05/04/2019
Spring Fling
May 30th, Thursday, 5:30, Norfolk Co Agricultural High School
hosted by Thunder Hill K9 Encounters 4H
RSVP see entries below $7 for 1 dog, $10 for 2, $3 for 2nd youth on same dog
As with most of our things the first year the goal is to show up, get in the ring. Do that you;ve won. After that it's all about stepping up your game, challenging yourself and your dog to do better than last year.
This is a low key, fun 4H dog show. It's a great kick off to the show season.
So what do you need to know
The show is in the arena in the animal science building ( Thank you Aggie!) It starts at 5:30 which is early for many of us, including the judges, show secretaries and coordinators, but it's once a year and who doesn't love that last minute rush?
Show clothes are tan pants or skirts (including skorts). Shorts are allowed if the weather requires it ( it is warm in that building) All shirts are white shirts, with a 4H patch on the left side. No flip flops, or shoes with open toes or heels. Sneakers, flat shoes are fine.
It will help to have a crate and have your dog used to it. You can get by without, but ONLY ( and this is the thing I am most firm on) ONLY ONLY youth may handle the dogs from start to finish. Another 4h member can help you, but only youth can be at the people end of the leash, brushing the dog, getting him water, changing leads......... YOUTH show. It can be a long night for you and the dog without a crate.
For the dogs, flat collars, no tags, 6 foot leads for obedience; show leads for showmanship or choke and chain. Groom them up before the show, make them look their best :), bring a brush for touch ups, water bowl, treats are OK for showmanship, not for obedience and fine between events.
We have added photography and art classes this year. (Because we have some exceptional talent) I'll list classes in another email.
Bring your own chairs.
OK so that's all the getting ready things.
Night of the show------
Arrive by 5:30 with a well walked dog, check in and get your exhibitor number arm band, get set up and settled down
THis is a fun thing, we want you to do well. "Classes" are broken into age and experience groups, so you are in the ring with exhibitors at the same level as you.
You will use your arm bands numbers for everything. Points will be made for each of knowledge, obedience, showmanship. Ribbons will be given for each class. Champion and reserve champion rosettes will be given for high points in written exam and based on a champion class in showmanship and obedience . Best of show champion and reserve rosettes will be awarded based on high points combined in each of the three classes. New this year a champion and reserve rosette will be awarded for overall high points based on points earned in knowledge, obedience, showmanship, art and photography.
Written exam- everyone takes the knowledge test. Yep. You may have a reader, if needed. You take this on your own, no sharing. The written exam comes in four sizes:
cloverbud ( ages 5-7)
novice junior ( 1st year, ages 8-13)
junior and novice senior ( ages 8-13 not 1st year and ages 14-19 in the 1st year)
Senior (ages 14 and up, not 1st year)
questions will cover sporting breeds, anatomy, health, basic dog terms
Show order will be posted ringside for obedience and showmanship. Both rings will be going at the same time, so you might show obedience first and showmanship 2nd or vice versa. If one ring goes more quickly than another, we will adjust so you don't miss a class. We may break classes into group A and B if there are more than 10 in a class.
Showmanship: (1 dog, does not matter if dog has shown before)
cloverbud (ages 5-7)
novice junior (ages 8-13, 1st year)
novice senior (ages 14 and up, 1st year)
junior (ages 8-13)
senior (ages 14 and up)
pre-professional ( having won 3 or more 1st place showmanship ribbons and/or showing akc)
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Obedience: (You may show 2 dogs, but scores for overall will be based on dog entered in showmanship)
pre-novice a (1st year showing)
pre-novice b (2nd year showing, or 1st year with a new dog)*
Novice A (3rd year showing, some limited off leash work work involved)
Novice B (4th year showing or more)
Classes such as cloverbud, brace, open, utility, advance beginner may be added by request. A team class maybe done for fun if time permits
* Limited exceptions maybe made for a 3rd year dog shown once in previous years who is not ready for any off lead work
Dogs and/or exhibitors, may be removed for unsportsmanlike behavior.
OK-- Now you know everything I do
Next I need entries you can email and pay night of show or mail to Thunder Hill 4H 117 Lakeshore Dr, Westwood Ma 02090)
Name, dog name, club name, knowledge class, showmanship class, obedience class
(any other info you think I should know)
