4-H Club Encourage Dog Sport Participation
By Jane Myers, Executive Field Rep
Recently I was invited to attend the Sierra 4H Junior event for Project Dog, a program to encourage dog sports within the 4H community. This event was coordinated by 4H leader Melanie Koons. Melanie’s vision was to unite 4H kids with AKC Dog events and sports, because what’s better than a kid and a dog? In less than three months’ time she was able to secure a venue at the Big Fresno Fair, enlist volunteers, and spread the word to the Tri county area 4H groups.
This first of its kind AKC-4H Juniors event offered separate stations where kids and their families could see live demonstrations in Junior Showmanship, Conformation, Rally and Obedience, and a station for doggie first aid. Sierra 4H supplied me with an AKC information booth highlighting Juniors at AKC events.
Pamphlets and flyers were distributed and I had the opportunity to answer many questions, encouraging participation in the numerous dog sports offered by AKC. At this event, I conducted PAL evaluations and assisted individuals complete Canine Partner registrations and registrations for Junior numbers. It also provided the opening to educate many of the fact the AKC offers free PAL and Canine Partner registrations to Juniors and that any Junior with an AKC Jr number can receive a free Canine College breed course.
Undoubtedly this event was a huge success. Melanie and Sierra 4H hope to expand next year, offering additional sport demonstrations and meet the breeds.
I am excited to see these youngsters at upcoming shows and the opportunity to provide encouragement to Juniors, as the “future of our sport”, at AKC events and 4H Project Dog. This is a tremendous opportunity to meld 4H youth with AKC Junior events, as this was the introduction for many of us into the sport we love.