URBANA, Ill. — Enthusiastic cheers and wagging tails set the stage as young dog handlers from Champaign County displayed their dedication, skill, and love for their canine companions at this year's Champaign County 4-H Dog Show. These exciting events provided a platform for youth to demonstrate sportsmanship and confidence as they showcased the "best of the best" in a variety of dog competitions, highlighting the bond between handler and dog.
4-H youth who train and care for their dogs as part of their annual projects had the opportunity to participate in various categories. They participated in a multi-week training course to prepare for the show. Some of these competitors have participated in the program for multiple years.
The results of the show are:
Dog Obedience Beginner Novice 2
Claire Conner, Grand Champion, State Fair Delegate
Amanda Wagner, Reserve Champion, State Fair Delegate
Dog Obedience Preferred Novice
Claire Hartman, Grand Champion, State Fair Delegate
Morgan Perez, Reserve Champion, State Fair Delegate
Dog Obedience Graduate Novice
Hansley Spitz, Grand Champion
Showmanship Jr
Jarvis Gunderson, Grand Champion, State Fair Delegate
Riley Jackson, Reserve Champion
Showmanship Sr
Hansley Spitz, Grand Champion, State Fair Delegate
Holly Hawes, Reserve Champion
Rally Novice
Holly Hawes, Grand Champion, State Fair Delegate
Alleigha Nelson, Reserve Champion, State Fair Delegate
Rally Intermediate
Morgan Perez, Grand Champion, State Fair Delegate
Hansley Spitz, Reserve Champion, State Fair Delegate
Rally Excellent
Claire Hartman, Grand Champion, State Fair Delegate
Dog Care / Dog Care- Junior (Ages 8-13 by Sept 1)
Riley Jackson, Grand Champion
Max Tilakaratne, Reserve Champion
Dog Care / Dog Care Senior (Ages 14 and over by Sept 1)
Morgan Perez, Grand Champion
Ava Price, Reserve Champion
Intro to Dog Obedience
Emily Rademaker, Grand Champion
Pre-Beginner Novice 1
Max Tilakaratne, Grand Champion
Lillie Widick, Reserve Champion
Pre-Beginner Novice 2
Morgan Perez, Grand Champion
Ava Price, Reserve Champion
Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities. Illinois Extension is part of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.
ABOUT ILLINOIS 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of the University of Illinois Extension and is administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools, and encouragement and puts them in the driver's seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities, two times more likely to make healthier choices, two times more likely to be civically active, and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.