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Ohio 4-H Youth Development

Ohio State University Extension

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Dog Resources

 

2026 rule changes and Updates

Summary of Highlights/Major Changes/Deadlines for 

2026 Ohio 4-H/Ohio State Fair Dog Rules

 

2026 Permission to Participate in Ohio 4-H Dog Activities Disclosure and Release of Claims 

Required Form

The Permission to Participate in Ohio 4-H Dog Activities Disclosure and Release of Claims document is mandatory for ALL 4-H dog project members who are enrolled in dog projects where they have a 4-H project dog(s). ALL youth enrolled in 4-H dog projects are required to sign the 2026 Permission to Participate in Ohio 4-H Dog Activities Disclosure and Release of Claims document. In addition, a parent or guardian is required to sign this document, before youth are allowed to participate in any 4-H dog activities with their dogs. A current year's form MUST be signed EACH year and BEFORE the youth participates in the Ohio 4-H Dog Program with their project dog(s). This document MUST be kept on file at the county Extension office. It is also recommended the 4-H club advisor and parent/guardian keep a signed copy. 

Permission to Participate in Ohio 4-H Dog Activities
Disclosure and Release of Claims

 

2026 Ohio Dog Project Identification Form and Vaccination Certificate 

2026 Ohio 4-H Dog Program Sponsor Form - Coming soon

  • Would you like to sponsor awards for the Ohio State Fair Dog Show? Click here to download a Sponsor Form. Awards are provide with the support of very gracious sponsors! Thank you!

2026 Showmanship and You and Your Dog Questions

Answers to all questions are from the DOG RESOURCE HANDBOOK 2024 edition.  

2026 Rules for Ohio 4-H/Ohio State Fair Participation

*** ALL DOG PROJECTS PARTICIPANTS are responsible to follow THE GENERAL DOG SHOW RULES FOR OHIO 4-H/OSF PARTICIPATION and the rules for each individual discipline they plan to participate in. For example, if you are participating in Agility, you must download the General Dog Show Rules for Ohio 4-H/OSF Participation AND the Agility Rules. As of 2026 the general and discipline rules will no longer be combined in one document. 

2026 Ohio 4-H/Ohio State Fair Score Sheets

Ohio 4-H dog judges' guidelines

AKC Junior Handler, PAL, and Trick Dog Information 

Opportunities from AKC

Email from Mari-Beth O'Neill, AKC - posted 8.4.2020

AKC PE Programs for Educators

Virtual Trick Dog Testing from AKC!

Rally Fun with 4-H

Kristina Morgan, 4-H advisor, judge, and State 4-H Dog Advisory Committee member has created this great Rally instructional PowerPoint.

 

Happy Tails 4-H Club Trick Dog Video Presentation

YouTube Link

Facebook Page Link

 

Obedience and Showmanship Videos

These videos created by Kayla Miller, Fulton County 4-H Educator, detail what is expected in different levels for 4-H Obedience and Showmanship Disciplines.

Obedience: https://youtu.be/Gy6_trEbkOs

Showmanship: https://youtu.be/UwjFUBdAqO8

 

Rally Information 

 

AKC Trick Dog and CGC

 

Partnership with AKC 

The American Kennel Club is excited to continue to offer 4-H members an opportunity to try AKC events. They have developed a special form (see link below) that allows 4-H members to 1) obtain an AKC junior handler number and 2) (if necessary) obtain an AKC participation number for their dog, at no charge. (While the junior number is always free, there is normally a $35 fee to get a Purebred Alternative Listing or Canine Partner (All-American Dog) number for a dog). Once the 4-H member has a junior handler number and a participation number for their dog, they can begin participating in AKC events, earning AKC titles on their dogs, as well as get points in the new Junior Recognition Program.
 
There are several events that may be held independently of an AKC club, where AKC titles may be earned by 4-H members. These include the Agility Course Test, the Canine Good Citizen Test, Trick Dog Testing, as well as the Farm Dog Certification. Also, special for 4-H dog clubs, AKC will process the CGC and Trick Dog title applications at no charge (normally $20.00 for each title), following instructions on the letter from AKC in the link below, which includes the Canine Partners/PAL/Junior Number application. Forms MUST be submitted in groups by 4-H clubs, 4-H show committees, etc. Individuals may NOT submit single forms.
 
Youth with dogs with AKC registration numbers must complete a Junior Handler Number application, but do not need to complete the CP/PAL/Junior Number special form.
 
 

4-H Dog Project and Record Book - ©2017

Please make sure when you purchase the 201 4-H Dog Project and Record Book from your county Extension office that you purchase the edition with a 2017 copyright. Each 4-H dog project member should buy a new 4-H Dog Project and Record Book each year and use it to keep records for ALL of their dog projects, regardless of the number of projects and number of project dogs.

Presentations from Ohio 4-H Conference

You CAN Teach an Old (and Young) Dog New Tricks. (2018) This is the PowerPoint Kristen VanNess showed in this session. It is a Google document with links to Tricks training videos.