4-H Dog Show Class 2026

The 4-H Dog Project helps youth learn to care for their four-legged, furry friend! Learn to feed, care for, and keep a dog healthy; groom and train your dog; and be a responsible dog owner by participating!

Important Dates:

March 4 - Clinic: Obedience & Training Techniques at the McHenry Extension Office
March 18 - Clinic: TBD at the McHenry Extension Office
April 1 - Clinic TBD at the McHenry Extension Office
April 15 - Dog classes begin: Obedience & Showmanship at McHenry County Fairgrounds
June 6 - Dog Fun Show - Car-Dun-Al, Huntley
June 13 - 4-H Dog Show - Car-Dun-Al, Huntley

All youth ages 8-18 as of September 1, 2025, are welcome to join! To participate in the 4-H dog program, participants MUST become a 4-H member. The annual 4-H member fee is $20. If you are not a current 4-H member, please enroll in the Dog SPIN Club.

If this is your first time enrolling, please see the Welcome to McHenry County 4-H for instructions on how to join 4-H.

Required Dog Class Registration & Forms

Dog Packet with required forms: Please complete and submit ONLY those forms that apply below. One member per form.

4-H Dog Class Registration - Obedience
4-H Dog Class Registration - Showmanship
Confidential Behavior Profile - Required for all
Certificate of Ownership - To be used only with non-registered and mixed-breed dogs.
Illinois 4-H Dog Lease - For members using a dog that they do not own
Permission to Train Dog - For individuals training a dog owned by someone outside of their family
Non- 4-H Dog Class Registration - For members taking classes at another pre- approved training facility.

When you are finished, you can upload your Dog Forms HERE

Dog Show Resources and Information

2026 4-H Dog Show Information

2026 McHenry County 4-H Dog Packet with required forms
IL 4-H State Dog project page: Includes information on Dog Science, AKC Dog Show guidelines, Score sheets, Link to ethics and more
State Dog Show Information

REQUIRED ETHICS:

All 4-H members must complete the QAEC/ Quality Assurance & Ethics Certification in ZSuite Clover Academy ONE time during their 4-H career, including the additional "Dog & Cat" section.

4-H Dog Obedience Class Descriptions and Resources

4-H Dog Obedience Class Descriptions:

Beginner Novice 1- This class is for inexperienced dogs and handlers. No dog or handler may repeat this class.
Beginner Novice 2 - This is for experienced dogs and handlers. Dogs that are repeating Beginner Novice would be in this class, as would new dogs with experienced handlers.
Pre Novice - This class is for dogs that have completed Beginner Novice 1 or 2, or at the discretion of the instructor. Dogs that repeat this class are not eligible for state competition.
Novice 1 & 2 - This class is for dogs that have completed Pre-Novice, or at the discretion of the instructor. Dogs that repeat this class are not eligible for state competition.
Graduate Novice: This class is for dogs that have completed Novice or, at the discretion of the instructor. Handlers in this class will learn how to correctly choose a dumbbell for their dog, how to measure their dog at the withers, know their dog's height for jumping, and be familiar with the rules and regulations.

4-H Dog Obedience Lessons

4-H Dog Obedience - Beginner 1 & 2 Lessons: COMING SOON
4-H Dog Obedience - Pre-Novice & Novice Lessons: COMING SOON
4-H Dog Obedience Novice 1 & 2 Lessons: COMING SOON
4-H Dog Obedience Graduate Novice Lessons: COMING SOON
4-H Dog Obedience - Videos & Exercises All Levels: COMING SOON
Obedience Judging Exercise Instructions: COMING SOON
Beginner 1 & 2 Obedience signs: COMING SOON

4-H Dog Showmanship Class Resources

4-H Dog Showmanship All Lessons: COMING SOON

Dog Showmanship Anatomy test: Test your knowledge!
Dog Showmanship judging questions
Download the AKC Rules and Regulations

4-H Dog Rally-O

Rally-O

Rally-O will be offered as an optional clinic with no additional charge. Rally signs will be used for both Beginner Novice 1 and 2, as stated in the AKC rules and regulations.

Rally Novice: 10-15 signs are used (not including start to finish). 3-7 of the signs must be "stationary signs". Performed on a leash.

Rally Intermediate: 12- 17 signs are used ( not including start to finish). 3-7 of the signs must be "stationary signs". You must use at least 3 "advanced signs". Performed on a leash.

Rally Signs and Descriptions

AKC Obedience and Rally Videos: There are many videos you can watch that show proper handling, signage definitions, and what is expected during Rally-O.