It is shocking to learn that two poodle mix dogs were discovered in a recycling bin behind a Mt. Comfort school. Here is a video of the story told by local News 8.
As we are diving into a new year of Waggers 4-H Dog Club training classes there are some important items to take note of to make sure we have "all our ducks in a row" so that we can spend our time on actually training and not problem solving paperwork and those types of requirements.
At both the Marion County 4-H Fair Dog Show and the Indiana State Dog Show there is an activity called "The Top Dog Scholar". It essentially quizzes you on your basic knowledge of the 4-H dog project. These tests are given based on the age of the participant at the start of this calendar year: Junior (grades 3,4,5), Intermediate (grades 6,7,8) and Senior (grades 9-12) .
What IS the Top Dog Scholar Test Made Up Of ???
**5 questions come from the Indiana State Fair Premium Book Dog Pages - Dept 411
The link is HERE
(study this FIRST --since generally ALL of our county and state 4-H programs abide by these rules and it best summarizes the general information of the dog projects different parts).
**5 questions regarding agility will come from UKC (United Kennel Club, www.ukc
dogs.com) UKC agility rulebook link, plus another single sheet link
**5 questions from the Indiana 4-H Showmanship Guide (4-H 716w),
here is the LINK to Shownmanship Guide
**5 obedience questions from the Indiana 4-H Obedience guidelines,
Obedience link here
**5 questions from the grade appropriate 4-H dog curriculum guide
*********THE 4-H DOG MANUALS ARE ONLINE**************
FAVORITE
Level 1: Wiggles and Wags (Grades 3, 4, 5) JUNIOR LEVEL
Level 2: Canine Connection (Grades 6, 7, 8) INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
Level 3: Leading the Pack (Grades 9-12) SENIOR LEVEL
**Tie Breakers are done with breed identification. For example, you are shown a few photos, and asked to identify what breed of dog is in each of the photos.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW MY COLLECTION OF PHOTOS OF DOG BREEDS
I HIGHLY encourage each and every one of you to take this test. Awards are given to everyone who takes the test and special awards to top scores. Besides that, you will receive your graded test back to have yet another resource for increasing your wealth of dog related knowledge : )
GOOD LUCK!
DATE MOVED Waggers Dog Club News for Sept 2010 Dog Advisory Committee Meeting DATE: Saturday September 11, 2010 Time: 1:00 - 3:00 pm Type: Meeting Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds Showmanship & Agility Clinic - Jackson County DATE: Sunday Sept. 12, 2010 Time: 11:30 - 5:30 pm Location: Jackson County Fairgrounds, Brownstown, IndianaAs I feared... it IS Labor Day weekend and many will be out of town, so I am proposing that we change the date of the WRAP-UP DOG MEETING FOR WARREN WAGGERS DOG CLUBTO Sunday September 19th at 2:00 PM at POST ROAD PARK Picnic Shelter.Next Saturday, September 11th, is the IN State 4-H Dog Committee Meeting where leaders and anyone else interested will attend to wrap up the year, make comments about what did and did not go well, suggest improvements, etc. So IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU'D LIKE ME TO BRING TO THE COMMITTEE PLEASE LET ME KNOW. It is best to put it in writing, but there is no comment either positive or negative that is not taken into account and every suggestion helps us try to make the 4H Dog project better.
I have attached the pdf flyer for this (click here). It is going to be especially good for teaching teeter totter and some intermediate skills, so I am really looking forward to going. IF you want to go, please note that it asks you to email or call to preregister.
And HERE is something that I think would really be fun to go watch as a group outing! If you've never seen it before, it's fun to check it out!
DOG Flyball Coming to The Indiana State Fairgrounds
NAFA® Flyball Tournament Seeks Record as World‘s Largest
A new world record, “Largest Flyball Tournament,” will be attempted at the Indiana State Fairgrounds on Saturday, October 9, 2010, during the 2nd annual NAFA® CanAm Classic Flyball Tournament.
NAFA®, the North American Flyball Association, is hosting the international tournament and hoping to set a Guinness World Record™. (www.nafacanam.com)
“’Largest Flyball Tournament’ is a new category established by Guinness World Records™ specifically for this event,” says Lee Heighton, NAFA® Executive Director. “In order to set the record, we will need at least 500 dogs to participate.”
“Last year’s inaugural CanAm Classic was attended by 123 teams that competed in a four ring tournament layout” added Leerie Jenkins, Chairman of the NAFA® Board of Directors. “This year we will have six rings spread over four acres indoors. Teams will be traveling to Indianapolis from across the United Sates and Canada. We are looking forward to having the ultimate authority on record-breaking achievement recognize both our sport, and the enthusiasm of the dogs and people who play it.”
The NAFA® CanAm Classic takes place at the Indiana State Fairgrounds October 8 through October 10, 2010. For more information, visit http://www.nafacanam.com.
Also check out http://www.flyball.org/
Wolf Park
information at http://www.wolfpark.org/admission.shtml
(PLEASE check your calendars and submit times to Ellen as to when you'd like to go as a group)
Howl Nights Location: Bleachers, main pack enclosure Time: 7:30 pm
May 1 - November 30: Fridays and Saturdays
December 1 - April 30: Saturdays Only Duration: 1.5 hours
Visit Wolf Park in the evening, and see our animals in a whole new light. As the night falls and the air cools, the wolves get frisky. Guests will have an opportunity to hear a more in-depth discussion of the wolf's "trademark" behavior -- the howl. They will have front row seats to a sing-along as Wolf Park's expert wolf handlers enter the enclosure and interact with the main pack of wolves. Guests will be encouraged several times during the performance to howl, and will be able to see and hear our wolves return the call.
No flash photography, please, as it can startle or upset the wolves. There will be lights on in the enclosure. Generally the wolves come right up to the fence and can be seen clearly. In cold or inclement weather, a building with floor-to-ceiling windows is available, with sound from the enclosure piped in through a speaker.
If you have been attending our club meetings you may have noticed that I have really been stressing the importance of the command "look". Although it is not something that you will be asked to perform for a score in the ring, I am convinced that the best training comes when you have your animal's attention. Think about it. If your dog is so intent on trying to see what is going on across the room, is he really paying attention to you or what you want him to do? That's a no-brainer, right?
HAPPINESS IS DOING YOUR BEST AND BEING RECOGNIZED FOR IT !
It was great to see such a good result from those who came to the Marion County Fair 4-H Dog Show. I was extremely proud of all of you. I know that the low pressure weather bothered a few dogs behaviors, but you trainers (yes, that's you) handled it like pros. It's just the way it is and you deal with what you are given.
It was sad that a couple members of our club did not come to the county show, but those of you that came shone like the stars that I know you are!!
It was absolutely button-popping to know that each and every one of you took the Top Dog Test knowing that if you don't at least try, you can't place. And, a few of you received honors because of it. ALL of you received your tests back, so learned from the experience, right?
Because, I was in charge of running the Agility portion of the show in another building, I didn't get to witness your prowess in the obedience and showmanship rings. However, I can testify to your outstanding handling in the agility setting. All of you demonstrated exactly what we worked on all year. Even when a challenge came up for your particular dog.
The other exciting thing about the 2010 year in particular was the addition of the TROPHIES. Yes, some of your parents, other clubs, and our club contributed to be able to purchase those for the winners. They were beautiful and I believe gratefully accepted by the winners. IF you were one of those who received one of those AND it had an attached envelope with the sponsors address on it PLEASE be sure to send a thank you letting them know how much that trophy means to you. Maybe you could tell them about how special that day was to you and a little about your dog.
A special thanks to Mr. Miller who helped transport the agility equipment. Those who helped set up and take down. Leader Mrs. Miller for staying with the Obedience building show, and Leader Christi who I didn't get to see but in passing, but I am sure was helping facilitate those of you getting to your classes at the appointed times.
It all gets a bit chaotic on a show day, but if we all work together, it will get done and there is ALWAYS room for suggestions for improvement.
Here are a few photos that I managed to get... I am still hoping to get some more from parents.
Above from Left to Right:
Mackenzie C. and Oscar; Melissa M. and Macy; Jennifer B. and Carlisle; and Kiersten T. and Pedey.
If the rest of you will send in photos, I would love to post them as well.
At the last meeting of Warren Waggers 4-H Dog Club the youth members of the club voted on club officers. The elected officers are as follows:
"Can my dog come to dog club?" That is a question that I have been asked repeatedly. Here is the answer.
In order for your dog to attend our Warren Waggers 4-H Dog Club the following must be true:
* the clubber is (or is in the process of getting) registered as a 4-H member with Marion County. NEW MEMBERS need to leave their dog at home for at least their first meeting.
* the animal is healthy: Current on required vaccinations (you need to be able to prove it with vet papers, so keep a copy of papers with you), dog is not "in season", and mustn't show fleas or other communicable malady. Returning members may utilize last years vet paper for first few meetings IF shots are still current to allow for vet visit. Please have current year 4-H Vaccination Form completed & signed by your vet by May 15!
* Dog's age - the animal will be at least six months old at show time. Dogs under one year must not jump in agility.
* Dog's Behavior - a dog that the leaders deem as a danger to any other person or animal may not attend club. Dogs which have excessively disruptive behavior may be pulled aside for additional behavioral training.
There you have it. I hope that helps make it clear for you. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
We have begun our 2009 year in 4H Dog Club. Happily we have almost everyone returning from last year. A couple of kids have new dogs this year. On top of that we have several new students. It's great to meet new kids and their dogs and the parents who bring them.
We are again meeting from 6:30 - 8:30 on Thursday nights at the Marion County Fairgrounds in the 4H building or just outside of it on nicer days. We will have one day (MAY 14th) when we must meet elsewhere; otherwise we will routinely meet here until time to vacate for County Fair Preparation.
If you are joining us for Warren Waggers 4H Dog Club. There are a few things you should know.
1.) ENROLLMENT: This 4H Club is for children grades 3-12 who register for the dog project with 4H through the County Extension Office. However, you may enroll at your first club meeting up until the May 15th deadline. Also, children from neighboring county may join us as long as they enroll with Marion County 4H and do NOT show projects at another county fair.
2) CLASSES: All dog project kids must take part in the obedience aspect of the club. We also teach showmanship and dog agility which are also competitive at the county fair and if you chose, the Indiana State Fair. Also, we encourage each student to also sign up for the dog poster project. We are easily learning enough about dogs through the year as to make this an easy project for them to complete and compete.
3) ANIMAL CARE: Animals coming to club MUST BE CURRENT ON ALL OF THERE VACCINATIONS. There is a 4H Veterinarian form available at this link or may be obtained at club. NO ANIMAL MAY attend a club meeting without proof of current vaccinations. The completed designated form is required by the 4H organization and needs to be signed by your veterinarian. Any dog showing signs of illness, in "season", showing signs of fleas or other physical disability should not come to club, however the child may attend without the animal during its recuperation so as to stay up to date on training sessions.
4) BEHAVIOR: The main objective of our club is to train obedience. Not that we leaders are training the animals. Rather, that we leaders teach the kids how to train their own animals. The 4Hers are to be the principle caretakers of the animals. They learn responsibility, animal care and training skills, and record keeping. They grow in confidence as "masters" of their animals. The animals develop skills of obedience and being a good canine citizen. It is a wonderful process to witness and be a part of.
5) REQUIRED FORMS:
a) 4H enrollment form and enrollment fee
b) Vet Form -- http://www.four-h.purdue.edu/downloads/Dog/4H671W.pdf.
c) Marion County 4H Fair Dog Show pre-enrollment - Due June 15th
d) Indiana State 4H Dog Show Enrollment form (optional)
e) Dog Record Sheet
6) RESULTS: We have fun learning by doing!!
We have a new "pack" each year. Each 4Her and animal are a team. All 4Hers and their animals form a family unit "pack". The parents usually stay and socialize with each other and participate with some of the club activities, and all of us together are THE WARREN WAGGERS 4H DOG CLUB!
If you need more information, just leave a comment with your email and I will contact you back.
I really believe in 4H. It is a youth organization that was started and upheld by Purdue University and Land Grant structure. The regular 4H clubs offer children the opportunity of "learning by doing". Traditionally, people associate 4H with showing cows, pigs, horses and sheep or sewing, food, needlework and canned goods at the county fairs. But 4H is so much MORE!
Today's 4H offers Mini clubs for children who are not yet in the 3rd grade to learn even more simplified lessons while having fun in a structured, nurturing club setting. The total number of projects offered has skyrocketed over the almost 30 years since I was a 10 year 4H member. The offerings now include such things as collections, writing, personality, health, woodworking, woodcraft, computer, animal posters, wildlife, forestry, genealogy, bowling, gardening, clothing design, sewing, miscellaneous crafts, recycling, pottery, ceramics, electricity, and independent study projects. These are only some of the offerings. Chances are, if your child is interested in it, there is a project for them. If you have knowledge of it, there is a 4H leadership opportunity for you.
I was a farmer's daughter and a former FFA member at my highschool. Besides taking part in animal projects, vet science, livestock judging, fine arts, soil judging, parliamentary procedure, sales demonstrations, speech, choir, wildlife management...etc, I developed skills of leadership, cooperation, community awareness and civic responsibility.
Now, that I am raising my daughter in the city, I got plugged into 4H anew as a leader. My first love is in leading a local 4H Dog Club. We offer obedience training which all members must participate in, then, optional Showmanship and Dog Agility. My husband and I have made most of the equipment, but are in need of obtaining more as our program advances. The parents of the kids in our club are ACTIVE participants. Together we are a family. Like a pack of dogs, we show one another respect, learn from each other and experience successes with one another. All the while the kids are learning that I am not there to train their dogs. We are there to help THEM to train their dogs. Even the most timid little child learns how to take charge, communicate clearly (even nonverbally) and grows in understanding and confidence. It truly is a wonderful thing.
Our particular dog club is open to any child grade 3 through age 18 at the beginning of the school year. They first register as a 4H member, pay a nominal membership fee, and sign up for as few or as many projects as they believe they please. There is the Dog Poster project available for even the child who may not own a dog, but want to learn and exhibit. Many materials are provided by the County Extension Office through trained and certified volunteers who schedule and lead meetings. There are also record sheets to be filled out to assure orderly organization and team the skill of record-keeping.
The 4H year culminates at the County and State Fairs where the project(s) of the child can be viewed by all. At the fair, projects receive ribbons and the appreciation of the general public. A sense of accomplishment is instilled in the growing minds of our communities children thanks to the program of 4H, the service of volunteers, involved parents and leaders, and the effort put forth to "make the best better".
If you have questions regarding signing up a child in 4H or becoming a volunteer leader or resource assistant, please contact your local County Extension Office Agent and inquire. The number for your area is in the blue pages under county government or just search on the web for "County Extension Office AND (the name of your) County."
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