Pages 2 - 8 Members’ Project Guide 9 Requirements for Dog/Member Teams 10 Achievement Day Requirements 11 - 12 Achievement Day & Exhibition Requirements 13 Canine Member Information Form 14 - 17 Topics for Study and Reports 18 Programs to Train

19 - 20 Outings & Guests CANINE LEADERS’ RESOURCE LEADERS’ CANINE

Welcome Welcome to the 4-H Canine Project! Please read through this guide carefully, as it contains information and suggestions that are important for your project. 4-H leaders can obtain a Leader Project Guide and other resources from the PEI 4-H Office. Hopefully you, as a member, will “Learn to do by Doing” through hands-on activities that will encourage learning and enjoyment. If you have any questions, contact your District 4-H Officer or your 4-H project leader.

4-H YEAR COMPLETION You must complete You complete a project by: all of the listed completing the project Achievement Day requirements aspects in order to completing a communication project show at Fairs and completing a community project Exhibitions. completing an agriculture awareness project taking part in Achievement Day

ACHIEVEMENT DAY REQUIREMENTS

Preliminary Members

*Complete at least five topics 25 *Demonstrate 8 of 11 required commands 50 *Display on one unit studied 25 (One display per member) 100 Marks

Intermediate Members *Complete at least five topics 25 *Demonstrate ALL preliminary commands plus 50 any 6 of the required intermediate commands *Display on one unit studied 25 (One display per member) 100 Marks

Advanced Members CANINE *Complete at least 5 topics 25 *Demonstrate ALL preliminary and intermediate 50 commands PLUS any 4 adv. Level exercises *Display on one unit studied 25 (One display per member) 100 Marks

EXHIBITION REQUIREMENT

Members show their dogs at the various 4-H fairs and exhibitions.

Ages for 4-H members as of January 1st of the 4-H year: Junior: 9-11 years Check out the PEI 4-H Web Site Intermediate: 12-14 years www.pei4h.pe.ca

2 Achievement Day and Exhibition Requirements Preliminary Canine For preliminary canine, each handler/dog team must demonstrate 8 of the 11 listed exercises: Sit with Command Heel Sit and Stay: Handler to walk 2 meters away from the Left Turn dog and the dog must hold the stay for 10 seconds. Right Turn Down with Command About Turn Recall: the dog must come on recall and sit in front of Circle Left the handler. Circle Right Sit for examination: The dog must sit in the heel posi- tion Intermediate Canine To complete the requirements for Intermediate Canine, each handler/dog team must demonstrate proficiency in all 11 of the listed Preliminary exercises in addition to at least six of the following exercises

Heel: slow Stand for examination: Handler must walk away and stand Heel: fast 2 meters in front of dog during the examination. Heel: figure eight Sit-Stay: 30 seconds U Turn Down-Stay: 60 seconds Automatic Sit at the halt command. Recall: With “Finish” to the heel position. Advanced Canine Advanced canine exercises should reflect the ability of the handler/dog team and should not be limiting in nature. For that reason, advanced exercises should be decided on individual team basis’, in conjunction with the leader. Each handler/dog team must demonstrate proficiency in all 18 of the listed Preliminary and Intermediate level exercises in addition to at least four advanced exercises. Examples of advanced exercises may include;

Advanced Obedience exercises Sit and Stay: I minute St. John Ambulance Certification Down and Stay:3 minutes Canine Good Neighbour Certification Retrieving exercises Rally-O Obedience exercises Agility exercises Conformation Showmanship Doggy Tricks of any type Other NOtes Heel Position Stand for Examination Heel position can be used whether the dog is sitting, stand- The handler stands the dog for the judge to examine. The ing, lying down, or moving at heel. Heel means the dog judge will first give the order for examination. Then the han- should be in a straight alignment and facing the same dler will stand the dog and command and/or signal the dog direction as the handler. to stay. The handler will walk six feet in front of the dog, The dog should be close to the handler’s left leg without turn and face the dog. crowding. This permits the handler freedom of movement. The handler may choose the method for posing the dog, The area from the dog’s head to shoulder should be in line within a reasonable time limit, before giving the command with the handler’s left hip. and/or signal to stay. The judge will approach the dog from the front and will touch its head, back and hindquarters Praise only. The judge will then give the “back to your dog” com- Praise and petting are allowed between and after exer- mand. The handler will then return to the dog and stand in cises, but points may be deducted from the total score for a heel position. The dog must remain in standing position dog that is not under reasonable control while being without moving its feet until the judge says “Exercise fin- praised. A handler is not permitted to carry or offer ished”. The dog must show no shyness or resentment dur- food in the ring. ing this exercise.

3 Topics for study may include: How to choose a dog for your family Safety Around Dogs Wild dogs of the world How to be a good dog neighbour Evolution of dog from the wild to pets Dog Breed Study Veterinary knowledge Dog Jobs Canine Poisoning Dog Sports Normal Health Parameters Rescue dog association A sick dog Homemade dog treats Genetic disorders Dogs in Movies Canine Dentistry Dogs in literature Canine Nutrition Dog talk Canine First Aid Talk to your leader about what interests you!

Displays may include: Pictures/posters with adequate information to explain your display topic. Physical objects such as first aid, dog food comparison display, dog house etc. Displays must be self explanatory, creative, neat and original. Displays will be judged on a basis of content and presentation.

Keep chocolate candies out of your dog's reach. Chocolate can be fatal to dogs. Most dogs are color blind. They see everything as black, white, or gray. Puppies don't wag their tails until about 30 days after birth. The earliest recorded wag was observed in a 17-day-old puppy. Dogs cool themselves by panting. They only have sweat glands in the pads of their feet.

HELPFUL RESOURCES! WHAT’S NORMAL FOR A HEALTHY Www.Ckc.ca www.canismajor.com/dog DOG www.dogplay.com www.superpuppy.com Temperature: Normal rectal temperature is 38—39 www.digitaldog.com degrees Celsius (It will be elevated if the dog is www.canineconcepts.co.uk excited or active). www.caws.org Breathing: 10-30 breaths per minute while resting. www.thebreedsofdogs.com Pulse: 70-103 beats per minute while resting. Book and Videos are available at the PEI 4-H Gums: Should be bright red. Office which can be borrowed for a two week Tongue: Bright pink and clean. Some breeds have loan period. To book these, call 368-4833 or a naturally dark tongue. drop by the PEI 4-H Office at 40 Enman Behaviour: A healthy dog will act lively and alert. Crescent, Charlottetown.

Basic Dog Biscuits Dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm chicken or meat broth. The 3 1/2 cup unbleached flour, richer this broth is, the better your dog will like the biscuits. Let 2 cup whole wheat flour, yeast broth mixture set 10 min. Then stir in flour mixture. Roll 1 cup cornmeal resulting dough out 1/4" thick. Cut dog biscuit shapes from 1/2 cup skim milk powder dough. Brush biscuits with egg wash. Bake on greased cookie 1 tablespoon (or 1 package) dry yeast sheets at 300* for 45 min. Then turn off oven and leave in over- 3 1/2 cups lukewarm chicken or meat broth night to finish hardening. Makes 60 medium-sized biscuits.

4 What is Normal for My Dog? (Complete this page when your dog is healthy.)

Name of Dog ______Date of Birth ______

Completed by ______

Temperature ______

Breathing ______breaths per minute at rest

Pulse ______beats per minute at rest

Gums ______colour

Tongue ______colour Clean ☐ Yes ☐ No

Stool Well Formed ☐ Yes ☐No

Weight ______

Behaviour Lively and alert ______

Interested ______

Appetite ______

Temperament ______

Other Signs

Condition of Coat ______

Condition of eyes ______

Nose (any discharge or sneezing) ______

Other Comments

______

______

Date Completed ______

5 PROJECT ENROLLMENT DIRECTORY

From time to time throughout the 4-H year, you may wish to contact your leader(s) or another project member for one reason or another. Just fill in the information below, and you will have a handy Project Member - Project Leader Directory.

MEMBERS’ NAMES E-MAIL PHONE NUMBER

LEADER’S NAME E-MAIL PHONE NUMBER

6 PROJECT MEETINGS DIARY

Most meetings will require at least six to eight project meetings to complete the project.

MEETING DATE LOCATION TIME At this meeting, we ...

7 COMMUNITY PROJECT Each year you are encouraged to provide a service to your community as a 4-H member. This introduces you to the responsibilities of citizenship. You must participate in your club’s plan for a community project and you should have a role to play. Describe your involvement with your club’ community project this year.

Our Community Project was ______

______

I helped by ______

It was beneficial because ______

______

______

I learned ______

______

______

AGRICULTURE AWARENESS PROJECT Agriculture is one of PEI’s main industries. You are expected to participate with your club to complete a project (or provide a service) which helps your club or others become aware of the importance of agriculture in our lives. As in the community project, you should actively participate.

Our Agricultural Awareness Project was ______

______

I helped by ______

It was beneficial because ______

______

______

I learned ______

______

______

8 REQUIREMENTS FOR DOG - MEMBER TEAMS

☺ Members can be of any age. Cloverbuds accepted also.

☺ Members need not own their own dog but can borrow a dog to use in the project. However, it is important that the member have access to the dog for practice purposes.

☺ Dogs may be purebred or crossbred.

☺ To join the Canine Project, puppies need to be 4 months of age at the 4-H registration deadline of November 15.

☺ Dogs must be clean and groomed for each practice session.

☺ Vaccinations must be up-to-date and include Distemper, Parvovirus, Rabies, Bordetella (Kennel Cough).

☺ At any signs of aggression, either dog/dog aggression or dog/human aggression, the project leader can ask that the dog be removed from the group. The member is welcome back to the project with another dog.

9 ACHIEVEMENT DAY REQUIREMENTS

Preliminary Members *Complete at least five topics 25 *Demonstration 8 of 11 required commands 50 *Display on one unit studied 25 (One display per member) 100

Intermediate Members *Complete at least five topics 25 *Demonstrate ALL preliminary commands plus any 6 of the required intermediate commands 50 *Display on one unit studied 25 (One display per member) 100

Advanced Members *Complete at least 5 topics 25 *Demonstration ALL preliminary & intermediate Commands plus any 4 advanced level exercises 50 *Display on one unit studied 25 (One display per member) 100

Some suggestions for topics can be found starting on page 14 in this leaders’ resource manual. Feel free to use any of these or to develop your own topic areas.

The display, one per member, is to be on one of the 5 topics studied.

For exhibitions and achievement day, the necessary commands (for all three levels) and exercises (For Advanced level) are on page 11 and 12.

A dog can express more with his tail in minutes than his owner can express with his tongue in hours.

10 Achievement Day and Exhibition Requirements

Being that young members are often not a dog’s recognized master, that Achievement Days and Exhibitions are new environments of distraction for dogs, and because the age, breed, and other various differences between dogs lead to natural limitations in a show ring, members will never be asked to show off lead. Many dogs are limited by their breeding to what they are willing and able to learn.

Recommended leashes are a 2 metre obedience lead and/or a longer 3-5 metre lead.

To advance from Preliminary to Intermediate Canine, a member must prove total proficiency in all Preliminary exercises. Likewise, to advance from Intermediate to Advanced Canine, a member must prove total proficiency in all Preliminary and Intermediate Canine exercises.

For short and long sit-stay and down-stay, no more than 3 dogs should be judged at the same time, and all dogs should be placed at least 3-4 metres apart.

Any display of fear or nervousness by the dog, or any uncontrolled behaviour such as snapping, barking, or running away – whether it occurs during an exercise, between exercises, or before or after judging – must be penalized according to the seriousness of the misbehaviour. The judge reserves the right to expel or excuse the dog from further competition in the class.

PLEASE NOTE: The Preliminary, Intermediate and Advanced levels are not based on 4-H member’s age, rather on abilities of the member/dog team.

Preliminary Canine Requirements For Preliminary Canine, each handler/dog team must demonstrate 8 of the 11 exercises listed below ...

Heel Sit and Stay: Handler to walk 2 metres Left Turn away from the dog and the dog must Right Turn hold the stay for 10 seconds About Turn Down with Command Circle Left Recall: The dog must come on recall Circle Right and sit in front of the handler Sit with Command Sit for examination: The dog must sit in the heel position

11 Intermediate Canine Requirements For Intermediate Canine, each handler/dog team must demonstrate proficiency in all 11 of the listed Preliminary level exercises in addition to at least six of the following exercises;

Heel: slow Stand for examination: Handler must walk away and Heel: fast stand 2 metres in front of dog during the examination Heel: figure eight Sit-Stay: 30 seconds U Turn Down-Stay: 60 seconds Automatic Sit a the halt command Recall: With “Finish” to the heel position

Advanced Canine Requirements Advanced Canine exercises should reflect the ability of the handler/dog team and should not be limiting in nature. For that reason, advanced exercises should be decided on individual team basis, in conjunction with the leader. Each handler/dog team must demonstrate proficiency in all ALL of the listed Preliminary and Intermediate level exercises in addition to at least four advanced exercises. Examples of advanced exercises may include;

Advanced Obedience exercises St. John Ambulance Certification Sit and Stay: 1 minute Canine Good Neighbour Certification Down and Stay: 3 minutes Rally-O Obedience exercises Retrieving exercises Conformation Showmanship Ability exercises Doggy Tricks of any type Other Notes

Heel Position Stand for Examination Heel position can be used whether the dog is sitting, The handler stands the dog for the judge to examine. The standing, lying down, or moving at heel. Heel means the judge will first give the order for examination. Then the dog should be in a straight alignment and facing the same handler will stand the dog and command and/or signal the direction as the handler. dog to stay. The handler will walk six feet in front of the dog, turn and face the dog. The dog should be close to the handler’s left leg without crowding. This permits the handler freedom of movement. The handler may choose the method for posing the dog, The area from the dog’s head to shoulder should be in line within a reasonable time limit, before giving the command with the handler’s left hip. and/or signal to stay. The judge will approach the dog from the front and will touch its head, back and hindquarters Praise only. The judge will then give the “back to your dog” Praise and petting are allowed between and after command. The handler will then return to the dog and exercises, but points may be deducted from the total score stand in heel position. The dog must remain in standing for a dog that is not under reasonable control while being position without moving its feet until the judge says praised. A handler is not permitted to carry or offer food in “Exercise finished”. The dog must show no shyness or the ring. resentment during this exercise.

12 4-H CANINE MEMBER INFORMATION FORM

MEMBER INFORMATION

Name ______Age ______

Mailing Address ______

______

______

Phone ______Cell ______

E-Mail Address ______

Parents’ Names ______

Parents’ E-Mail Address(es) ______

DOG INFORMATION

Name ______Breed ______

Age ______Male or Female ______Neutered: □ Yes □ No Has this dog ever been in Obedience Class before? □ Yes □ No

If you do not own this dog, who does? Name ______Phone Number ______E-mail address ______

To participate in the 4-H Canine Project, your dog needs to have an up-to-date vaccine for:

Distemper … Date ______

Bordetella (Kennel Cough) … Date ______

Parvovirus … Date ______

Rabies … Date ______

13 TOPICS FOR STUDY AND REPORTS

Suggested procedure for members to research and report on the following topics is to assign a specific section to each member; i.e. a breed, a job, a sport, and have a verbal and written report brought back to the group at a meeting two weeks after the section is assigned.

HOW TO CHOOSE A DOG FOR YOUR FAMILY … Choosing a dog for your family is one of the most important preliminary activities required before attaining your pet. There are many breeds to choose from, plus cross breeds, so choosing the correct dog for your family is of the utmost importance. Your commitment is for 10 - 15 years and the right dog makes your time together a joy.

WILD DOGS OF THE WORLD … On each continent a wild dog lives, breeds and hunts. These wild dogs show us a great deal of the basic canine behaviour and are well worth some study.

EVOLUTION OF THE DOG FROM ITS WILD BEGINNINGS TO ITS PLACE IN OUR LIVES … Dogs were one of the first domestic animals to join ranks with human beings. When? how? and why did this happen?

VETERINARY KNOWLEDGE … There are many topics for discussion that can be considered under this heading. Some of these are:

- Canine First Aid - Genetic Disorders - Canine Poisoning - Canine Dentistry - Normal Health Parameters - Canine Nutrition - A Sick Dog - Canine Exercise Requirements

SAFETY AROUND DOGS … With so much discussion and legislation concerning dogs and dangerous dogs, the topic of dog safety has become very important. It is especially important to children who may be trusting of animals.

Keeping your dog safe from harm is of vital importance to pet owners. Knowledge on this topic is an asset to members.

14 HOW TO BE A GOOD DOG NEIGHBOUR … The old saying that “good fences make good neighbours” is of major importance when you own a dog. However, there are other aspects of being a good dog neighbour.

DOG BREED STUDY … There are hundreds of breeds of dogs. Each is distinctive looking and each was developed for a reason. Learning about the different looks, origins, and behaviours of the different dog breeds is an interesting, fun project.

BREED STANDARDS STUDY … Breed standards are within countries or regions. The Canadian Kennel Club has a standard for each breed they recognize as does the American Kennel Club, the Kennel Club (Britain), and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale. A comparison of these standards would be an interesting activity.

DOG JOBS … There are many different jobs that we can undertake that involve working with dogs. Many can lead to a career and others to a fun addition to your life.

Humans and dogs have worked together for centuries. Dogs began as helpers in hunting and herding but have come to take many roles in today’s society. Assign a “dog job” and ask for a short report on what was learned.

The following is a partial list of dog jobs:

- Sheep herding dogs - Kiwi finding dogs - Penguin guarding dogs - Cattle herding dogs - Whale finding dogs - Cadaver dogs - Retrieving dogs - Cancer sniffing dogs - Tracking dogs - Flock guardian dogs - Seeing eye dogs - Companions for cognitively - Military dogs - Hearing ear dogs challenged people - Police dogs - Seizure indicating dogs - Diabetic indicating dogs - Arson Dogs - Truffle sniffing dogs - Water rescue dogs - Therapy dogs - Avalanche rescue dogs - Circus dogs

15 DOG SPORTS … There are many sports in which dogs may be trained to partake. Trained properly, dogs love it and owners have a great deal of fun and enjoyment, as well as developing a close bond with their canine companions. The following is a partial list of dog sports. Assign a sport and ask for a short report on what was learned.

Agility Greyhound racing Scent Hurdling Bikejoring Hare coursing Scootering Cani cross Herding or Stock Dog Schutzhund Carting Hunting Sheepdog Trials (or herding) Competition obedience Hound Trailing Sight hound racing (including Conformation showing Junior Showmanship Greyhound racing, coursing and lure coursing) Catchball (a variation of fly ball) Lure Coursing Skijoring Disc dog Mushing, Dog Mushing Sled Dog Racing Dog fighting Musical Canine Freestyle; Tracking Trials (see also Track- Dock Jumping Canine Dressage; Heelwork ing dog) Dog hiking, Pack Hiking to Music Water Rescue Dog scootering Obedience Training Weight Pulling Earthdog trials Protection Sports (including Weiner Racing (i.e. Racing Field trials Schutzhund and French Ring Sport) Dachshunds) Fly ball Rally Obedience French Ring Sport Retrieving trials

DOG EQUIPMENT … There is a variety of equipment used for different sports and events that dogs are involved in. Different collars, leashes, harnesses are used to allow the dog to perform in these sports/jobs.

RESCUE DOG ASSOCIATION … Most breeds have a protectionist group, with these associations rescuing dogs of their breed from unhealthy situations and providing them with care and a new home. Learning about these groups gives members much knowledge on how and why these groups are necessary as well as lessons in your responsibility as a dog owner.

DOG FOODS … There is a vase array of dog foods suited to a vase array of dogs. A look at these foods as they pertain to age, activity and health is a great topic to help members realize that nutritional needs are not the same for every dog.

HOMEMADE DOG TREATS … Homemade dog treats can be cheaper than commercial treats plus some dogs have food allergies and some dogs are just picky eaters. There are many different dog treat recipes and this topic is both fun to research and fun to make. Have a contest with a picky dog as judge. Have a member submit the recipe and chat about making the treats.

DOGS IN MOVIES … There are many movies that have dogs as the lead man or woman. Assign a movie to each member and ask for a movie review. Then lead a discussion about the training it must have taken to train the dog actors.

16 DOGS IN LITERATURE … Many pieces of literature have dogs as one of the main characters. Assign a novel, children’s book or a poem and ask for a book review.

TERMS TO DISCOVER … There are many terms and topics in the canine world that could be researched by members and be- come a topic of conversation at project meetings. Some of these topics:

Dog Fighting Designer Dogs Bull Baiting Breed Legislation Provincial/Community Canine Licensing

Dog Treats from your Kitchen GARLIC BITES

Ingredients 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1/2 cup dry milk powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 6 tablespoons margarine 1 egg, beaten 1 teaspoon honey 1/2 cup ice water

Method 1. Combine flour, milk powder, garlic powder. 2. Cut in margarine and honey until mixture resembles cornmeal. 3. Mix in egg. 4. Add enough water so that mixture forms a ball. 5. Roll dough out to 1/2 inch and cut into shapes. 6. Bake at 350°F for 25 - 30 minutes. 7. Remove from oven and cool on rack.

17 PROGRAMS TO TRAIN

Obedience … The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) outlines an obedience program which is strict in its application for handling teams that enter the CKC trials. The individual exercises are worthy of training; however, the program may have to be modified to meet the needs of young handlers.

Rally Obedience … Rally Obedience is a modified obedience program offered by CKC. This program may be more applicable and more fun for 4-H members.

Agility … Agility is a CKC sponsored dog sport which can be fun and fast. Each dog is asked to conquer obstacles and the dogs run with the handler’s instruction. Though agility training is done off lead, obstacles can be modified for use with dogs that must remain on lead.

Canine Good ... Neighbour (CGN) … This program of the CKC is the one program that allows all types of dogs, purebred or crossbred. Once the handling team has been certified by the CGN evaluator, the members receives a certificate from the CKC stating that they have achieved a recognized “Title” on their dog.

St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog … St. John Ambulance sponsors this program which certifies dog/handler teams to work with different groups of people such as the elderly, cognitively and/or physically challenged people and children. This training includes a great deal of socializing and proper behaviors around people. Achieving “Therapy Dog” status puts another “Title” on the dog. This program would apply to senior members.

Clicker Training … Using a clicker to train dogs is a very useful tool to shape and ‘fine tune’ behaviors. This training would apply to senior members mostly but some younger members may be interested and able to use this training tool.

Showmanship … Showmanship is another CKC sponsored dog sport. Conformation Showmanship judges the appearance of the dog compared to a breed standard. Within the CKC guidelines, only purebred dogs can be entered in CKC sponsored shows; however, within the 4-H Program, the skill of Showmanship is the important thing, not the conformation of the dog. Therefore, the skill of showing a dog can be fun for members, and for 4-H purposes, the dog shown need not be a purebred.

Dog Grooming … The knowledge and ability to groom your dog properly is an important aspect of dog ownership. Guidance in the proper techniques to groom different types of dog coats can be a fun part of your program.

Dog Tricks … Teaching your dog to do tricks is a fun, skill developing way for a member to understand how dogs learn and how to fine tune training a dog. There are books and web sites to help leaders learn the basics of teaching these entertaining dog exercises.

18 OUTINGS AND GUESTS THAT CAN BE INCLUDED IN THE CANINE PROJECT

There are many different and interesting people and businesses that are involved with dogs within our community. These individuals are usually quite happy to share their knowledge, skills, facilities and passion with youth.

Below is a list of outings and/or guest speakers that can become part of your Canine Project.

Atlantic Veterinary College … All aspects of AVC’s Small Animal Hospital and the Pathology Labs are of interest to Canine members.

Veterinary Clinics … Veterinary Clinics are often happy to open their doors to youth groups interested in their practice. Veterinarians are also wonderful guest speakers to help cover the animal health and nutrition aspects of your project.

Humane Society … The Humane Society is a great spot for members to learn about the care of animals, the responsibility of owning a pet, animal abuse and rescue, plus management and training skills. Senior members may also qualify as volunteers for the Society.

Breeders … There are many breeders of many breeds of purebred dogs. These individuals are a wealth of knowledge not only about their chosen breeds but of canine reproduction, health and feeding, puppy rearing, dog training, and kennel management, plus many other aspects of responsible dog ownership. Breeders may open their kennel for visitation or may be happier to attend a project meeting bringing their dogs with them.

Breed Rescue Teams … Within the world of “all things dog”, each breed has a rescue team that Is alerted by humane societies or individuals when a dog of their breed is at risk either from neglect, abuse, or simply the owners need to re-home the dog because of household changes. This is an important part of the communities’ responsibility to its animal companions. Rescue teams are quite knowledgeable concerning the reasons dog rescue is required. These dedicated people also bring lessons in ownership responsibility with them to your members.

Dog Safety … There are speakers who have developed programs to help children (and adults!) learn how to interpret a dog’s body language and how to avoid confrontations with dogs. Important things for everyone to know!

Purebred Dog Kennel Clubs … Purebred dog kennel clubs are a wonderful source of information and expertise. The clubs will have a list of breeders and trainers, a list of dog sports that are available in your community, and can also provide information on Canadian Kennel Club programs such as Showmanship, Obedience and Canine Good Neighbour Certification.

19 St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program … The St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program is a very worthwhile and rewarding program for all involved. The people visited love to have the dogs around them, the dog enjoys the outing and the owner is greatly rewarded by bringing joy to others. Senior 4-H members may be qualified to join this program with their canine companion.

Dog Trainers …. There are many types of dog training and therefore many types of dog trainers. Different dog activities require different training and often different training techniques.

Dog Sports … Visiting dog sport events, training sessions, or having a trainer speak and give a demonstration to your members is a great way to have more fun and increase the members’ knowledge about the many different things that they can do with their dogs. Many of the dog sports listed in the “Dog Sport Section” are available in PEI.

Judges … All dog sports have judges who have worked in their chosen sport for many years before becoming judges. Great sources of information!

Dogs with Jobs … There are many working dogs within our community from Therapy dogs to Flock Guardian dogs. The owners are often very happy to have a group visit, or happy to attend a meeting and bring along their working canine for a demonstration. Don’t forget the military dogs if there are any in your community.

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