By Sara Drake
Extension Agent 4-H Youth Development
The Rowan County Fair is right around the corner. With the fair, comes the 4-H Dog Show. For youth competitors interested in participating, Lynn Meeks of the Salisbury Kennel Club will hold two dog showmanship clinics.
These clinics are open to youth, ages 5 to 19, and will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 4 and Tuesday, Sept. 11 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Salisbury Kennel Club, 4208 Old Concord Road, Salisbury, NC. Youth can attend one or both workshops.
At these clinics, youth will work on handling their dog as well as learn some aspects of showmanship to prepare their animal for the annual 4-H Junior Dog Show at the Rowan County Fair.
Space is limited to 20 youth and dogs for this workshop. Call 704-216-8970 by Thursday, Aug. 30, to sign up for this workshop.
Competitors are to bring their dogs, record of vaccination and meet at the Salisbury Kennel Club. Bring your dog’s collar, leash, a bowl for water, bags for clean-up and a crate.
The 4-H Junior Dog Show is a fun and educational experience that focuses on youth and their ability to relate with their dogs.
This year the show, which is open to all youth between the ages of 5 and 19, will be held on Thursday, Sept. 20, at 6 p.m. at the Rowan County Fairgrounds. Check-in will begin at 5:15 p.m. All participants must be registered by 5:45 p.m.
All dogs must have their vaccinations for distemper, parvo and rabies and must be a minimum of 4 months old. Proof will be required. Dogs do not have to be purebred, but they do need to be well behaved and on a leash for the show.
There are many classes available including: hound, sporting, non-sporting, working, terrier, toy, herding, miscellaneous, puppy, cloverbud, senior citizen dog, trick and talent.
Meeks will be the judge of the show. She will be looking for several key areas including showmanship, the relationship between the youth and the dog, eye contact and awareness of the judge and grooming of the dog. The dog should be washed, clean and well cared for. The judge will ask simple questions to the exhibitors to test their knowledge of the dog.
Unlike other competitive shows, based on pedigree and breed characteristics, the 4-H Junior Dog Show is an enriching, fun experience. Come out and watch the entertaining 4-H Junior Dog Show.
For more information concerning the 4-H Junior Dog Show or the North Carolina 4-H program, contact Sara Drake at 704-216-8970 or sara_drake@ncsu.edu.