The evening will feature a number of different activities in the 4-H dog project area. Join us to learn from our special guest presenters.
Nicole Ferrara is a 4-H teen Leader with vast experience in the dog project. Nicole will be bringing her dog Dora to talk about being a good owner, 4-H dog obedience, agility, and rally. Learn some of the basic obedience commands and see agility equipment up close. Dora earned her AKC Canine Good Citizen title with Nicole as her handler in April of 2013. Find out the requirements of earning this title and how to earn it through 4-H.
Love Puppies? Cynthia Swift, 4-H volunteer and Guiding Eyes for the Blind Regional Coordinator, will present the second half of our 4-H Dog Fun program. Learn what it's like to be a Guiding Eyes for the Blind puppy raiser while you meet Guiding Eyes Wayne County volunteer puppy raisers and their guide dogs in training. Puppy raisers are volunteers that take 8 week old puppies into their homes and love, nurture and educate them for a 12 to 16 month period before sending them off to their calling as a guide dog for a person who is blind or visually impaired. For someone without sight, a Guiding Eyes dog provides life changing independence, as well as unconditional love and support. The Guiding Eyes Wayne County Region Puppy Raising Program is looking for 4-Hers interested in raising a puppy for the blind. There is a Service Dog class in the 4-H Dog Obedience program for showing your puppy at the Fair. Some volunteers already have forever pets of their own, while others commit to raising guide dogs as a way to give their love to a new dog each year.
4-H Youth Development Community Educator, Susan Coyle, says,”The 4-H Animal Science Advisory Committee is thrilled to offer this workshop for Seneca County youth. The 4-H Dog Project provides so many ways to be involved. If youth can’t own a dog of their own, being a puppy raiser is a wonderful example of community service. If photography or writing are interests of kids who love dogs, there are opportunities to explore those interests. 4-H members can explore science in-depth preparing for the 4-H Dog Skillathon Knowledge Contest.”
The 4-H Dog Fun evening is open to all youth ages 5 to 19. It is a great time to learn more about the 4-H dog project and joining 4-H. If you have any questions, please call Susan at Seneca County Cornell Cooperative Extension or e-mail smc226@cornell.edu. To assist with planning, please register for the event by Monday, April 18th.

Registration for event has CLOSED.