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Dog Project

The Larimer County 4-H Dog program is designed to provide an opportunity to handle, care for and learn about dogs. Members learn responsibility, leadership, communication and the importance of keeping accurate records. 

There are many ways you can get involved, such as workshops, Dog shows and knowledge competitions. The program includes four class options; Obedience, Showmanship, Rally, and Agility.

Why Sign Up for the Dog Project?

  • Learn to properly care for a dog
  • Explore more advanced training opportunities
  • Learn the importance of accurate records
A child works to train her dog
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2024 Dog Training Workshop Dates 

The County 4-H Dog Training Workshops are free and open to all 4-H Dog Members.  Obedience, Showmanship and Rally workshops will be held on Monday evenings, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.   

First year members will meet at 6:00 p.m. Second-year and above will meet at 7:00 p.m.

  • February 12th
  • February 26th
  • March 11th
  • March 25th
  • April 8th
  • April 22nd
  • May 6th
  • May 13th
  • May 20th
  • May 27th
  • June 3rd
  • June 10th
  • June 17th
  • July 1st
  • July 8th
  • July 15th

As a reminder, please check the Google Calendar for the most up-to-date information. Dog project workshops are listed under the "General Projects" calendar (see the tab below).

What to bring to a workshop:

  • Dog
  • Leash/ collar (buckle or flat)
    • 6 ft leash for Obedience and Rally
    • Showmanship lead for Showmanship
    • 4-6 ft leash or tab for Agility
  • Treats that are small and easy to swallow
  • Treat pouch (ziplock baggies and pockets work just fine)
  • Water bowl
  • Kennel or mat for dog to rest
  • Doggy bags
  • Equipment bag
  • Binder/folder

State Wide 4-H Dog Expo

  • Workshops in obedience, rally, and showmanship
  • Classes in dog behavior, careers with dogs, vet talk, class progression, and more
  • Classes available for parents/ guardians

Date: April 7th, 2024
Registration Deadline: March 29th, 2024
Time: 8am - 5pm
Location: 5280 Arena Cir, Loveland, CO 80538
Cost: $10 per member
Questions: Email anna2hleader@gmail.com

2024 Larimer County Fair

Location: First National Bank Building, The Ranch, Loveland

  • July 19th: Setup, Dress-A-Pup, and Games
  • July 20th: Showmanship, Obedience, Rally, and Class Awards
  • July 21st: Agility, Division, and Over-all Awards

2024 Colorado State Fair

Location: Colorado State Fairgrounds, Pueblo

  • August 17th and August 18th: Agility
  • September 14th and September 15th: Showmanship, Obedience, and Rally

You'll need a dog to train and you'll need to attend the dog training workshops. When you enroll in the project, you'll receive a schedule of workshops you can attend. 

If you choose to participate in the Dog Show at the County Fair, you may need a special lead for your dog.

Project Completion Requirements:

  • Enroll in the Dog Project

    • 2023/2024 Enrollment Deadlines:
      • Returning Members: February 1st
      • New Members: March 1st
  • Complete Dog ID
    • 2024 Deadline: May 1st
    • Required for all project dogs
    • Dog IDs are required to show at the Larimer County Fair and Colorado State Fair
  • Participate in a 4-H Sponsored Community Service Activity
  • Do a 4-H Related Demonstration
  • Complete a Dog Record Book
    • Record books must be kept for each project animal
  • Exhibit your Dog
  • Complete all Club Requirements

Starting Out - Beginner

Inspiring youth to:

  • Learn what kind of dog would bebest for you and your family
  • Learn about goal setting
  • Evaluate project with leader
  • Learn how to keep records
  • Learn how to assume responsibility

Learning More - Intermediate

Inspiring youth to:

  • Obedience training
  • Learn how to train a dog obeycertain beginning and novice levelcommands such as heel, sit, down,stand for examination, recall, finish and the figure eight
  • Investigate dog breed origins
  • Find out why dogs are neutered or spayed
  • Compare dog foods
  • Evaluate project with leader
  • Learn about goal setting
  • Gain knowledge of sound management practices
  • Develop sportsmanship
  • Develop public speaking skills

Exploring Depth - Advanced

Inspiring youth to:

  • Advanced training
  • Learn about dogs that help people
  • Help younger members train their dogs
  • Assist the 4-H Dog leader with training
  • Learn how to do a budget
  • Explore career opportunities related to dogs
  • Build lifelong friendship

All project manuals are received through the Larimer County 4-H Extension office. These will be distributed to 4-H members through their organizational leaders (club leaders) after enrollment is complete. For more information on enrollment visit Join 4-H.

Record books are an important part of your 4-H project. We have some videos to help you complete you record book below. 

Record Book Check-In Sheet

Junior

 

Intermediate

 

Senior

 

Larimer County 4-H Required Dog Vaccinations

  • Proof of Rabies vaccination is required for all dogs participating in any of the County 4-H Dog Workshops and the Larimer County Fair. You can bring proof of Rabies vaccination to the Dog Orientation or your first workshop or scan the certificate and email to the office: dkern@larimer.org Dogs will not be allowed to participate in County 4-H Dog Workshops, the Larimer County Fair, or the Colorado State Fair without proof of current Rabies vaccination. No exceptions.
  • Proof of Canine Distemper and Parvovirus vaccine is also required for the Larimer County Fair and Colorado State Fair, so please plan ahead.

Required Dog ID Information

All 4-H Dog Project members are required to fill out a Colorado 4-H Dog Identification Form. Dog ID forms will be online only. You do not need to send a hard copy of your Dog ID to the Extension Office. Go to 4honline.com

Directions to add an Animal ID:

  • Log in to 4honline using your family email •
  • Go to the Member Page
  • Scroll down to list of family members and click on “edit” next to your name (just like when you were registering)
  • Click on the “Animal/Livestock” button at the top
  • Choose your animal type: “Dog”
  • Select “Add Animal”
  • Fill out the information and upload your dog’s shot records and photos
  • Click on “Save”

A printed copy of your online Colorado 4-H Dog ID is required for your Dog Record Book.

Directions for printing an Animal ID:

  • Log in to 4honline using your family email.
  • Go to the Member Page.
  • Scroll down to the list of family members and click on “edit” next to your name (just like when you were registering).
  • Click on the “Animal/Livestock” button at the top.
  • Click on the “Edit/View” button next to the animal. 
  • Right click print
  • Scroll down to the pictures
  • Right click print again
  • The ID will be on two pages: one with the information and one with the pictures.

Larimer County 4-H Dog Project Leasing Policy

Updated 2020

Larimer County 4-H members may lease a dog to participate in the 4-H Dog Project. This program is designed to offer the opportunity of the dog project to members who are unable to own a dog. Anyone who is using a dog that is not owned by their family is considered a lease situation and requires a pre-approved application.

Members with a leased dog may participate in all activities pertaining to the Larimer County 4-H Dog Project, including workshops, clinics, contests, camps and the Larimer County Fair 4-H Dog Trials.

Leased Dogs are not allowed to show at the Colorado State Fair 4-H Dog Trials.

Requirements:

  • Members must be 8 years or older, 4-H age
  • Members must be enrolled in the Larimer County 4-H Dog Project
  • Members must be in good standing
  • Members must participate in the care of the dog
  • Members must keep a record book for the leased dog
    • Members should understand the cost of caring for the dog, even if the expense is not their responsibility
    • A lease agreement is recommended, clarifying feed, care and health care costs for the leased dog
  • Members must submit the Larimer County 4-H Dog Lease Application and receive pre-approval before participating in any 4-H activities with a leased dog.

Dog Lease Application (PDF)

Dog Lease Application (Doc)

Please contact the Larimer County Extension Office with questions; 970-498-6000

PDF of instructions

  1. Log into 4-H Online
    • Use your family email and password co.4honline.com
  2. Click “View”, next to Member’s Name
  3. Locating ‘Animals’
    • Desktop, select “Animals” from the left side navigation
    •  Smart Phone or Tablet, click on the 3 bars in the top left corner
    • With either option, this will bring up a drop down list to begin adding Animals.
  4. Adding an Animal
    • Click "Add an Animal"
    • Then select “Add New Animal”
    • Select Dog, from the drop down. REQUIRED: Enter Animal’s name, click “Save”
    • Next, click “Show Questions”
      • Animal Entry is open for the current enrollment year. - Is all information complete? Check all county animal entry deadlines.
      • READ All County instructions for each animal species as county requirements vary.
    • The animal’s name will be carried over from the previous screen.
    • Enter the CURRENT weight of the animal. This is for determining size of the animal.
    •  Enter the animal’s birth date.
    • Choose the breed from the drop-down box. Choose “other breed” or “mixed breed” if breed isn’t listed. ONLY select one breed.
    • Fill in a description of the dog’s colors and markings.
    • Enter the dog’s height in inches as measured from the ground to withers (highest point of the dog’s shoulders).
    • Enter whether you own the dog or are leasing it.
    • Enter all vaccination information (Note: Enter Expiration dates)
    • Enter the registration information if your dog is registered.
    • Enter the Animal Gender – male or female.
    • Enter a Tag or Tattoo, if applicable.
  5. Click “Next”, continue with the “File Uploads” that are required by your local county extension office. These will vary by county and species. Please follow your county guidelines.
  6. Confirm all information, click ‘submit’
  7. County Extension staff, will review all information. If more is needed, members can edit. Once “Approved” by your local county extension office an email will be sent to your family account (example below) A time and date stamp for each animal.
  8. Questions, please contact us at 970-498-6000.

Thinking about signing up for the Dog Project?

Already enrolled but have questions? Contact:

Diane Kern

4-H Program Coordinator
970.498.6016

 

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ADDRESS
1525 Blue Spruce Dr.
Fort Collins, CO 80524-2004

Phone: (970) 498-6000 

7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Monday - Friday 

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