Animal Science
4-H Dog Project
The Colorado 4-H Dog Project helps youth learn responsibility, training, and care through hands-on work with their dogs.
Beginners discover how to choose the right dog, set goals, and care for their animal responsibly. Intermediate members focus on obedience training, learning basic commands, understanding breeds and nutrition, and developing sportsmanship and communication skills. Advanced participants practice advanced training, assist younger members, explore dog-related careers, and strengthen leadership, budgeting, and teamwork skills—building lasting friendships along the way.
4-H members interested in learning more about dogs may also participate in Dog Skill-a-Thon contests.
Project Overview
Starting Out – Beginner
Designed for members 8-18 years old.
Inspiring youth to:
- Learn what kind of dog would be best for you and your family
- Learn about goal setting
- Evaluate project with leader
- Learn how to keep records
- Learn how to assume responsibility
Learning More – Intermediate
Designed for members 8-18 years old.
Inspiring youth to:
- Obedience training
- Learn how to train a dog to obey certain beginning and novice level commands such as heel, sit, down, stand for examination, recall, finish and the figure eight
- Investigate dog breed origins
- Find out why dogs are neutered or spayed
- Compare dog foods
- Evaluate project with leader
- Learn about goal setting
- Gain knowledge of sound management practices
- Develop sportsmanship
- Develop public speaking skills
Exploring Depth – Advanced
Designed for members 8-18 years old.
Inspiring youth to:
- Advanced training
- Learn about dogs that help people
- Help younger members train their dogs
- Assist the 4-H Dog leader with training
- Learn how to do a budget
- Explore career opportunities related to dogs
- Build lifelong friendship
Official Project Materials
Materials & Curriculum
Member Resources
Find Your County
Counties play a crucial role in 4-H by providing a platform for young people to learn and grow.
Counties facilitate the delivery of 4-H programs that are of particular interest in their area and qualified, compassionate adult leaders run local clubs to support our youth 4-H members.
To find out if this project is supported locally, contact your local extension office.
Upcoming Events
Currently there are no events scheduled at this time associated to this page. Please check back for the latest events as they are scheduled.
Project Tips
- Fresh, cool water should be available in a clean dish at all times.
- Dogs need at least 2 dishes filled with fresh water everyday.
- A dog that is four to six months old will need a rabies shot.
- Dogs need a clean place to get out of the weather such as a doghouse or access to the garage.
- Dog should have:
- clear, clean, bright eyes
- clean pink ears with no discharge or odor
- skin free of oils, flakes, sores or lumps
- pink gums, clean teeth with fresh breath
- anal region clean and dry
- firm body
- Observe regularly for illnesses or acting differently than usual.
- Dogs needs regular grooming.
Careers
Groomer
Provide grooming and salon services for owners of dogs
Retail
Provide sales of products at different retail levels for dog owners
Veterinarian
Provide veterinary health services to dogs
Dog Shows
Be a professional fitter or shower at dog shows or learn to be a judge or volunteer at dog shows
Rescue Operations
Work with emergency disaster organizations to use dogs during a disaster or to care for animals kept at emergency facilities
Journalist
Provide informational articles and resources for those involved in the
dog industry
Trainer
Provide training services including law enforcement, hunting, service dogs, recreation and more
Research & Diagnostics
Study the effect of nutrition, environment, genetics and more on dog diseases or illnesses