4-H Dog Project
Discover 4-H Dog Clubs Near You
Looking for fun youth activities that involve dogs? Join a local 4-H Dog Club and connect with others who love dogs as much as you do!
Open to kids and teens of all experience levels, 4-H Dog Clubs help youth learn how to care for, train, and show their dogs in a fun, supportive environment. Practice obedience, agility, showmanship, and more; all leading up to exciting events like the annual 4-H Dog Show.
Whether you're looking for youth dog training programs, dog clubs for kids, or family-friendly dog events near you, 4-H has something for everyone. Find a 4-H Dog Club in your area today and start your journey with your four-legged friend!
Train, Bond & Compete!
The 4-H Dog Program creates more than obedient dogs—it builds youth!
While 4-H members learn to better control and train their dog, they are also building self-confidence, independence, and mastery.
4-H Dog Program Competition Categories include:
- Obedience
- Showmanship
- Rally-Obedience
- Agility
GUIDES, RULES, & RESOURCES
Rank Advancements
Rules & Guidelines
- Utah 4-H Dog Guidebook
- includes all the rules for each event
- *NOTE: Agility sections in this rulebook are presently incorrect and being updated for 2026.
- 4-H Dog Show Class Selection
Resources for test
- AKC.org (specifically information found in Expert Advice)
- Ohio State Dog Resource Handbook
- Utah 4-H State Dog Program Guide and Rulebook
- *NOTE: Agility sections in this rulebook are presently incorrect and being updated for 2026.
Cover Letter Objectives for the Utah 4-H Dog Program
- Summarize your dog project for the current year, specifically highlighting accomplishments and skills you’ve gained found in the resume portion of your portfolio.
- How has being involved in the Utah 4-H Dog Project helped you as a dog owner?
- Describe your 4-H leadership experiences and how being part of the Utah 4-H Dog Program has helped you build leadership skills.
- Provide details of your 4-H community service projects and how these experiences have impacted your community.
Cover Letter Objectives can also be access on the 4-H Portfolios page, scroll to the 'Dog Project' link.
2025 Utah 4-H State Dog Show | Sept. 6, 2025
EVENT DETAILS
2025 State Fair/State Dog Show Info Meeting
REGISTRATION
Registration will close August 20, 2025 at 11:00 PM.
Upload your portfolio at the time of registration.
Register for 2025 State Dog Show
LOCATION
Utah State Fairpark
*Registration includes 2 state fair tickets
SCHEDULE
- Check-in: 8:00-8:30 AM
- Show begins: 9:00 AM
- Events include:
- General Knowledge Test
- Test window: Aug. 27—Sept. 3, 2025 (Online)
- Showmanship
- Primary Dog will be the one used for Showmanship.
- Obedience
- Rally-obedience
- General Knowledge Test
- Cloverbuds will not participate in the regular show, but are invited to join the Cloverbud Exhibition and Optional Fun Event.
New this year:
🚫 No Kennel Decorations or Gifts
✅ Optional Kennel Poster Display
Bonus!
Optional Event will begin around 2:00 PM, following the conclusion of the Primary Show.
Youth Division
- Youth Division: for some of the dog events, youth handlers and their dogs will be divided by skill and experience rather than age.
- To figure out what division best suits the exhibitor, review the Exhibitor Division Fact Sheet.
- If you are unsure what division is best, err on the side of caution and go down a division.
For more information on Utah 4-H Dog Programs in your area,
contact your County Extension Office.
Other inquiries, please contact:
Marci Borg | marci.borg@usu.edu
Jessie Hadfield | jessie.hadfield@usu.edu