I realize that many of you kids may be starting to get "butterflies in your stomach" from becoming a bit nervous as you may be fast approaching your first ever county fair dog show. So I am going all-out as your helpful "leader of the pack/ care-taking mama dog" to get you as prepared as I know how.
There is a whole lot of "head knowledge" to know, but none of it is near as important as all the things I KNOW that you already KNOW!!! YOU and YOUR DOG are a TEAM. TOGETHER you two will do great! There will be things that are new to both of you, but you do NOT have to get worried. I feel very confident in saying that there is absolutely nothing that is going to happen on show day that is unsafe and that you two are not going to be able to handle because of everything we have already worked on at all of our practices. Remember, even if something unexpected does happen, it's just "different", NOT "bad". Just take a deep breath and use that brain of yours with a positive attitude. I guarantee you THAT will go further than getting all worried about what you think isn't going perfect.
LOOK for the good... and that's what you'll get. Remind your pooch partner to LOOK at you, and then, you smile and praise him or her when they do. Isn't that already making things go a LOT better?
Here are some helpful little sayings for you:
"if your knuckles are white, you're holding the leash too tight"
"there is no rule against smiling"
"positive praise gets positive results, positively"
"you get the behavior that you train for"
"which end of the leash is in control?"
"pay attention to your dog, and the judge; the rest of the world will take care of itself"
"No saying 'no'; or else it will cost you 10 cents"
To help you feel a bit more comfortable if you are showing in showmanship... here are some showmanship videos you can watch.
GREAT RESOURCE FOR WATCHING SHOWMANSHIP OF DIFFERENT BREEDS.
http://westminsterkennelclub.org/2007/video/breed/index.html
I suggest you go to this website and click on the breed which is closest to your dog's type to see how it is shown in the Westminster Kennel Club Breed Judging Shows. This will give you some real life idea of how dogs are shown. It is also a good idea to notice what you think the different dog handlers are doing that are good at showing off the dog and what things might be distracting from the dog showing at its best.
You know what makes your dog partner show his/her best. Number one, is having fun. Just know what kind of things to expect. Prepare mentally before you even enter the show ring. Watch the other exhibitors and see how things are done. You know what to do. So then all you have to do is just do your best and have a 'Good Show'!
2011/07/28
Butterflies Be Gone! Showing At Your Best
TOP DOG SCHOLAR TEST PREPARATION
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!
2011/07/27
What Group of Dog is That?
As we previously discussed, dogs are a species of animal that are then sub-categorized into GROUPS and then into BREEDS. Here is a nice graphic that was put together by the AKC (American Kennel Club) that helps explain in a nice way the different basic GROUPS of dogs and how you might more easily distinguish between them.
####Just click the above picture to enlarge it ####
2011/03/24
2010/08/20
Successful County Fair Show
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.
2010/04/21
Youth Leaders - Club Officers
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:
2010/04/14
VOTE FOR CLUB OFFICERS This Thursday
Club Officers for our Waggers 4-H Dog Club will be tallied this Thursday at club.
If you have a conflict and cannot attend club, OR if you just wish to vote before club time you may do so by emailing your choices to ellenspencer22@gmail.com before 1 p.m. on Thursday.
VOTING -
Each clubber will receive one ballot and should vote for a person to hold one office. In other words, do not vote for the same person to hold more than one office. Of course it is acceptable for you to vote for yourself in the position you'd most like to accept.
Here is a brief description of the offices and their responsibilities.
President- regularly runs meetings.
Start meeting on time & run according to schedule.
Vice-president- assists president, lead pledges. Recruit demonstrations.
Secretary- takes attendance, announces calendar events, notes "meeting summary". Gets familiar with paperwork filing of the club papers (Ellen will oversee that part).
Treasurer- keeps monetary record, reminds people of money related items. Adult help will be provided.
Sergeant of Arms- facilities: set up & clean up. Chairs, tables, flags, posters, handouts, etc.
Hospitality- welcome guests and coordinate any refreshments. Make sure we have hand sanitizer, napkins, plates, cups, etc. Recruit volunteers and give reminders.
Historian- create/keep scrapbook; use a three ringed binder to keep a record of our year. Be creative with photos, fliers, notes (secretary can help). It is important to be neat and as complete as possible, as this record will stay with the club for future reference to history.
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As an officer it is important to come to club early if possible so that you are ready to fulfill your duties. You will be a representative of what it is to be responsible young 4-H leader. So be a good example not only to our club, but to others you meet. My goal is to be at club at 6 p.m. so you can arrive anytime after that. That is also a good time to come to club early if any clubber has need for additional information (like missed previous week).
Don't worry about uncertainties of your office. As a club leader I will make sure you are equipped and help you in any way possible. You will get the hang of it, develop skills as you serve in your office and be good at it. :-)
As officer you are chiefly responsible for your duties, however --- you may ask for help from others. One of the greatest characteristics about our club is the willingness of fellow clubbers and even adults to offer help. Just ask for help when you need it, or offer it when you have it to give.
I am very excited about our 2010 Warren Waggers 4-H Club Year.
Now vote for who you believe to best fulfill the office.
We will announce the results at the end of club on Thursday (4-15).
THE OFFICER BALLOT
President: Shelby Trees, Erin Lego,
Vice President: Kiersten Tuggle, Melissa Miller, Allissa Arnold
Secretary: Matthew Uhrig, James Reed
Treasurer: James Reed , Mackenzie Carr , Shelby Trees
Sgt. of Arms: Erin Lego, Shelby Trees, James Reed
Hospitality: Melissa Miller, Shelby Trees, Kiersten Tuggle, Shelby Cleek, Erin Lego, James Reed
Historian: Shelby Trees, Erin Lego, Melissa Miller
If you are voting early send your ballot selections to ellenspencer22@gmail.com
BEFORE 1 P.M. of this Thursday.
Can My Dog Come?
"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.
2010/04/07
2010 WARREN WAGGERS YEAR STARTUP
Let's Get Started
It is once again time for our Warren Waggers 4H Dog Club Kickoff meeting. This year we will still be meeting at the Marion County Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Indiana. However, we will be holding our meetings in a different building. We will be meeting in the Commercial Building.
How do you get there?
Enter the fairgrounds from the main gate (SW corner) drive up the far West drive all the way onto the main West-East road. Continue on that to the far East end of the grounds. The Commercial building is located South of the Poultry building and East of the little fairgrounds Office building.
This initial meeting will be: Thursday, April 8th, 2010 6:30 PM - 8 PM in the Commercial Building.
DO NOT BRING YOUR DOG TO THE FIRST MEETING.
We will be continuing our meetings at the same time weekly with a couple of date exception which will be shown on the calendar.
Share the Fun
Feel free to introduce your friends to the possibility of joining 4-H and maybe our club by inviting them to join us. Participants will have to be in 3rd to 12th grade of school, and their dog will need to be healthy, an not "in season", and must be current on vaccinations before it can come to club meetings (here is a form which your veterinarian needs to sign).
Questions: Just post a "comment" below.
WHERE's The Marion County Fairgrounds
The Marion County Fairgrounds is located in the Southeast corner of Marion County near the intersection of I-465 and I-74.
Marion County Fairgrounds
7300 E. Troy Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46239
Click here for interactive Mapquest map!
ENROLL IN 4-H
Our Warren Waggers 4H Dog Club is focused on the Dog Project however we are more than happy to help you enroll in Marion County Indiana 4-H. This year the process has become more streamlined with the introduction of the option to enroll electronically. I encourage all of you who sign up for the dog project to also sign up for the dog poster as the two projects work well together and will be easy for you to do as you learn more about being a responsible dog owner/handler.
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This from the Marion County Extension Office:
We are happy to see that so many of our 4-H families are responding to our on-line enrollment system. We think giving them the option this year to enroll either electronically or with the traditional paper method is making it very easy for new and existing members to sign up.==========================
It's hard to believe that we're already into our first full week of April and our Marion County fair enrollment deadline is coming up next month. We want to make sure every family understands that while they can enroll in 4-H at any time over the course of the year, if they wish to enter their projects in the fair they need to enroll by May 15. Can you please assist us in getting the word out to your 4-H families that it's time for them to send in their enrollments? They can visit www.indy4-hyouth.org and click on "Enroll in 4-H" to begin the process. As leaders you also have the capability from the site to click on the "Forms" tab and print out enrollment forms for those club members without computer access.
So, if you would like to enroll in 4-H in Marion County, just click that link above and then on the Green Link that looks like this >>Click here to ENROLL IN 4-H
and follow the detailed instructions including the printing and signing part. This enrollment process needs to be completed by May 15th, 2010 to be able to show in the Marion County Fair.
2009/04/30
Waggers Club 2009 Underway
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.
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