Wiggles and Wags
Grades 3-5
I Wiggles and Wags, youth learn basic skills for dog care and training. Activities include knowing breeds, selecting a dog, knowing the parts of a dog, keeping a dog healthy and groomed, training and much more.
Youth learn many things, including how to:
- Investigate breeds
- Appreciate dogs’ places and roles in society
- Practice grooming, fitting, showing and training
- Care for dogs
- Explore dog-related careers and activities
Chapter 1: Selection and Care
The Right Dog for You
AKC Breeds
Find a Dog to Match Your Lifestyle
Purebred vs. Mixed Breed Dogs
The Mixed Breed Dog
Responsible Dog Owner Tip Sheet
True False Quiz Dog Ownership
What Does Your New Dog Need?
Checklist for Bringing Home a Puppy
My Favorite Breed
Seven Groups
What Kind of Dog is Heidi?
Who is That Dog?
Chapter 2: Health and Nutrition
Dog Food Ingredients and Nutrition
Nutrition and Feeding Dogs
Rabies
Recipe Card Dog Food
Chapter 3: Behavior and Training
Talking Dog Body Language
Euthanasia
Checklist for Kids
Safety Around Dogs
How to Greet a Dog
Megan Meets Mastiff
Dog Training Tips
Hidden Picture Activity
Chapter 4: Fitting and Showing
A Grooming Primer
Grooming Your Dog
Terminology
Canine Connection
Grades 6-8
In Canine Connection, youth explore more about dog health, nutrition, and care, genetic problems, population control, showmanship, training, ethics and budgeting.
Youth learn many things, including how to:
- Investigate breeds
- Appreciate dogs’ places and roles in society
- Practice grooming, fitting, showing and training
- Care for dogs
- Explore dog-related careers and activities
Chapter 1: Selection and Care
American Kennel Club for Purebred Dogs
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFFA)
Canine Genetic Desease Network
Where Did That Giant Dog Breed Come From?
Budgeting
Cost of Pet Ownership
Definitions of Genetic Disorders
Chapter 2: Health and Nutrition
Dog Nutrition
A Career in Veterinary Technology
Why You Should Spay or Neuter Your Pet
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Pet Safety: Leaving a Dog Home Alone
Taking Bailey to the Veterinarian
Chapter 3: Behavior and Training
Dog Behavior
Teaching Tricks
United States Dog Agility Association
All Star Performance Dog Association
Leading the Pack
Grades 9-12
In Leading the Pack, experienced youth investigate responsible breeding, diseases, caring for geriatric dogs, training, service dogs, dog roles and careers related to dogs. This guide provides youth with numerous leadership opportunities.
Youth learn many things, including how to:
- Organize events
- Investigate complicated issues
- Give presentations
- Make decisions
- Teach others
Chapter 1: Health and Care
First Aid and Emergency Care for Dogs
Diseases and Organ Systems
Making a Difference: Being a Responsible Dog Breeder
The Senior Dogs Project
Emergency Care
Breeding
Chapter 2: Behavior and Training
Puppy Training Basics
The Seeing Eye
Guide Dogs for the Blind
Canine Good Citizen Test
Canine Good Citizen Evaluators
Stages of Puppy Development
Chapter 3: Dogs and Society
Dogs in Our Community
Assistance Dogs International
American Dog Trainers Network
Dog Bite Law
Overview of State Leash Law
Information on Renting with a Dog or Cat
Pet Food Labeling Law
Pet Food Labeling Requirement
Zoonic Disease
Chapter 4: Showing Leadership
Dog Activities
Dog Agility
Flyball
Helper's Guide
As you work with young people, it is important to take into account where they are in their stage of development. Not all people develop in the same way at the same age. But there are certain patterns within youth development that are commonly expressed by most youth. Understanding these characteristics will help you better reach and teach your audience.
Basic Life Skills Development
As a helper for the dog project, one of your primary goals is to help youth gain knowledge about dogs. However, it is equally important to emphasize the learning of “life skills.” These skills transfer beyond the actual activity. Life skills are critical in helping young people become self-directing, productive and contributing members of society. The Targeting Life Skills (TLS) Model (Hendricks, 1996), identifies and divides the major life skills targeted in 4‑H youth development by the four H’s from the 4‑H clover that represent Head, Heart, Hands and Health. These four are further divided into categories and then into specific life skills as shown.