YOUNG EXPLORERS DOGS
DOG OBEDIENCE

WHAT IS DOG OBEDIENCE? Dog obedience is not about power and it is not about snacks and treats. The teams that shine the most are the teams where dog and trainer have a true connection. While dog intelligence is certainly important in obedience, it is the relationship between the trainer and the dog that wins competitions. When a dog truly loves its trainer, it will do anything to please them.

Becky says that, "Dogs become too dependent on treats or go crazy over them. It becomes difficult to break them and get them to work without treats. It is so much easier to give them the love, petting and using a toy or noise for getting their attention. As I have always said, I love having my dogs work for me and showing their devotion. It is so much more rewarding."

The Young Explorers have the largest dog club of all 4-H groups in Van Buren County. Why? Members of the Young Explorers dog club build lasting and committed relationships with each other. From building agility equipment to traveling to competitions, an extended family of dog lovers can be found in this group.

In the Spring, Dog Leader Becky Vanheukelum gathers her group to begin training. Newcomers are often skeptic that their unruly dogs will ever make it to Fair, let alone learn how to come when they are called. Never fear, it is VERY seldom that a dog doesn't make it to the Fair, if the trainer is committed. At the end of June, trainers and fellow 4-Hers are often amazed at the progess of new dogs.

Throughout the early spring, members continue to train, with training going from once a week to twice a week in June. Teen leaders are eager to help newcomers learn the ropes.

How do we start? The first thing the dog learns is how to heel on their leash. Young Explorers do not bait their dogs with treats and snacks, so members must learn to encourage their dogs with patience and understanding. The heeling exercise usually takes place in a circle with other trainers and dogs, helping to socialize the dogs. For competition, members will learn a straight pattern that shows all commands learned.

Dogs will learn to sit, lay down, stand, and come. They will also learn to do turns, circles, and Figure 8 moves. One of the hardest things for a dog to learn is to stand still while someone other than their trainer pets them and inspects them the same way a judge would. One of the last things new dogs learn is to sit and stay for one minute and to lay down and stay for three minutes. This can be tough, especially at Fair with all of the noises, smells, and people.

Advanced dogs will learn to work their commands with their leashes off. They will also learn to come when called and drop on recall. Obedience is fun, but it requires a commitment of at least 15 minutes every day working with your dog. Very little equipment is needed, just a collar, leash, patience, time, and love.

Members also have the opportunity to train a dog for the Leader Dog/Service Dog program. The member will raise a puppy or train an older dog for service to the handicapped. Dogs may show at the Van Buren Youth Fair in the Service Dog Class.

Members also have the opportunity to compete in Team Obedience at the State 4-H Dog Show. Team includes on-leash and off-leash in synchronicity with 4 handlers and 4 dogs. An on-leash team is formed to demonstrate at the Van Buren Youth Fair each year. Beginning in 2003, the Young Explorers teams have earned the gold medal at the State 4-H Dog Show.

Each year, the Young Explorers try to hold a Fun Show in advance of Fair so that members can test their skills and abilities before competing at the Van Buren Youth Fair in July.

DENISE CONSFORD, DOG LEADER


DENISE MASSEY, DOG LEADER