Tips for Cave Canem Parents, September 2012
http://4hclover.wordpress.com/clubs/cave-canem-4-h-dog-club-2/
1. 4-H Generally
2. Room Visits
3. Records
4. Visuals
5. Dog Shows
6. Dog Camp
7. Marshfield Fair
8. Achievement Night
9. The 4-H Year
1. 4-H Generally
Kids get the most out of 4-H when they realize that it isn’t just about dog training – it’s
about learning life skills like leadership, responsibility, self-discipline, communications,
mentoring, listening, sportsmanship, and study and social skills. This means that, while
dog training is important, it’s also important to participate in club meetings and activities,
and take advantage of the county and state 4-H program. While some members show
purebred dogs and compete in AKC breed and junior showmanship rings, most don’t.
Most kids benefit from 4-H and never step foot in an AKC ring.
So what’s AKC? AKC stands for American Kennel Club. It’s a not-for-profit company
that regulates the sport of dog handling and the industry of purebred dog breeding in the
United States. By contrast, 4-H is a national program funded by the state and federal
governments. The responsibility for our county 4-H programs is based in Hanson at the
county extension office (the Massachusetts 4-H website has information about the
Hanson office, see: http://www.mass4h.org/). Cave Canem is part of this national
network - and the longest running dog 4-H club in the state! It is a tradition all Cave
Canem members are proud of. This 4-H club is often just the beginning of developing a
child's interest in caring for and showing dogs. The child's interest can sometimes lead to
becoming active in the AKC’s Junior competition program. The AKC Junior program is
not a part of 4-H. AKC competition rules are different from 4-H and it is not a goal of
the 4-H program to train for AKC competition. But, you will often hear of 4-Hers who
have added to their dog experience by participating in AKC Junior competitions. The
AKC website has more information about their junior program.
Make sure you know the upcoming deadlines and opportunities. The best way to stay
on top of things is to read the 4-H newsletters cover to cover! We now have a Plymouth
County 4-H website at www.plymouthcounty4h.org. The Cave Canem web page lives at
http://4hclover.wordpress.com/clubs/cave-canem-4-h-dog-club-2/ -- or just Google Cave
Canem 4-H. If you have questions call the extension office (Molly Vollmer is our 4-H
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educator) or call Miss La Pointe (781-585-3282) or another parent. Everything has a
deadline – show entries, visuals, records, etc.
4-H is a national program with state offices, so note that there is a state website at
www.mass4h.org and national websites as well. Early news about events, forms and
guides, and related materials can be found on the state website.
Kids are responsible for their 4-H work and their dogs. Miss La Pointe says, “The kids do
the work.” They need to ask Miss La Pointe or another 4-Her if they need help. They can
ALWAYS ask or call a peer for help. At shows, the kids unload the cars, and help each
other carry crates, groom their dogs, and get ready for the ring. At Visuals, the kids help
each other with props or hold posters. At meetings, kids offer to help the less experienced
club members. Encourage your child to ask for help and to help others. Kids ALWAYS
pick up after their dogs, wherever they may be.
Miss La Pointe requires members to complete records and to participate in Visual
Communications Day. This is a question of teamwork – the whole club gets credit when
all its members participate in these vital 4-H activities.
Also important: Since the 4-H shows are so few (there are only 6 annually) and since the
kids work so hard to prepare, she strongly encourages members to compete in all the
shows or as many as family commitments permit. If you can’t get your child to a show,
there’s a strong possibility that another parent can—be sure to ask around. Kids who
can’t show their dogs for any reason can steward (help out) at the shows.
Attendance at weekly meetings is important. It is especially important to come to the
Talk Nights (the first Wednesday of each month). On those nights, members leave their
dogs at home. They bring notebooks and pencils and get ready to listen. The club
discusses dog knowledge and theory and plans events and activities. Parents are welcome
to come and listen from the sidelines. There are, of course family emergencies and illness
and occasionally other obligations that interfere; that’s understandable.
Also on Talk Night, members should bring their dues of $5 for the month.
2. Room Visits
At the beginning of the year, the club Secretary provides the room visit list. It is very
important because we are allowed to use the room at Wingate for free weekly – as long as
we do room visits with the dogs.
Some Notes about Room Visits
 All 4-Hers are required to participate in room visits; this is optional for first year
members.
 They usually occur about an hour before our Wednesday meeting, but you can go
anytime during your assigned week.
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If you are signed up to do room visits, and are unable to meet the commitment,
make sure you find a replacement.
The club’s Secretary maintains the list and should indicate possible replacements.
If your child wants to do room visits more frequently, that can be arranged. Check
with Miss La Pointe.
Remind your child: remember when you are at Wingate, “If it’s wet and it’s not
yours, don’t touch it.” This rule is designed to reduce the transmission of disease.
3. Records
Miss La Pointe requires records and she is very disappointed when her 4-Hers do not do
them. Records are the core of 4-H, a way for your child to get recognized for all he or she
has done throughout the year. Many 4-Hers have gotten jobs and been accepted into
schools, because they were able to show their records: it’s like a very long detailed
resume. It’s important to remember and collect information about every activity (4-H,
school, church, sports, music, lessons, etc.), when your child does it so he/she doesn’t
forget—which, believe me, is important when it comes time to type them in!
A few techniques to remember them are:
*Print out the forms and hang them on the fridge so the child can write things anytime;
*Get a good snap or zip pencil case and whenever the child does something he/she can
write it down on a scrap of paper and put it in;
*Get a calendar so the child can write down activities as they occur.
Whenever you are at a 4-H event (or other activity that will be included in records), take
pictures for your child’s records. Pictures are VERY important. Remind your child to put
captions underneath them, explaining what is going on in the picture. There is a
wonderful guide on the Massachusetts 4-H website that will give you many directions,
tips and hints on how to do records. (A score sheet is included in the back of this packet.)
Forms can be found at:
http://www.mass4h.org/index.php/programs/communications/records-resumes
4. Visuals
Visuals are another extremely important part of 4-H, one that is helpful for the
development of your child. Public Speaking is a huge fear in adults so getting over that
fear when you are still a kid is very helpful. The children learn to make a well presented
talk, which comes in very useful as they grow up. This also helps with confidence and
self esteem.
Classes are divided by topic and then by senior (14-18), junior (9-13) and Cloverbud
(under 9). Any topic is acceptable – and there is a category for “Other”. Many kids
choose a dog-related topic, but it’s not required.
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A variety of board types are used: foamcore boards, tri-fold, flip up, or a combination.
It’s really a question of what the child is comfortable with. Don’t use regular posterboard
or flimsy cardboard – it won’t stay on the easel.
Props, such as small equipment, models, objects, supplies, tools, etc. can add clarity and
interest. Interactive presentations are great—handouts, so audience members can interact
or take away new knowledge can also be effective.
The guide provided by the 4-H office is terrific. Small things to remember:
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The child must speak at least to the minimum time limit, which varies by the age
of the child, from 3 minutes to 10 minutes.
Legibility is key. Writing must be large enough for the judges to read. A few
words or phrase in very large type is better than a paragraph in medium-large
type.
Photographs, drawings or illustrations can provide some variety and break up a
board that is all words.
When presenting, the child should use a pointer – it helps keep them and the
listeners focused.
The child should speak to the audience, not the posters—tell them to practice
being a “Weather Man”.
Speak up.
The child should repeat the question (“What are your questions?” “The question is
-----“, etc.)
If the child doesn’t have the answer he/she should say “I don’t have the answer to
that question, but I will find out and tell you afterwards.”
PRACTICE will help the child speak within the time limit AND feel more
confident.
Wearing a nice outfit (skirts for girls, slacks for boys) will make the kids feel that
it is a special occasion and shows respect for the judges – it’s that little bit extra
that can make a difference.
Tell your child that the audience is full of parents and 4-Hers who have done this
themselves—every last one of them is rooting for him/her to succeed.
5. Dog shows
Preparing for the show
Depending on the breed and condition, the dog may need to be groomed immediately
prior to the show – the day before is generally good. Dogs should be clean, free of mats,
ears clean, nails short, teeth clean, trimmed, etc. Your child should take care of this, but
can call other members for advice or Miss La Pointe as necessary. Some of the last
minute trimming and tidying can be done at the show – your child will figure out what to
do in advance, with a little experience.
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The child will need a knee-length tan skirt (pants for boys) and a white shirt. We
recommend bringing an extra shirt. Shirts must be tucked in, so he/she needs a belt if
there are belt loops. Flat shoes are required, these could be white sneakers, or flats or
oxfords, etc. Many kids get dressed at the show, after they have set up and prepared their
dogs for the ring. If your child dresses at home, find an extra large T-shirt for him/her to
wear on top, so the show clothes stay clean. Patches can be pinned on the shirt or the
child can wear membership pin or sticker.
Girls MUST have their hair tied back, braided, or in barrettes, etc. so it is out of their
faces and doesn’t interfere with their work. All kids should be able to see clearly without
constantly brushing bangs out of the way.
A packing list is attached.
A crate is a must, so both the dog and child can (safely) take a break from each other.
Once at the show, the child must do all the work – that includes unloading the car, setting
up the crate, getting registered, etc. If he/she can’t do this alone, he/she should ask
another 4-Her for help. A club officer, junior leader, or more experienced 4-Her will be
willing to help.
The show
Shows have three parts: the knowledge test, showmanship, and obedience.
Knowledge is always first. Many times, the child is given the test at registration with
instructions not to open it until told to do so (it’s a timed test). Knowledge draws on
general dog knowledge (anatomy, terms, health), first aid and dog care, 4-H (make sure
he/she knows the 4-H pledge), dog training, and dog breeds. A different dog group and
special topic are selected each year in October for special study throughout the year.
(Miss La Pointe discusses these areas at the once a month Talk Night.) Members who are
not fluent readers can request the assistance of an adult reader (just ask a steward or show
official). The child completes the test and returns it to the registration desk.
Cave Canem has a study packet for general knowledge and another for first aid. The first
aid packet is based on the Red Cross First Aid for Dogs book (2008). The AKC Book for
Kids is good for younger kids; the AKC Breed book (20th edition) is good for older kids.
The club officers may distribute some specialized study sheets for the annual topics.
The order of classes varies depending on the number of kids participating and the size of
the classes. Since appearance is important for showmanship, Cloverbuds usually have
this class first (so they can stop worrying about staying clean).
In all classes, kids are evaluated on their courtesy to the judge and to the other
competitors. They must pay attention to the judge and their dogs.
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In showmanship, members are judged on their ability to “show off” their dogs to the
judge based on the AKC breed standard for that breed or a breed that is similar to that
mixed breed dog (all dogs are acceptable for 4-H dog shows). It is OK to use bait (treats)
in the ring.
In obedience, members and their dogs are judged on the dog’s performance of certain
commands. The handler, however, can also make mistakes and lose points for giving
extra commands. It is NOT OK to bring treats in the ring. Remember that your child can
work on-leash for ONE YEAR ONLY. The second year in club, your child is expected to
move from “Sub-Novice” (all work on leash) to “Novice” (some work off-leash).
Entry forms for shows can be confusing. Miss La Pointe is the ultimate advisor on what
classes the child should enter. Consult with her if you are uncertain.
Judges do their best, but can’t see everything. That means that we don’t always agree
with scoring or the results of a class. After all, it’s “just one man’s opinion.” It’s fine to
disagree—but it is NEVER acceptable to disagree aloud in or near the ring. Members
must show good sportsmanship at all times. If a child wins, he/she should be gracious in
victory, and acknowledge the good performances of others. If she/he loses, the child
should congratulate the winners; next time she/he may be the winner and will want others
to be good sports, too.
Members are encouraged to ask the judge for clarification or advice so they can do better
next time. No member or parent should use this as an opportunity to complain or ask for
changes in scoring.
Ribbons are given out at the end of the class, generally. Knowledge ribbons and “overall”
ribbons like champion and reserve champion are usually given out at the end of the show.
If you can’t stay till the end, another 4-Her will pick up ribbons for your child and bring
them to club.
It can be a very long day. Sometimes the wait between classes drain the child’s – and
dog’s—energy. Be sure that the dog has some quiet time in the crate. Both the child and
the dog will need to be well-hydrated (and visit the rest room before entering the ring!).
The summertime can be dangerous for dogs – especially for dark-colored dogs in the sun.
Ice, ice packs, shade covers, or specialized cooling dog jackets can be helpful.
If you can stay until the end, your child should volunteer to help clean up the show area
and grounds. We always pick up after our dogs and ourselves.
If the show is at a Fairground, remember dogs are not allowed outside the agricultural
area; they are never allowed on the midway, etc. 4-Hers are not to go to the midway
without a parent or another 4-Her and with parental permission.
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Packing list for Dog Shows
Dog
Child
Crate
Crate cover
Bait (dog treats)
Water bowl
Water
Towels
Ice in ziplocks (in summer)
Tack box:
- showmanship leash
Tan skirt/pants (boys only)
White shirt
Extra white shirt
4-H patch
Shoes/sneakers
Over-sized t-shirt or jacket
Belt
Water
Lunch (healthy food may not be
available)
- pencil (for knowledge test)
- obedience leash
- training collar
- brush
- comb
- scissors
- nail clippers
- breed-specific grooming tools
- poop bags
Grooming table
Flexi-lead/play collar for
bathroom breaks
Toy
6. Dog Camp
Dog camp is a great time and a wonderful experience. The kids should get their
registration forms in as soon as they get them. Don’t wait—classes fill quickly. If the
class that they select is full, kids will be placed in another class that maybe they weren’t
interested in. All of the classes are run by volunteers.
It’s important to meet the deadline to sign up for camp since assignments for the cottages
must be made in advance.
You will get a packing list in the mail. A preview on what to bring to dog camp:
 Your dog (this is optional). You may choose not to bring your dog if you feel that
he/she won’t have fun or doesn’t like to travel. There are plenty of classes that
you don’t need your dog for and you will still have a great time!
 Dog crate with a blanket or rug for comfort
 Another blanket to cover your crate with
 Poop Bags
 Dog food, water, and bowls for both (enough for the weekend)
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A favorite toy or something that has your scent on it for your dog to get comfy
with
A warm sleeping bag and pillow
Towels for shower and flip flops
Toiletries
Enough clothes for 2 days and then an extra set in case of rain
A warm jacket or sweatshirt – it’s right on the water and can get cold
Extra socks
Rain Boots! It can get very muddy!
Flash light
Don’t bring extra stuff! It is just all the more that you will have to carry to your cabin and
then find room for! Cabins can become quite small when you add dogs and crates to an
already small area.
The rules say no extra people food in the cabins and no electronics. Miss La Pointe insists
that the kids obey the rules. Rather than bring their own cell phones, for example, kids
can use an adult’s cell if they need to phone home.
Dog camp is the 3rd or 4th weekend in May. Try to arrive between 4 p.m.-5 p.m. on
Friday afternoon. Plan for traffic when driving down on Friday night. We leave on
Sunday usually by noon.
7. Marshfield Fair
This is “our” fair and the club is very active, coordinating the two dog shows and
participating in demonstrations, Achievement Day, and lots more.
The Fair begins with Clean Up Day, usually the Saturday before the Fair starts, from 8 or
9 am until 12 noon or 1 pm. The tasks focus on the 4H barns, booths, and show ring. It
doesn’t hurt to bring gloves, rakes and shovels, cleaning supplies, and so forth. Kids who
help out earn points towards their overall 4H Achievement score and – like everything
they do—can put this on their records.
Parking
Once the Fair starts, 4H families participating in 4H activities (shows, water booth shifts,
demos, etc.) can park for free behind the fire station on South River Street. Enter through
Gate E (across from fire station). It’s a good idea to have a 4H sticker on your car – and
kids should wear their 4H T-shirts, especially if they are participating in a 4H activity.
On show days or other times when you are dropping off equipment, drive into Gate E; if
the Fair is open, the parking attendant will point out the drop off point. If the Fair is not
yet open, you will be able to drive on to the Fair Grounds and drop off crates and other
items at ringside, then park at Fire Station.
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Activities
For more about dog shows, see earlier sections. Remember that these are “our” shows, so
children who are not showing should come anyway and help out. We always need help
setting up the rings, running the show, and cleaning up. We can’t run a show without
stewards!
Achievement Day is an opportunity for all 4Hers to earn achievement points by entering
fitting classes, showmanship classes, knowledge, posters, and other competitions. The
classes are more like the regular livestock classes than like a dog show. All the kids are
on an equal footing and high point award is given to the 4Her with the most points at the
Awards ceremony at the end of the Fair. More information about this is in the Fair
premium book (also on the Marshfield Fair website).
Any 4Her can do a demonstration at the Fair and earn $10. for a 30 minute presentation.
They can talk about dog care or any dog topic. They can bring their dogs and show
grooming, training, etc.
We also coordinate “Meet the Breeds,” an opportunity for all 4-H dog club members to
educate the public about their dogs, dog breeds, care, etc. Members take turns presenting
breed history, care, and characteristics. After all have presented, audience members are
invited to enter the show ring and meet the dogs and club members up close.
Water Booth
The Fair lets us sell water on the grounds as a 4H fundraiser. We have 2 booths that need
to be staffed 2 shifts a day during the Fair. You will receive a call for sign ups via email
in July or August. This is the biggest fundraiser of the year and you help is appreciated.
Awards
At the last Sunday of the Fair, 4H gives out awards for Achievement, the dog shows,
livestock shows, as well as special awards kids are nominated for during the Fair. The
Nominations box is in the show office by the 4H show ring. Any leader or child can
nominate a 4Her for one of these special awards. Descriptions of these awards are in the
Fair’s premium booklet.
If possible, every 4Her should attend the ceremony, in 4H uniform, even if he or she isn’t
anticipating receiving an award. It is so important to be a good sport and cheer one’s
colleagues!
8. Achievement Night
This is a family banquet, where all the club members, siblings, parents (sometimes
grandparents or other special relatives) and invited guests sit down together for a potluck
meal. The sign up will be sent out in October.
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The program usually includes short speeches by the officers and Miss La Pointe, a
welcome for the new kids and families, and entertainment presented by the kids. Kids are
expected to dress up (skirts or dresses for girls and collared shirts and ties, if possible, for
boys).
9. The 4-H Year
The dates are approximate, but these activities generally fall in the month indicated.
September
- Room visits at Wingate (as assigned)
- Standish Humane demonstration (Wampatuck state park, Hingham)
- The Big E (for kids 12 and up, Exposition Grounds, Springfield)
October
- Room visits at Wingate (as assigned)
- Enrollment
- Records for prior 4-H year due
- Halloween (possibly community service for residents)
November
- Room visits at Wingate (as assigned)
- Achievement Night (November 17, Upland Club, Plympton)
- This is a family event – we often have 100 kids, siblings & parents attending
- Potluck dinner – there will be a sign up opportunity in October
December
- Room visits at Wingate (as assigned)
- Christmas party (December 15)
- Christmas Eve day visit to Wingate (dogs and siblings invited)
- no meetings until after New Year’s
January
- Room visits at Wingate (as assigned)
February
- Room visits at Wingate (as assigned)
March
- Room visits at Wingate (as assigned)
- County Visual Communication Day (1st Saturday, “visuals”)
- Muddy Paws 4-H Dog Show, Osterville
April
- Room visits at Wingate (as assigned)
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- State Visuals competition (Bedford, MA, if selected to compete)
- 4-H week exhibits & demos (varies)
- Canine Encounters 4-H dog show (Wrentham State School)
May
- Room visits at Wingate (as assigned)
- Massachusetts 4-H Dog Camp (3rd or 4th weekend, overnight at Camp Farley,
Mashpee)
June
- Room visits at Wingate (as assigned)
- Cave Canem 4-H Dog Show (2nd or 3rd Sunday, Marshfield Fairgrounds)
- Massachusetts 4-H Dog Show (called “state dog show” – date varies, Barnstable
Fairgrounds)
- “Walkabout” at Marshfield Post Office (heeling practice in the real world), last meeting
- From school closing to September, no club meetings
July
- Room visits at Wingate (as assigned)
- Barnstable Fair 4-H Dog Show (3rd Friday, Barnstable Fairgrounds)
- Non-4-H kids Week-long crash course in obedience and dog care (Marshfield
Fairgrounds) (4-Hers encouraged to help)
August
- Room visits at Wingate (as assigned)
- Marshfield Fair Clean up day (2nd week – kids get Achievement points for helping out)
- Marshfield Fair Water Booth Fundraiser (2nd- 3rd weeks, Marshfield Fairgrounds)
- Marshfield Fair 4-H Dog Show (2nd Saturday, Marshfield Fairgrounds)
- Marshfield Fair “Meet the Breeds”
- Marshfield Fair 4-H Achievement Day (sometime during the week)
- Marshfield Fair 4-H Day (dog agility demo & other activities, sometime during the
week)
- Marshfield Fair Plymouth County 4-H Dog Show (3rd Saturday, Marshfield
Fairgrounds)
-Marshfield Fair Awards Night (last Sunday of fair 4pm)
- Arrive in uniform (white shirt, tan skirt or pants) or nice clothes
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