Small Animals

• Canine Handling and Show Guidelines - A Leaders resource to help prepare 4-H Canine project members for safe handling, 4-H competitions, Achievement Days and dog shows. Every leader should have a copy of this resource.
• Canine Leader's Guide - A guide to working with your 4-H canine project members. Help your members to learn health, manners, and simple obedience with their canine project.
• Canine Project Guide - A member guide divided in sections for everyone from members who have no experience, to members who have succeeded in Canine training and shows. This manual will be used as a reference for all of the years members are in a 4-H Canine Project, from Level One through Three. Once members have completed Level Three, there will be Advanced Project Guides Stock Dog, Agility, and Advanced Obedience.
• Canine Project Guide Agility - Agility is a fun and exciting sport for dog and handler alike. It combines training, teamwork and fitness. It is a fast-paced sport in which a dog and handler work as a team to complete the obstacle course with the best time, and with the most accuracy.
• Canine Record Book - Designed to document the year's project related activities, expenses, challenges, highlights and experiences. This record book is a fillable, saveable, and printable PDF. A print version is also available through the Club Supply.  It’s very important that you SAVE a copy of this record book before you begin filling it out or try to print it.  By SAVING a copy first, the Fillable PDF should function properly and print easily. 
• Canine Creative Options - Are you looking to explore options beyond your Canine 4-H Project? The list below contains some options you may never have thought of before. Some activities you may be able to start with your dog right away. Other endeavors may involve seeking certified trainers, taking classes and investing volunteer hours with an organization. Some of the opportunities will only be available to you to complete as a research project. Remember that you and your dog’s health and safety should be your top priority when deciding on new 4-H projects. Discuss your plans with your parent(s) or guardian(s) before starting any new activities with your dog. If you have health related questions regarding your dog, be sure to talk to your veterinarian.
  Sports
  • Fly Ball - Fly Ball is a fast-paced relay race with 4 dogs on each team. Each dog, in turn, must cross a set of hurdles to hit a spring-loaded box that will shoot out a tennis ball. The dog must catch the ball, run back over the hurdles and cross the finish line allowing the next dog to go. North American Fly Ball Association: http://www.flyball.org/
  • Flying Disc - Catching flying discs requires your dog to not only be fast on their feet, but also have terrific coordination. To participate in a Canadian Disc Dog event, your dog will need to catch a special disc called a Fastback. Canadian Disc Dog Association: http://www.canadiandiscdogs.com/
  • Rally-O - Rally Obedience (Rally-O) goes beyond basic commands by mixing over forty obedience movements with the sits, turns and paces of traditional heeling. It requires a fast pace, positive attitude and good sportsmanship. Canadian Rally Obedience: http://www.canadianrallyo.ca/
  • Stock Dog - Herding is a sport requiring quick, logical actions being relayed from the handler to the dog. Working with a trainer, who will assess your dog’s herding ability, you will learn how to work with livestock flight zones to accomplish your tasks. Herding can be a hobby, help with work on the farm or a competitive sport for you and your dog. Herding Canada: http://www.canadasguidetodogs.com/dogjobs/herding.htm
  • Hunting Sport Dog - Many hunters use dogs to assist them in their activities. These dogs learn skills like retrieving items from land and water, flushing out fowl and running in unobtrusive patterns. Alberta Club List: http://www.bird-dog-news.com/ab/
  • Sled Dog - Big competitions in this sport include the famous Yukon Quest and Iditarod. Requiring experience, a lot of training, special equipment, capable dogs and the right climate, Dog Sledding can be an interesting, yet challenging, sport. Ma-Mow-We-Tak Sled Dog Racing Association: http://mamowwetak.homestead.com/index.html
  • Skijoring - Skijoring uses one or two dogs, on a harness and line, with a single skier on Nordic skis. Any dog over 30 lbs. can learn how to skijorn which provides great exercise for both dog and handler. Ski Dog Canada: http://www.sleddogcentral.com/skijoring.htm
  • Weight Pulling - Physically powerful breeds like American Bull Dogs, American Pit Bull Terriers, Saint Bernards, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, Alaskan Malamutes and Samoyeds are well suited for weight pulling. Dogs require a special harness and this sport emphasizes safety, sportsmanship and fairness. International Weight Pull Association: http://www.iwpa.net/
  • Draft Dog/Carting - Before cars became so common, dogs were used to pull small loads that didn’t require the strength of a horse. Strong, calm dog breeds like Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Bouvier des Flandres, Giant Schnauzers, Saint Bernards and Rottweilers enjoy carting small loads. Canadian Draft Dog Test Requirements: http://www.allthingsdog.ca/draft-dog---carting.php
  • Water Sports - Being safe in and around water is important, but can be great fun for you and your dog. While interesting, this is one sport to ensure your dog is a proficient swimmer in before starting. Canine Water Sports: http://www.caninewatersports.com/
  • Musical Freestyle - A relatively new sport, Canine Freestyle is simply defined as ‘dancing with your dog to music’. It is fun for handlers, dogs and audiences! It is a great sport for bonding with your dog while having fun and dancing to the music you love. World Canine Freestyle: http://www.worldcaninefreestyle.org
  • Canine Drill Team - In teams of two or more dog and handler pairs, teams show off obedience skills like heeling, sitting, lying down, recalling and performing pattern weaves set to music. This is a great sport for dogs of all sizes and handlers of all ages. Dog Scouts of America Drill Team: http://dogscouts.org/base/drill-team/
  Non-Sport
  • Blood Donor Dog - By exploring this activity, your dog could save other dogs’ lives. Being a blood donor dog isn’t for every dog. It may not be available in your area, but don’t let that discourage you from learning more about this life-saving activity. Blood Donor Dogs: http://www.canadiananimalbloodbank.ca/index.php/en/
  • Pet Therapy - The medical professional has acknowledged that petting animals can have a calming effect, lower blood pressure and relieve tension. Dogs who are calm, interact well with strangers, sit on command and react well to other dogs and distractions may make great visitors to hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities. Programs may already be in place in your community for you to volunteer with. Canada’s Guide to Therapy Dogs: http://www.canadasguidetodogs.com/dogjobs/wrk_therapy.htm
  • Performing Arts Dog - Ever wonder how Eddie got his start on Frasier or how Happy got to star on 7th Heaven? They’re just two of many trained pets that act in TV and film productions. You’ll appreciate the hard work that goes into acting-obedience training if you’ve ever attempted to give directions to your dog silently from across the room.
  • Earth Dog - Historically, Dachshunds and small terriers were bred to chase small animals out of tunnels and dens, as well as to control rodent populations. These days, competitions are simulated for safety, but the hunting premise is still the same. Earth Dog Den Trials: http://www.canadasguidetodogs.com/clubs/earthdog.htm
  Advanced Training
  • Guide Dogs for the Blind - While an adult must complete the initial phase of training a guide dog puppy and there are currently no active training areas in Alberta, don’t let that prevent you from researching about these amazing dogs. This is not a project to start on your own, but would make an excellent research project if you’re interested in advanced dog training. Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind: http://welcome.guidedogs.com/
  • Livestock Guardian Dog - For centuries certain breeds of dogs have been used to protect livestock from predators. While they are known as protectors, they are generally gentle and are breeds like the Great Pyrenees, Kuvasz, Maremma Sheepdog and the Tibetan Mastiff. These dogs are raised to coexist with the livestock they will protect. Livestock Guardian Dogs: http://www.lgd.org/
  • Seizure-Alert Dog - There are two types of dogs who work with people who have Epilepsy. Some dogs have the ability to sense a seizure before it happens and alert their owner. Other dogs are trained to respond to the seizure by comforting the person, retrieving medication or even alerting medical help. This is not a project to start on your own, but would make an excellent research project if you’re interested in advanced dog training. Providing Dog Guides to Canadians with Disabilities Website: http://www.dogguides.com/seizure.html
  • Service Dogs - To outline all the benefits of a service dog would be impossible. There are many types of service dogs trained each year to assist children and adults. The website below outlines dogs assisting children with autism. This is not a project to start on your own, but would make an excellent research project if you’re interested in advanced dog training. National Service Dogs: http://www.nsd.on.ca/
  • Search and Rescue - A Search and Rescue dog’s abilities are frequently underestimated. Handlers are often amazed at their dog’s capability to detect a scent in difficult circumstances and weather conditions. Handlers must be over 18 years of age with a dog over 20 pounds in weight. Special training is required, and dogs must have an aptitude for this service. Search and Rescue Dog Association of Alberta: http://www.sardaa.ca/
  • Tracking - With many aspects and tasks the same as Search and Rescue dogs, tracking dogs assist the RCMP in searching for lost or missing persons and/or evidence as requested by such authorized agencies. Training is offered for volunteers, but all costs incurred are the responsibility of the handler. Canadian Search Dog Association: http://canadiansearchdog.com/
  Exploring Careers with Dogs

  Pet Photography Pet Store Owner/Worker Dog Business Entrepreneur Kennel Owner/Operator Certificate Animal Management Veterinary Receptionist Dog Trainer Dog Grooming Diploma Animal Health Technologist Degree

  Animal Control Officer Animal Behaviourist Advanced Training Police Dog Handler Arson Dog Handler Bomb Dog Handler Drug Detection Dog Handler Cancer Detection Dog Handler Customs and Border Protection Dog Handler Advanced Degree Veterinarian

• Pet Leader's Guide - Aids Leaders in helping to teach project material to members using interactive, learn-to-do activities.
• Pet Project Guide, Level 1 - This introductory level of Pet project material addresses pet selection, body part identification, handling, housing and daily needs.
• Pet Project Guide, Level 2 - Members will meet new challenges and activities related to pets, including records, pet behavior, supplies, and nutrition.
• Pet Project Guide, Level 3 - Members in this manual are encouraged to take more of a Leadership role in their project. Caring for a litter, genetics, and breeding are also covered.

• Cat Leader's Guide - This Guide shows Leaders how to teach members the cat project through excellent learn-by-doing group activities.
• Cat Project Guide, Level 1 - Members in Level 1 will learn basics of keeping cat, including selection, breed identification, parts identification, handling, grooming, showing, budgeting, identifying parasites, controlling fleas and spaying.
• Cat Project Guide, Level 2 - This guide features further exploration into breeds, as well as cat senses, shows, tricks, signs of illness and health, emergency situations, feeding, and travelling with a cat.
• Cat Project Guide, Level 3 - Youth explore veterinary procedures, body systems, diseases, reproduction, genetics, older cat needs, behaviour, showmanship, community laws, animal welfare and personal strengths.
• Cat Record Book - Member would use the Canine Record Book or the Generic Record Book

• Basic Care Guide for Rabbits - A condensed, 8-page overview on rabbit breeds, animal selection, housing, equipment, feeding, grooming and general maintenance.
• Rabbit Housing and Health Leader's Guide - Leaders will learn how to run meetings, keep members involved and teach basics of keeping a rabbit.
• Rabbit Housing and Health Project Guide - Members will increase their knowledge, through activities and worksheets, in the areas of housing requirements for rabbits, as well as how to provide a rabbit with the best care.
• Rabbit Management and Marketing Leader's Guide - Leaders will learn to teach members the basics of marketing and management for both small and large scale rabbit operations.
• Rabbit Management and Marketing Project Guide - Members will learn caring for rabbits and how to provide a good product for the consumer.
• Rabbit Selection and Nutrition Leader's Guide - Shows how to lead a rabbit project in terms of breeds and health.
• Rabbit Selection and Nutrition Project Guide - This manual talks about feeding and caring for rabbits.