| Each year, the Young Explorers compete with their dogs at the Van Buren County Youth Fair. Normally, the dog competitions are held on Friday of the Fair. There are four areas of activity: Costume, Agility, Showmanship, and Obedience. 4-H Members are also required to prepare an educational exhibit, which could be a dog notebook or poster to be displayed in the still exhibit booth. |
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Showmanship is held first, with members competing by age group. Members are judged on presentation of their dog and themselves. |
| In the Showmanship class, 4-H members are judged on the presentation of their dog and their personal knowledge of dogs. Points are given and taken away for cleanliness, grooming, presentation, appearance of 4-H member, and knowlege of dogs. For tips on showmanship techniques and attire, click here Showmanship Tips. |  |
| Next, dogs compete in Obedience classes. Members must register in advance based on their experience and the experience of their dog. Competition is also available for leader dogs. |
| At the end of the morning, members have the option of participating in the Costume Class fun. Members dress themselves and their dogs in a costume of their choice. Over the years, dogs have dressed as surfers, knights in shining armor, clowns, motorcyclists, and some have even rollerbladed or played volleyball. |
| In the afternoon, dogs compete in the Agility Classes. |
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| Beginning in 2008, dogs can also compete in Rally-O classes. Rally-O combines obedience training with some simply agility steps to make the handler/dog work together in a time. They are required to complete a number of instructed behaviors in a limited time period. |
| Each year, any 4-H Member showing a dog in the Youth Fair, must complete an educational project. Judged notebooks should conform to the Van Buren County notebook rules. |
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Winning competitors may receive trophies and/or ribbons. Good members reward their dogs with lots of love and bones. |
