Dog | National 4‑H Curriculum

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

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

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.