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 soon 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 (TBD at 4-H Office) OR must review all information on the Dog Project Kickoff Day slide deck (available through 4-H) and complete the project listed on slide 2 (watch all 9 videos in slide deck and write 9 thoughtful responses based on the prompts on slide 2). Bring the completed project to the check in.
Check out the 2025 Dane County 4-H Dog Project Rules/Guidelines (2026 to be released soon).
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
Practice Dates are TBD at the Alliant Energy Center – specific dates and times will be confirmed in April.
Questions? Contact the Dane County Dog Project at danecounty4hdog@gmail.com.
Dog Project Education - MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON
- 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.
If you have any questions please email the Dane County Dog Project email at danecounty4hdog@gmail.com.