All youth planning to show Dogs at the Dane County Fair must follow the 4-H education requirements. Below are education opportunities as they are known. Check the 4-H Education Calendar links below for the most up to date information.
All must attend one of the scheduled if you are interested in participating in Dane County 4-H Dog Obedience or Agility Training this year. Attending one of these dates is mandatory for participation. The Dog Check-ins will be announced on the 4-H website. Information related to the check-in is noted below:
Before checking in your dog, youth must have attended the Dog Project Kickoff Day on January 25 from Noon to 4pm at the 4-H Office. This event is mandatory for all youth who intend to participate in the 4-H Dog Project in 2026. If a member is unable to attend on 1/25, they will need to contact the 4-H Office (4Hinfo@danecounty.gov) to schedule a time to watch the presentations there.
Check out the 2025-2026 Dane County 4-H Dog Project Rules/Guidelines.
Every dog needs to pass a Behavior Examination at check by the Behavior Committee member in order to participate in training.
Items to bring to check in:
- Your project dog (s) on 6ft leash(es), no flexi leashes allowed
- Bags for clean-up
- Two copies of your dog’s rabies vaccination record. Must be current through July
- Your completed Dane County 4-H Dog Training Information form online with electronic signature (available through 4-H)
- Payment - Exact change in the form of a Check, cash or money orders made out to the Dane County 4-H preferred
- $15 Obedience/Showmanship registration fee per dog - exact change or check
- $15 for a T-shirt (optional) - exact change or check
Training Dates 2026: In the Arena Building, Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison
May 6th, May 13th, May 20th – Hall C, May 27th, June 3rd, June 10th, June 24th, July 1st, July 8th (NO training on June 17)
Questions? Contact the Dane County Dog Project at danecounty4hdog@gmail.com.
Dog Project Education
- 11/24/2025 (Mon) – Small Animal Meet and Greet (DOES NOT COUNT AS AN EDUCATION EVENT) – from 6:30-7:30pm at the Dane Co 4-H Office, Madison (click link for details). FREE Register Here. This fun, informal opportunity is designed for youth of all ages who are interested in getting started or learning more about 4-H Small Animal Project Areas – Guinea Pigs (cavies), Poultry, Rabbits, Dogs & Cats. Youth and Adult Project Leaders will be available with their animals. No formal program, drop in anytime. Ask questions and learn about 4-H education opportunities, curriculum, purchasing animals, showing at the fair, and more.
- 1/25/26 - 4-H Dog Project Kick-off Day – from Noon-4:00pm at 4-H Office (5201 Fen Oaks) (click link for details). Are you interested in teaching your dog some new tricks? or working on dog showmanship? Or just looking to have fun learning about dogs? Join us for the Dane County 4-H Dog Project Kickoff Day (without your canine companion)!*This event is mandatory for all youth interested in participating in the 4-H Dog Project.
If you have any questions please email the Dane County Dog Project email at danecounty4hdog@gmail.com.