4-H Dog Class 2025

This registration has closed. Please contact the Extension office at 815-338-3737 or Michele Aavang at maavang@illinois.edu for assistance.

2025 Dog Class

The 4-H Dog project helps youth learn to care for their four-legged, furry friend! Learn to feed, care for, and keep a dog healthy; groom and train your dog; and be a responsible dog owner by participating!

March 5 - Clinic: Obedience & Training Techniques (register in ZSuite)
March 19 - Clinic: TBD at Extension Office
April 2 - Clinic TBD at Extension Office
April 16 - Dog Classes begin: Obedience & Showmanship
June 7 - Dog Fun Show
June 14 - 4-H Dog Show

Dog Obedience & Showmanship Classes will be offered on Wednesdays ONLY in the Beef Barn at the McHenry County Fairgrounds beginning at 6 pm. Classes will be assigned based on experience level and number of members registered and as such, can not be predetermined at this time.

In order to participate in the 4-H Dog program, participants MUST become a 4-H member. The annual 4-H member fee is $20, if you are not a current 4-H member, please enroll in the DOG SPIN Club at https://4h.zsuite.org. See the Welcome to 4-H ZSuite enrollment for instructions on how to join 4-H.

In addition to the annual membership fee, the required cost for dog activities which includes equipment, mats, and any additional materials

$25.00 if enrolled in ONE class: Obedience or Showmanship Class
$45.00 if enrolled in TWO classes with the same dog
NO REFUNDS after the first class has begun.
If you are unable to pay the fee and need financial assistance, please contact Michele Aavang at maavang@illinois.edu.

See COMPLETE 2025 Dog packet with required forms for more information

REMIND App:
Sign up to receive communication about cancelations, updates, or reminders by text or email with instructor.
Send a text to: 81010
Text this message: @4hdogclass

Required Ethics:

ALL 4-H members must complete the QAEC/Quality Assurance & Ethics Certification in ZSuite Clover Academy ONE time during their 4-H Career including the the additional "Dog & Cat" section.

McHenry County 4-H Dog Obedience class descriptions:
Obedience exercises for ALL classes are based on AKC obedience regulations.

Beginner Novice 1 – This class is for inexperienced dogs and handlers. No dog or handler may repeat this class.
Beginner Novice 2 - This is for experienced dogs and handlers. Dogs that are repeating Beginner Novice would be in this class as would new dogs with experienced handlers
Pre Novice - This class is for dogs that have successfully completed Beginner Novice 1 or 2 or at the discretion of the instructor. Dogs that repeat this class are not eligible for state competition.
Novice 1 & 2 - This class is for dogs that have successfully completed Pre-Novice or at the discretion of the instructor. Dogs that repeat this class are not eligible for state competition.
Graduate Novice - This class is for dogs that have successfully completed Novice or at the discretion of the instructor. Handlers in this class will learn how to correctly choose a dumbbell for their dog, how to measure their dog at the withers, know their dog’s height for jumping and be familiar with the rules and regulations.

RALLY-O will be offered as an optional clinic with no additional charge in place class.
Rally signs will be used for both Beginner Novice 1 and 2 as stated in AKC rules and regulations.

Rally Novice: 10-15 signs are used (not including start and finish). 3-7 of the signs must be “stationary” sings. Performed on leash.
Rally Intermediate: 12-17 signs are used (not including start and finish). 3-7 of the signs must be “stationary” signs. At least 3 “advanced” signs. Performed on leash.

CONTACT: 4-H Dog Program coordinator, Ashley Emmert, ashleyemmert536@yahoo.com or Lisa Lillie, lapdogs31@gmail.com if you have a question as to which obedience class you should register or to answer questions specifically about the Dog program.

Showmanship Classes

Novice Showmanship Junior-Exhibitors ages 8-13 as of Sept. 1, 2024
Novice Showmanship Senior-Exhibitors ages 14-19 as of Sept. 1, 2024
Open Showmanship Junior- Exhibitors ages 8-13 as of Sept. 1, 2024
Open showmanship Senior-Exhibitors ages 14-18 as of Sept. 1, 2024

CONTACT: Emily Chrisos for questions about the Dog Showmanship through the Remind App.

Dog packet packet with required forms

Please complete and submit ONLY those forms that apply below. One member per form.

4–H DOG CLASS REGISTRATION - OBEDIENCE
4–H DOG CLASS REGISTRATION - SHOWMANSHIP
Confidential Behavior Profile - REQUIRED for ALL
Certificate of Ownership - To be used only with non-registered and mixed breed dogs
Illinois 4-H Dog Lease - For members using a dog that they do not own
PERMISSION TO TRAIN DOG - For individuals training a dog owned by someone outside of their family
NON 4–H DOG CLASS REGISTRATION - For members taking classes at another pre-approved training facility.

Dog Forms can be uploaded HERE for you convenience

Additional Dog Project Information

ALL youth ages 8-18 as of September 1, 2024 are welcome to join! Those not already enrolled in the 4-H program, will become an Illinois 4-H member by joining the Dog SPIN Club. Once a 4-H member, youth can participate in ANY 4-H project area! See the Illinois 4-H Projects

Click the following link to learn more about:

McHenry County 4-H Dog project webpage: https://extension.illinois.edu/lm/mchenry-county-4-h-dog-class-information

For more information on joining McHenry County 4-H please see: Welcome to 4-H ZSuite enrollment

If you have questions about the 4-H program, please contact Michele Aavang, 4-H Youth Development Educator, at the Extension office: 815-338-3737 or maavang@illinois.ed

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL, CONSUMER & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
University of Illinois | U.S. Department of Agriculture | Local Extension Councils Cooperating
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to attend, call the registration office at (815) 338-3737

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