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(352) 392-1761 |
UF/IFAS News Release
2.21.00 State 4-H Youth Dog Show Wows Watchers & Teaches Life-Long Lessons By: Ami Neiberger
(352) 392-1761
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| TAMPA-Furry friends and fun are what it's all about, say kids participating
in the State 4-H Youth Dog Show at the Florida State Fair. But parents
and organizers think that kids who train dogs walk away with far more than
just the ability to show off in front of judges and win ribbons. Self-confidence,
responsibility and knowledge are just a few of the side benefits kids get
from training a dog.
Eighty-nine youth ages 8-18 participated in the show last weekend. Classes included agility, showmanship, open lead and obedience. A third of them also entered the Florida State Fair's Champions program, which rewards young people for educational achievement with savings bonds. It was the first year that dog show participants could qualify for the Champions program, which began in 1998 in the fair's livestock categories. "Many families today have dogs, which makes this a very accessible and fun 4-H project for a child to engage in, no matter where they live," said Damon Miller, assistant dean for 4-H youth development programs at the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida. Today's 4-H'ers are more likely to pound the pavement than a cowpath. Miller said that the 4-H program, which is traditionally agriculturally-based, has branched out into suburbia. Less than 4 percent of the 298,000 kids involved in 4-H in Florida live on farms. "Sometimes people think that they have to own livestock, like a cow, to be in 4-H and to participate in the fair, and that's not true," said Miller. Take for example, sixth-grader Ami Berg of Oviedo. The 12 year-old does not live on a farm, but she loves training her two terriers Spot and Pongo to strut their stuff during Pawprints 4-H Club meetings. She received first places in the intermediate off lead and intermediate junior showmanship categories, as well as second in advanced junior showmanship. "I used to be shy but now I'm not," said Berg, with a beaming grin while waiting for her turn in the limelight at the show. Her mother says participating in the 4-H dog project is valuable. "Feeling like she does well in a competition has improved her confidence. It gives her something to be proud of," said her mother Lori Berg. A lot goes into getting ready for the show, with pets requiring training and care on a daily basis. The Berg family goes to club meetings together, but it's up to Ami to practice with the dogs on her own time. She says that she does it because it's fun and the dogs are very smart, which makes them easier to train. Learning mixed with fun is a winning combination for kids, say parents. "It's given him a respect for animals and he's developed a bond with the dog," said Lex Hutton, father of Auggie Hutton, 8, who competed with his dog Tucker in the basic junior showmanship, basic obedience and beginning agility classes. The Huttons live in Riverview in Hillsborough County. "What he learns now will carry over into his relationships with people, he said." Although Auggie is still a little too short to reach the family's dog food box, he can give Tucker baths, take him for walks and help care for him. "Tucker's very loveable and he gets along with other dogs," said Auggie, who received a white ribbon and did not place in the competition, but was pleased with his performance. "We celebrate the success of those who do well in a competition like this one, but only a few young people can win any given event," said Miller. "However, everyone who participates can gain skills that help in the game of life. Some of our greatest victories in youth development are not recognized with trophies."
Photo 1: Furry Friends Teach Lifelong Lessons Auggie Hutton, 8, of Riverview in Hillsborough County, relaxes with his dog Tucker after the State 4-H Youth Dog Show at the Florida State Fair in Tampa. Hutton received a white ribbon and said he had fun. Parents and organizers from the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences say that the event teaches kids lessons that last far beyond the show ring, like responsibility, discipline and respect for others. Photo 2: Getting Ready for the Show A member of the Pawprints 4-H Club, Ami Berg, 12, of Oviedo in Seminole County, gets a helping hand with her ponytail from her mother, Lori Berg, before the State 4-H Youth Dog Show at the Florida State Fair. Parents and faculty from the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences say that the event teaches kids lessons that last far beyond the show ring, like responsibility, discipline and respect for others. --30-- STATE 4-H YOUTH DOG SHOW RESULTS JUNIORS DIVISION (ages 8-12) Juniors-Beginning Agility Class
Juniors-Basic Junior Showmanship Class
Juniors-Intermediate Junior Showmanship Class
Juniors-Advanced Junior Showmanship Class
Juniors-Sub-Novice A Class
Juniors-Sub-Novice B Class
Juniors-Elementary Off Lead Class
Juniors-Intermediate Off Lead Class
Junior (ages 8-11) High Point Award
Seniors-Basic Obedience Class
Seniors-Open Obedience Class
Seniors-Beginning Agility Class
Seniors-Elementary Agility Class
Seniors-Intermediate Agility Class
Seniors-Advanced Agility Class
Seniors-Novice A Class
Seniors-Novice A-Obedience Class
Seniors-Basic Junior Showmanship Class
Seniors-Intermediate Junior Showmanship Class
Seniors-Advanced Junior Showmanship Class
Senior (ages 12-18) High Point Award
OTHER AWARDS Champion Youth Program Winners
Alden Hilliker Challenge Trophy-awarded annually to the county with
the most points in the show, in honor of the late Dr. Alden Hilliker
Phyllis White Showmanship Award-first place winner of each showmanhip class competes for this award, established in honor and memory of Phyllis White Jessica Rothering-Hillsborough County Notes: In all junior and senior classes, first through fourth place
receive premiums: 1rst-$20, 2nd-$16, 3rd-$12, 4th-$8. There are multiple
placements in agility classes because dogs are judged according to size.
Check out Florida 4-H Online & Are You Into It? A Volunteer Program for Kids Who Care |
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