentle leader or harness. When purchasing a chain collar, you should measure the dog s neck about midway down the neck and then add approximately 2 inches to this measurement. It should fit snugly over the dog s head and ears and have only about 2 slack in it. A collar that is too big will not be effective and dangerous. A collar that is too small will be difficult to get over or off the dog s head. Your training collar cannot have any kind of tags (rabies, license, charms, etc.) on it. Also, never leave a training collar on the dog for everyday wear! It is for training purposes only. The nature of the collar is to become tight if caught on something and the more the dog struggles to get free, the tighter it will get. Dogs can choke to death from catching the collar on an object. Use a plain buckle collar for everyday use and reserve the chain collar for training only. Members in Graduate Novice Obedience (about the 4th year of dog training) will need a dumbbell. The dumbbell should be slightly larger than the width of the dog s mouth and made of wood or white plastic. Members in Graduate Open Obedience (about the 7th year of dog training) will need a set of utility articles and 3 white canvas gloves. See your dog leader for details. Agility When a collar is used (beginner required; elementary and intermediate optional) it must be a plain, flat, well-fitting clip/quick release collar with no tags or other attachments. Training collars, pinch collars, electronic collars, head halters and fancy collars are not permitted. 9

Obedience Foundation is for a dog that has received no training. Most people who are new to the 4-H dog project would sign up for this class. In foundation class, you will learn heal and figure 8 on leash. Your dog will sit on-leash while the judge examines your dog. Recall will be on leash without the finish. Sit stay is on leash for 10 seconds. Beginner is for a dog that may have gone through dog training with another person OR for a member who has had prior experience training but is working with a rookie dog with no prior experience. In Beginner classes, you will learn to heel your dog on leash and do a Figure 8. Your dog will need to stand and stay while the judge examines it without moving any feet. Your dog will need to come when first called and you will do a sit/stay for 10 seconds and a down on command for 5 seconds. All of these are done on leash. At this level, grooming is 25 points of your total score, so be sure your dog is groomed! Regular practice will be the key to getting that blue ribbon. Practicing for 10-15 minutes each and every day is essential. Dogs cannot cram for a show the way kids sometimes try to cram for a test. Graduate Beginner is generally for the second year member working with the same dog or the 3rd year member who received a red the previous year. A member may show at this level until receiving a blue ribbon at the county or state show. In this class, heeling, figure 8 and stand for exam are on leash. Heel free is performed with the lease over either shoulder. Recall is off leash. Your dog will need to sit, stay and down stay while the handler walks in a T pattern. In Novice class, you will do heel and figure 8 on leash. Stand for exam, heel free and recall will all be off leash. The sit/stay and down/stay are done as a group. The group long sit is 1 minute. The group long down is 3 minutes. Graduate Novice is for dogs who have gotten a blue in Novice. Dogs will be introduced to a moving drop on recall, doing the figure 8 off leash, dumbbell fetch and doing the sit/stay longer with the handlers out of sight. Most 4-Hers in this class have been training the same dog for 4-6 years at this point. In Pre-Open all exercises are performed off leash. Your dog will continue to learn to retrieve. In competition, a dumbbell recall is performed over a high jump. Your dog will complete a broad jump. Group sit stays increases to 3 minutes and group down stays increase to 5 minutes, both out of sight. Most 4-Hers in this class will have been training the same dog for 5-8 years. Advanced classes include: Open, Graduate Open, Pre-Utility and Utility. The Veteran class is for dogs at least 7 years old. Dogs must have been trained to the Graduate Novice level. If a dog under the age of 7 has been found unfit to jump by a licensed, practicing veterinarian, it will be allowed to compete in this class. Once entered in the Veterans class, the dog will no longer be allowed to compete in any other obedience class other than Brace and Four Dog team. Brace is for 4-Hers with two dogs of their own or who wish to borrow/lease a dog. The stand for exam, recall, long sit/down will be done off lead. 4-Hers in Four Dog Team train their dogs as a unit of 4. The heeling and figure 8 will be done on lead. The stand of exam, long sit/down will be done off leash. Dogs will be called simultaneously. 10

Rally Rally obedience is done using signs (instead of judge s verbal commands) to indicate what the handler should do when. The signs are arranged around the ring as stations featuring an instruction to be done (such as right turn or slow ). Rally is less formal than traditional obedience. Handlers may talk to their dog and give commands as needed. Handlers may not touch their dogs or pet them after crossing the starting line. Second tries at a station are permitted with a 3-point penalty. Rally is a timed event, but time is used only to break a tie in score. To advance in rally, a blue ribbon is required in the previous year. Pre-Novice is for Beginner obedience dogs. Activities are done on leash and will consist of 8-12 stations with 2 or 3 stationary exercises (things requiring the dog to halt/sit) Novice is an appropriate level for Graduate Beginner and Novice obedience dogs to start. Activities are done on leash and will consist of 10-15 stations with 3-5 stationary exercises. Rally Pre-Advance is off leash including 12-17 stations, 3-7 stationary exercises and no jump. Rally Advance is also off leash with 12-17 stations, 3-7 stationary exercises and 1 jump. Showmanship In showmanship classes, you will be judged on your ability to present the dog as in a dog show breed class, and your ability to answer questions about dogs and dog care. This class depends more on your performance and less on your dog s performance. Be sure to research and know about the breed of your dog. Novice Showmanship is for 4-Hers in showmanship that have never received a blue ribbon in showmanship. 4-Hers will remain in this class until they have earned a blue ribbon. Open Showmanship is for the 4-H er who has earned a blue ribbon in Novice Showmanship. 11

Agility Requirements/Rules: All dogs in agility training must be at least 12 months old (18 months for larger breeds). Must attend a minimum of 6 classes in agility. Must have achieved a minimum obedience score of 170 or higher at a county or state dog show OR have completed 2 years of obedience training. In order to advance to the next class level, a score of 5 faults or less must be earned in a competition setting. Handlers may not jump over the jumps with their dogs. Handlers may not touch their dogs or an obstacle while running the course. Any dog fouling in the ring once they have entered will be eliminated and receive a white ribbon. A member may not show more than 2 dogs in agility. Beginner Agility 4-Hers will need a plain buckle or quick release (recommended) collar and a 6 foot leash. You will learn to perform jumps, the pause table, A-frame, the open tunnel and the closed tunnel. You have 60 seconds to finish the class. Elementary Agility uses the same obstacles but you will be showing off leash and using a taller A-frame. Intermediate Agility uses 12-14 obstacles. You now have 75 seconds to complete the course. Dogs are off leash, collar is optional. Senior Agility uses 13-15 obstacles which must be completed in under 75 seconds. Dogs must be shown with no collar or leash. Advanced Agility course must cross its own path 2-3 times and has 16-20 obstacles. Standard course time varies dependent on the jump height of your dog. This class is for dogs and handlers who have earned a blue ribbon in one or more years in the Senior Agility class. A dog and handler may remain at this level indefinitely. Jumpers Agility Classes Jumpers 1 corresponds with the beginner or elementary agility class levels. Only single jumps and tunnels are used. A total of 10-13 obstacles are used with standard course time of 50 seconds. The leash is optional. Jumpers 2 corresponds with the intermediate and senior agility class levels. A total of 13-16 obstacles with 2-3 cross paths and 2-4 handler side changes. Course time varies depending on jump height. Dogs are off leash while collar is optional. Jumpers 3 corresponds with the advanced agility class level. A total of 16-20 obstacles are used. There are 2-4 crossing patterns and unlimited handler side changes. Course time varies depending on jump height. Dogs are shown with no leash or collar. 12

Getting the Most out of Dog Training There is no magic formula to success in the 4-H Dog Project. Every dog can be successful. The key is to practice, practice, practice; and a measure of patience, persistence and good listening skills. Everyone should practice 10-15 minutes every single day with their dogs. More advanced dogs may be able to handle 20 minutes of practice time, but not much more in a single session. Dogs learn by repetition and failure to practice each and every day is the number one reason for failure to earn a blue ribbon in 4-H obedience. How you practice matters as much as the fact that you did practice. Allowing your dog to get by with not doing things right, and not doing them on the first command is practicing for them to do it wrong at the dog show. A dog is not smart enough to figure out that this event is the show and that it must be his best effort this time... he will behave up to the level you have allowed in your practice time. County Dog Show Ensure your dog is properly groomed for the show. This includes: brushing, bathing, cleaning their ears, cutting toenails, no fleas/ticks/external parasites, etc. Some judges also look at teeth brushing and trimming of stray hairs. Professional grooming is not necessary. What to wear? Both boys and girls should dress neatly with clothes that are free of dirt, rips, tears, and any kind of large print (sports team logos, clever sayings, etc.) For showmanship, dress should be a little more formal (skirt, dress slacks, dress shirt, blouse, etc.). Casual dress is more acceptable in agility. Footwear should be a tie-shoe or tennis shoes. 4-H Dog Shows can be a little lengthy so be prepared with water for you and your dog and a chair to sit on. Remember to bring any special collars and leads you may need for the classes you are participating in. Food is not permitted in or near the designated competition areas. Ribbon placings are given by the judge and will be announced at the conclusion of all events. In obedience and rally, the ribbon color depends entirely on the score you receive. The criteria is defined by the Minnesota State 4-H Dog Project and is based on a set point system. For example, points within the 170-200 point range will receive a blue. In agility, the ribbon color is based off the number of faults you receive. For example, completing a course with 5 or less faults will earn a blue. A member receiving more then 5 and less than 20 faults will earn a red. Showmanship judging is subjective and determined by the judge. A large portion of your ribbon placing in this class is based on your ability to answer questions from the judge. Continue 13

County Dog Show Continued There will be no intensive or abusive training of the dogs on the grounds or premises. There will be no training inside the show building while the show is in session. These requirements should not be interpreted as preventing a handler from moving normally about the grounds or premises. These should also not prevent a handler from warming up his/her dog using any exercise performed in the obedience ring. The dogs must be on a leash being held by the handler at all times. The warm-up should be performed as far from the obedience rings as is reasonably possible and must not be disruptive to any dog or person. State Dog Show The State Dog Show is held in late September each year and held on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. In 2017, the show will be held September 23-24. For more information, visit http://www.extension.umn.edu/youth/mn4-h/projects/animalscience/dog/ You may earn a state trip in all classes offered at the county fair. In order to take a trip, you must have completed 3rd grade and have earned a blue ribbon at the county fair. Registration for the State Dog Show will take place during the Douglas County Fair. Entry forms will be included in the State Dog Show packets. You only need one entry form regardless of how many classes you qualify in. Forms are due in the 4-H Building with payment by noon on Saturday of County Fair. You may only enter classes that you actually won the trip in, and a maximum total of no more than 1 individual obedience, 1 brace obedience, 1 4-dog team, 1 showmanship and 1 agility class per dog. There is a fee involved to attend the State Dog Show. Scholarship information is listed in packet. If you have questions, please contact Jodi at 320-762-3890 or email her at hintz010@umn.edu. A day at the State 4-H Dog Show is very much like a day at the County Show in terms of what happens. Bring all the same things you would bring to the County Show. A crate is recommended by not required. The primary difference is that competition is a little stiffer at the State Dog Show and that most classes will be indoors on rubber matting. Agility is held outside, rain or shine. 14

Resources Visit the state dog project website at: http://www1.extension.umn.edu/youth/mn4-h/projects/animal-science/dog/ index.html Here you will find: Minnesota Dog Project Guide for Training and Shows Minnesota 4-H Dog Obedience Rules and Guidelines Minnesota 4-H Dog Rally Rules and Guidelines Minnesota 4-H Showmanship Rule Book Minnesota 4-H Dog Agility Rules and Guidelines Other dog related resources. Trainer Contact Information Cindee Kakac - 320-766-2219 or cindeeannkakac@gmail.com TJ & Brandie Schlosser - 218-943-1353 or bock32@midwestinfo.net 15