ANGOLA, Ind. — The Steuben County 4-H Program offers the opportunity for youth in grades 3-12 to learn the basics of dog obedience and training for their canine companions.
Case Gilbert, City of Angola Police Officer and K-9 Unit, serves as the 4-H Dog Superintendent and volunteers his time to help youth gain a love for their pets and to help reduce the stress of disobedient dogs. Spending time with animals is enjoyable and comforting for many, but not when the animal is unruly. Using strategies of positive reinforcement, Gilbert will help youth learn to train their own dog.
Eight 4-H Dog Obedience workshops will be held at Commons Park near the Friendship Park Playground on select Thursdays, 6 to 7 p.m., May through July. Gilbert will be available for dog training instruction for all enrolled 4-H Dog Project Members. Dogs will practice commands such as heel, sit-stay, down-stay and retrieve, based on their skill levels and abilities. Workshops are not required but are encouraged as a means to practice skills and orient pets. As a culminating event to test and celebrate their learned skills, youth and their dogs will have the opportunity to compete in the 4-H Dog Show at the Steuben County 4-H Fair on July 20.
To become a 4-H Dog Project Member, youth will need to enroll in the 4-H program at in.4honline.com and select Dog Obedience as a project. The annual 4-H program fee of $20.00 can be paid also online to secure membership. Youth do not have to be Steuben County residents to participate as youth from other counties are welcomed. Eighteen youth are currently enrolled in the 4-H Dog Obedience Project and are committed to helping their furry friends.
Youth interested in other animal projects or animal poster projects are encouraged to inquire at the Purdue Extension Office, 317 S. Wayne St., Suite 1A, Angola, 260-668-1000 ext. 1400 or by emailing mosier@purdue.edu.
— Purdue Extension, Steuben County