SENECA CO., N.Y. — The Seneca County 4-H Dog Club members participated in a variety of activities this past year. They completed community service by “ringing the bell” for the Salvation Army with their canine partners accompanying them. The group worked on baking and sewing skills by making dog treats and dog beds for their canine friends. The group studied science by learning the parts of the dog. And, in true 4-H hands-on style, they practiced dog obedience for several weeks.
The dog obedience project uses positive reinforcement to train dogs. Youth work on teaching their dogs how to heel on a leash and advance to doing a figure 8 maneuver with the dog heeling. They also train their dog to sit and be examined by an evaluator. In addition, dogs learn to sit and stay and then return to their handler.
At the Seneca County Fair 4-H Dog Show in July, the team of Abigail Wheeler and Sophie participated in the Beginner Obedience A Class. They ran through all of the commands for their level and did exceptionally well. The pair scored in the excellent range and qualified to participate in the New York State 4-H Dog Show. They will represent Seneca County on August 19th in Syracuse.
Abigail’s mother shared the following about the positive impact of 4-H and the dog club for her daughter. Mrs. Wheeler said, “As a parent we don’t always see our child growing and developing because we are with them every day. However, at the Seneca County Fair this year it was astoundingly evident that Abbey’s one year in 4-H had made a difference. She is confident in public speaking, asking questions, trying new things, all of which were very frightening for her a year ago. With her leader Cindy Swift’s mentoring, Abbey isn’t so afraid to fail and that shows tremendous growth for which I couldn’t be more grateful.
Seneca County Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development program wishes the pair well at their state show experience. It will be wonderful to have Abigail share the things she learns through the experience.
To learn more about the 4-H Dog Program and other 4-H projects, contact the Susan at the Seneca County CCE Office at 315-539-9251 or smc226@cornell.edu.
—Cornell Cooperative Extension Seneca County
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