)_ ^ ^^> ill • / 5 Archival Copy. For current information, see the OSU Extension Catalog:https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu 4-H Dog Care and Training Leader Guide 4-H 120L Revised July 1985 Oregon State University Extension Service Archival Copy. For current information, see the OSU Extension Catalog:https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu Contents 4-H Leadership 3 The Leader's Role 5 The Project 6 Program Planning 8 Project Work 10 Teaching Aids 13 \_^O.A CCIL O «oooo«aeoo«*a»oaa«0»s JL —/ References 16 This publication is for 4-H dog club leaders to use in working more effectively with 4-H members in 4-H dog projects. The project, as carried in the 4-H program, serves two purposes. First, it helps boys and girls develop a better understanding and/or apprecia- tion for animals; second, it serves as a tool to develop the personal qualities of young people. 4-H is a program of youth develop- ment and education. Experiences provided should be based on the needs and interests of the youth. 4-H encourages the participation of all youth regardless of race, color, sex, or national origin. Be sure you have a copy of Organizing a 4-H Club (4-H 0242L) and Planning a 4-H Club Program (4-H 0240L). They contain valuable information on 4-H, leadership, how clubs function, and planning a club program. There is an entire section devoted to working with boys and girls. Archival Copy. For current information, see the OSU Extension Catalog:https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu One of the important values of the 4-H program is teaching boys and girls 4-H Leadership to rear and understand animals. To be successful, the 4-H program The dog project is an excellent tool needs leaders with an interest in both for character development. Training a youth and dogs. dog teaches patience and persistence, There are few experiences more clear, concise speech, and the value of gratifying than seeing 4-H youths grow work. Learning to care for a dog and develop in character and knowl- 4-H is learning by doing. By caring teaches responsibility, pride in owner- edge. The leader is the key person in for and training a dog, the member ship, decision-making, and techniques the dog project. The success of the gains experience in patience, respon- for observation of animal behavior. project will depend a lot on your sibility, initiative, and dependability. The bond between dogs and people interest and initiative. Members will learn to set goals and has always been strong. Prehistoric The dog project is only one of many develop standards for themselves. cave drawings make this clear. Depend- projects available through the 4-H The key to the success of a 4-H club ency worked both ways. Dogs first program and is under the general is you, the 4-H leader. This guide is served people by hunting and by direction of the Oregon State Univer- designed to stimulate ideas as well as to guarding homes from wild animals. sity Extension Service 4-H agent in provide a general framework for your Although those roles are no longer your county. Call him or her for club's yearly program. In the final necessary, today dogs guide the blind, guidance on general policies and analysis, your judgment of the needs find lost children, assist police, and procedures or help in directing the and interests of the club members will serve many other purposes. Most of project. determine the specific topics to be all, they are pleasant companions of Your job will be to assist the 4-H included in each meeting of the yearly both young and old. members in carrying out a program program. Many dog owners have problems. based on their interests, opportunities, The dog program is designed to help Dogs may stray from home, jump on needs, and abilities. You are sure to 4-H members: people and furniture, bite, bark, and find that both challenging and re- develop other annoying traits. These warding. • Develop leadership, initiative, habits can be prevented by early self-reliance, sportsmanship, and other training of the puppy or by retraining Goals of 4-H valuable character traits. an older dog. The goals of 4-H include helping • Experience and demonstrate the For those boys and girls with a boys and girls develop leadership, pride and responsibiity of owning an strong interest in dogs, career opportu- character, and effective citizenship. animal, and learn how to care for, nities in the field of dog care and Club activities such as business feed, manage, and groom it. training are available. Annually, 4-H meetings conducted by the members, • Experience the pleasure and com- members turn to this field for community service projects, committee panionship that a well-trained dog employment. Opportunities are avail- work, social activities, and group provides. able as groomers, general obedience recreation provide a real-life labora- • Gain an appreciation of the needs, trainers, veterinarians, veterinarian tory in leadership and citizenship the purpose, and the role of dogs in assistants, kennel operators, breeders development. 4-H opens the door to daily life. and showers, and trainers of guard, expanded horizons through county and police, hunting, sled, or livestock dogs. state events for members. Archival Copy. For current information, see the OSU Extension Catalog:https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu e Increase skill, patience, and under- nice person). A smile and a few Each 4-H member has needs, standing in handling, raising, and pleasant words will go a long way to interests, desires, strengths, and training the dog to obey and heed help your image. weaknesses that affect her or his established, simple, uniform commands. 0 Set a happy mood. A 4-H lesson behavior. Regardless of how this • Increase the knowledge of safety should be fun. behavior appears to you, it is reason- precautions to prevent injuries to dogs e Criticize constructively. Most mis- able to the member. While each and people. takes are a result of the member's not member has a different personality, all 0 youth share some common needs: Learn and follow all basic regula- knowing or understanding the proper 0 tions for dog health, including first techniques. You won't hurt any They want to belong. Belonging to aid, and simple treatments for ailments feelings when you offer helpful sugges- an identifiable group provides the not requiring veterinary care. tions for improvement in a positive opportunity to make friends. Belong- • Learn about some of the breeds manner. ing and being accepted in a group gives and their characteristics and be able to • Praise. You can find something them a feeling of personal worth. As a identify them. nice to say to the poorest of performers. leader, you should closely observe the relationships between and among • Promote greater love for dogs and This encouragement will stimulate further work and improvement. members to avoid isolation of some a humane attitude towards them. members or formation of cliques Recognition of accomplishment can • Prepare for citizenship responsibili- within the club. ties by working together in groups and inspire boys and girls and help make their 4-H experience more satisfying. • They want to achieve. Young supporting community projects and people want to know their efforts are activities. The spirit of competition is natural for young people and can provide an worthwhile and appreciated. The rate • Explore career opportunities in of achievement of members varies. this and related fields. effective stimulus for the development of character and skills, but it can also You need to constantly appraise each defeat its purpose if you permit it to get member's efforts in all areas of 4-H, out of hand. Remember, words of not just the project, so that the young people praise, a pat on the back, can be as member is recognized for accomplish- The ultimate goal of 4-H is not the rewarding as a trophy. Many times the ment in relation to his or her ability. training of dogs, but the education of leader's personal attention can provide You need to challenge the high young people. The dog is a medium. In much-needed affirmation to a 4-H achiever and at the same time provide the process of working with their pets, member. opportunities for less advanced mem- youngsters will meet challenges, All 4-H members will not want to bers to be recognized. responsibilities, successes, and failures participate in competitive activities. o They want adventure and new that may help them grow and mature. Competition is not a required part of experiences. Young people are active. As an adult or junior leader of a 4-H 4-H. They want to do new things. They are dog club, you are in a unique position The wise leader will help members searching for someone to pattern their to assist the development of young focus attention on project work, club behavior after, someone who "really people. These youngsters will look to activities, sharing experiences with and leads the way." As a leader, you will you as the expert for evaluation of helping other members, instead of on need to provide new and creative their progress. recognition and awards as a primary experiences. Variety in the club pro- Keep in mind that there is great goal. Leaders should help 4-H mem- gram helps meet this need. Emphasize diversity in the economic and personal bers realize that the greatest rewards activities in addition to project work. background of 4-H youngsters. Some come from service to others and 0 They want to he independent.