The Florida 4-H Dog Project: Volunteer 4-H Leaders provide training classes for 4-H members (ages 8-18), and their dogs- both purebred and mixed are welcome. The 4-H year generally follows the public school calendar, or September through May of each year. Enrollment to become a 4-H member is required and information is available through your local County Extension Office. Most County programs ask 4-H members to enroll in 4-H and sign up under the 4-H insurance program (the cost of insurance is one dollar per person- for the 4-H year). It is also recommended at least one parent (or adult) sign up as a 4-H volunteer. We request 4-H parents & leaders volunteer to work at Florida 4-H Dog Project sponsored events such as shows, seminars and fundraising activities throughout the year. This is a great way to contribute to the success of the 4-H program and a way parents can 'give back' to the 4-H program for the training their children receive. To locate your County Extension Office you can check here on our Florida 4-H Dog Project website (www.FL4-H-Dog.com), if your County is not listed check: http://4h.ifas.ufl.edu/Links/County4HPages.htm

During The 4-H Year: 4-H instructors teach classes in Obedience, Agility, Rally and Showmanship. If your child has any interest in dog training or showing- 4-H can help them accomplish their goals. 4-H members can train their dogs to become better behaved family members or 4-H members also have the option of putting the skills they learn to use competing in 4-H Dog Shows. Several Florida Counties across the State hold 4-H Dog Shows throughout the year, please check this website for show dates, location and information.

Annual Florida 4-H Dog Shows: In recent years there have been several Florida 4-H Dogs Shows offered in the Tampa area. A Fall Florida 4-H Training Show is held at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, in late October. At this show judges offer exhibitors advice on improving their show skills (instead of placements). This is a great training experience for new 4-H members, and an opportunity for returning 4-H'ers to prepare for upcoming dog show competitions. The Florida State Fair hosts the State 4-H Championship Dog Show in February of each year at the State Fairgrounds. There is also a Spring 4-H Dog Show held at the State Fairgrounds in mid April with competition in all show divisions.

Florida 4-H Dog Quiz Bowl: In 2006 Florida held it's First 4-H Dog Quiz Bowl competition! The primary objective of the Dog Bowl contest is to provide an opportunity for youth enrolled in 4-H Dog Project to demonstrate their knowledge of dog related subject matter in a competitive setting where attitudes of friendless and fairness prevail. It is also hoped that these contests will provide an educational experience for both participants and spectators. The Florida 4-H Dog Quiz Bowl is conducted in a game show style format. Questions are designed to test the contestant's knowledge of subjects such as dog conformation and anatomy, canine health, and 4-H & AKC dog show rules. Questions come from designated study materials (that will be listed yearly on the Florida 4-H Dog Project website). These study materials include publications such as: the Florida State Skill-A-Thon Manual; AKC Complete Dog Book For Kids; AKC Rules- (regarding AKC registration and dog show rules); and Florida 4-H Dog Show Rules (listed on the Florida 4-H Dog Project website). Florida Counties are encouraged to establish a "library system," so their Quiz Bowl contestants can "check out" materials to study and return the materials at the end of each year. Each Quiz Bowl team consists of four contestants and an alternate, the team will pick a Team Captain and an adult leader to help the team. Teams can represent their County or 4-H Group, and multi- County teams can also be formed. For more information on starting a 4-H Dog Quiz Bowl team in your County please contact June Lyness at DogFan101@aol.com .

Dog Project Clinics & Seminars: The Florida 4-H Dog Project offers several seminars and training clinics for 4-H members during the year. Locations and dates vary, please check this website for information. Training topics include Showmanship, Obedience, Rally & Agility.

Training Classes Offered In 4-H: Training classes are offered to 4-H members and their dogs in Showmanship, Obedience, Rally & Agility. In dog training starting with Obedience first is always a good idea. Obedience classes teach dogs basic control- which is the foundation for all the other classes. While teaching your dog Obedience is an ongoing process (there are many levels to advance through)- you need a good foundation before you can go on to try other divisions such as Showmanship, Agility & Rally. In fact it is recommended, beginning 4-H'ers have a very good start in Obedience before they start learning Agility. 4-H dog training classes are usually offered by the Counties at either free or reduced prices. If you would like to take your child to additional dog training lessons, please ask your 4-H leader for a recommendation of a child friendly instructor in your area, that trains in a similar manner to your 4-H class instructors.

To get more information on the Florida 4-H Dog Project please check all areas of our website: www.FL4-H-Dog.com . For additional information on 4-H you can go on the State of Florida 4-H website: https://4h.ifas.ufl.edu/index1.htm .