Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Your child can either enroll in JUST the Dog Project or enroll in the Dog project as a secondary club if they are involved in a 4-H Club.
Enroll in 4honline in September or October. If it is after October 31, also email a Leader so you get on our contact list. (Leader contact information is in the project handbook.)
Youth can borrow a dog! If you don't know anyone with a dog you can borrow, ask a Leader for help.
You may also consider applying to foster a dog from the Humane Society of Barron County. A Dog Project Leader works with this shelter and can help determine if any adoptable dogs might be a good fit for your family and for your child to train in 4-H obedience classes.
We don't allow 2 youth to train one dog. You can borrow a dog for one of your children. If borrowing dog is not an option, please be aware that, at the fair, a dog cannot show in more than one class, unless approved by the board under extenuating circumstances
A second-year youth can train and show 2 dogs in Dog Project. However, they can only enter one dog per obedience entry class at the fair.
The Dog Project registration form and dog questionnaire are to sign up for group classes. They are due March 21st, along with proof of vaccination and project fee ($25 per youth, $50 maximum per family). The registration form is shared in late February or early March. Forms will be available online starting in January.
Yes! Leaders can make exceptions to the attendance requirements when youth cannot meet them due to custodial placement or visitation. Talk to a Leader to get help adjusting training so your child doesn't miss important skills.
Yes! Leaders can make exceptions to attendance requirements when youth have health problems. We might ask youth to complete training at home (if they are able). Talk to a Leader to get help adjusting training so your child doesn't miss important skills.
Yes! Many people with various disabilities enjoy training dogs. We accommodate for disabilities. Please contact a Leader if you have any concerns about your child's ability to participate, even if you're not sure your child's difficulty, symptom or condition is a disability.
Yes! It's very common for youth to miss several meetings or classes due to another activity or sport. Your child can continue training at home and use in-person and/or virtual make-up options. Please contact a Leader if you are concerned about your child's exhibition eligibility for obedience or agility.
Dogs with health problems (e.g., blindness, lameness, overweight, etc.) should be seen by a veterinarian to determine their ability to participate in training classes. If a Leader is concerned about a dog’s physical ability to participate in training safely, they can require veterinarian approval for a dog to participate in training classes.
If your dog is not able to participate in obedience and/or agility classes, your child can still participate by borrowing a dog! If you don't know anyone with a dog you can borrow, ask a Leader for help. You may also consider applying to foster a dog from the Humane Society of Barron County. A Dog Project Leader works with this shelter and can help determine if any adoptable dogs might be a good fit for your family and for your child to train in 4-H obedience classes.
If your dog has a minor injury that should heal in a week or so, come to class without your dog. If you can contact a Leader in advance, you might be able to borrow a trained dog to practice with during class.
If your dog gets a serious injury that will take a month or more to heal, contact a Leader. Depending factors such as the time of year and your child's experience in Dog Project, a Leader might make an exception to the attendance policy or suggest a dog your child could borrow so they can continue participating in Dog Project.
If your dog comes into heat, your child should continue to attend classes and continue training at home. If your dog is in heat during the fair, your child can only participate in obedience, trick, and costume competitions and in an area away from other dogs. See the project handbook for more details.
Rabies vaccine, as required as by State law
Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus
Bordetella
Lyme and Canine Influenza vaccines are recommended, but not required
When your dog is vaccinated, your veterinarian will provide a "vaccination certificate," which lists your dog's vaccinations and the dates they expire. Your dog's Rabies vaccine certificate must be signed by your veterinarian.
No. Vaccinations must be given by a veterinarian.
Cancellations will be notified by email, the Dog Project Facebook page, Remind app and WJMC radio. Weather cancellations are determined 2 hours before the event (i.e., weather cancellations for 6 p.m. classes are decided at 4:00 p.m.)
Did we miss your question? Contact a Leader! (Leader contact information is in the project handbook.)