Have you ever wondered how a Great Dane and a Chihuahua are considered the same species? Or how to train your furry friend to spin in circles without saying a word? Well, 4-H teaches youth these lessons, facts, and skills in the dog project area. Each year, as a culminating activity, youth registered in the dog project through 4-H show off those lessons, skills, and canine friends at a 4-H Dog Show. This year, youth and their furry friends from Bureau, LaSalle, and Marshall-Putnam Counties participated in the dog show on June 22, 2024 at Baker Lake in Peru. 

There were five divisions that youth could register: Dog Obedience (according to AKC, “Obedience trials demonstrate the dog’s ability to follow specified routines in the ring and emphasize the usefulness of dogs as companions to humankind.”); Showmanship (Showmanship offers youth an opportunity to develop their handling skills, learn about good sportsmanship, dogs, and dog shows. Youth are judged on their ability to present, or handle, their dogs as they would in the breed ring. (AKC.org)), Rally (Rally is all about teamwork. Youth and dog navigate a course together, side-by-side, at their own brisk pace. Youth move their dog through a course with signs where they perform different exercises.); Dog Care (this is a county-only project where youth are judged on their dog’s appearance, health, and care); and Fun Class (Tail-Wagging Tricks and Best Costume). All participants were awarded a blue ribbon; special award winners from this year’s competition are as follows:

Dog Obedience:

• Novice 1 winner from Bureau County and Best Overall Bureau County: Remmington Schafer
• Novice 1 winner from LaSalle County: Ryder Dolieslager
• Novice 2 winner from LaSalle County and Best Overall LaSalle County: Shianne Bensa
• Novice 1 winner from Marshall-Putnam Counties: Sandra Hussemann
• Novice 2 winner from Marshall-Putnam Counties and Best Overall Marshall-Putnam Counties: Lucy Stivers
• Best Overall winner from Bureau, LaSalle, and Marshall-Putnam Counties: Shianne Bensa

Showmanship:

• Jr. Showmanship winner from Bureau County and Best Overall Bureau County: Remmington Schafer
• Jr. Showmanship winner from LaSalle County and Best Overall Jr. Showmanship LaSalle County: Shianne Bensa
• Jr. Showmanship winner from Marshall-Putnam Counties and Best Overall Jr. Showmanship Marshall-Putnam Counties: Lucy Stivers
• Sr. Showmanship winner from Marshall-Putnam Counties and Best Overall Sr. Showmanship Marshall-Putnam Counties: Gracie Vineyard
• Best Overall Jr. Showmanship from Bureau, LaSalle, and Marshall-Putnam Counties: Shianne Bensa
• Best Overall Sr. Showmanship from Bureau, LaSalle, and Marshall-Putnam Counties: Gracie Vineyard

Rally:

• Rally Novice winner from LaSalle County: Shianne Bensa
• Rally Intermediate winner from LaSalle County: Connor Medina
• Best Overall Rally from Bureau, LaSalle, and Marshall-Putnam Counties: Connor Medina

Dog Care:

• Dog Care winner from Bureau County: Remington Schafer
• Dog Care winner from Marshall-Putnam Counties: Lucy Stivers

Fun Class:

• Best Overall Costume from Bureau, LaSalle, and Marshall-Putnam Counties: Lucy Stivers
• Best Overall Trick from Bureau, LaSalle, and Marshall-Putnam Counties: Connor Medina

We are so proud of our winners, participants, and pets for all their hard work and dedication. Congratulations to all! 

Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and 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 then 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.

If you have questions, need more information, or want to request a reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact Beth Dellatori at 815-224-0889. Extension offices are located in Princeton, Ottawa, Henry, and Oglesby on the IVCC campus.