Starting Out

• Gather information and determine the best dog for your family
• Learn about the proper care, grooming, and feeding of your dog
• Learn to identify the parts of your dog for conversations with your vet
• Practice appropriate training for your dog

Learning More

• Plan a training and exercise program for your dog
• Compare the labels on dog foods to make an informed decision on content and price
• Keep a diary of your dog’s health and eating habits.
• Research kennels facilities in your area and decide if one is right for your dog

Going Further

• Create a trainer’s diary to assist you when you work with your dog
• Learn about how dogs can serve as service animals
• Create a dog ownership budget
• Research diseases in dogs
• Identify symptoms and a course of action if your dog gets sick

• Learn about service animals and the process for fostering and training a service animal.
• Job-shadow at a local business (pet store, veterinary clinic, breeder, etc.) in a dog related career that interests you.
• Go to local and area dog shows and explore the differences in dog breeds and how they are shown.
• Explore health safety issues with dogs – what diseases do dogs have that might make humans ill?
• Explore what kinds of dogs make the best pets – compare breeds, inside dogs, outside dogs.
• Learn how puppies are acquired by the local pet store.
• Research all the kinds of parasites your dog might get and how to protect you and your dog.
• Do some comparison shopping for dog supplies.
• Explore what kind of restrictions and laws your community might have on dogs.
• What are the requirements for licensing a dog in your community?
• Explore the subject of animal-assisted therapy, how it is used and what the benefits are.

• American Kennel Club
• Dogs Project Sheet
• County Fair Exhibit Ideas
• Junior Showmanship Guidelines
• WI State 4-H Dog Show Guidelines and Rules
• *Additional resources available at the Shawano County Extension Office