Dog Project

A child works to train her dogThe Larimer County 4-H Dog program is designed to provide an opportunity to handle, care for and learn about dogs. Members learn responsibility, leadership, communication and the importance of keeping accurate records. 

There are many ways you can get involved, such as workshops, Dog shows and knowledge competitions. The program includes four class options; Obedience, Showmanship, Rally, and Agility.

Why Sign Up for the Dog Project?

  • Learn to properly care for a dog
  • Explore more advanced training opportunities
  • Learn the importance of accurate records
Expand All Collapse All

You'll need a dog to train and you'll need to attend the dog training workshops. When you enroll in the project, you'll receive a schedule of workshops you can attend.

If you choose to participate in the Dog Show at the County Fair, you may need a special lead for your dog.

Project Completion Requirements:

  • Enroll in the Dog Project
  • Complete Dog ID: 2026 Deadline: May 1, 2026
    • Required for all project dogs
    • Dog IDs are required to show at the Larimer County Fair and Colorado State Fair
    • Directions in Project Information below
  • Participate in a 4-H Sponsored Community Service Activity
  • Do a 4-H Related Demonstration
  • Complete a Dog Record Book
    • Record books must be kept for each project animal
  • Exhibit your Dog
  • Complete all Club Requirements

Starting Out - Beginner

Inspiring youth to:

  • Learn what kind of dog would be best for you and your family
  • Learn about goal setting
  • Evaluate project with leader
  • Learn how to keep records
  • Learn how to assume responsibility

Learning More - Intermediate

Inspiring youth to:

  • Obedience training
  • Learn how to train a dog to obey beginning and novice level commands such as heel, sit, down, stand for examination, recall, finish and the figure eight
  • Investigate dog breed origins
  • Find out why dogs are neutered or spayed
  • Compare dog foods
  • Evaluate project with leader
  • Learn about goal setting
  • Gain knowledge of sound management practices
  • Develop sportsmanship
  • Develop public speaking skills

Exploring Depth - Advanced

Inspiring youth to:

  • Advanced training
  • Learn about dogs that help people
  • Help younger members train their dogs
  • Assist the 4-H Dog leader with training
  • Learn how to do a budget
  • Explore career opportunities related to dogs
  • Build lifelong friendship

4-H E-Records were previously known as Record Books. Each project has its own E-Record book that members are required to complete each year. We recommend downloading and starting your record book right away. All record books should be kept in a 3-ring binder. The front cover should have the 4-H'ers name, unit number, and project.  

Need help filling out your E-Record? Talk to your club leader, project leader, or visit our E-Record help page.

Record Book Check-In Sheet

  • Coming soon

Junior

2025-2026 Dog Project Record Book - Junior

Intermediate

2025-2026 Dog Project Record Book - Intermediate

Senior

2025-2026 Dog Project Record Book - Senior

Larimer County 4-H Required Dog Vaccinations

  • Proof of Rabies vaccination is required for all dogs participating in any of the County 4-H Dog Workshops and the Larimer County Fair. You can bring proof of Rabies vaccination to the Dog Orientation or your first workshop or scan the certificate and email to: bashorro@co.larimer.co.us.  Dogs will NOT be allowed to participate in County 4-H Dog Workshops, the Larimer County Fair, or the Colorado State Fair without proof of current Rabies vaccination. No exceptions.
  • Proof of Canine Distemper and Parvovirus vaccine is also required for the Larimer County Fair and Colorado State Fair, so please plan ahead.

Required Dog ID Information

All 4-H Dog Project members are required to fill out a Colorado 4-H Dog Identification Form. Dog ID forms will be online only. You do not need to send a hard copy of your Dog ID to the Extension Office. Go to 4honline.com

Directions to add an Animal ID:

  • Log in to 4honline using your family email •
  • Go to the Member Page
  • Scroll down to list of family members and click on “edit” next to your name (just like when you were registering)
  • Click on the “Animal/Livestock” button at the top
  • Choose your animal type: “Dog”
  • Select “Add Animal”
  • Fill out the information and upload your dog’s shot records and photos
  • Click on “Save”

A printed copy of your online Colorado 4-H Dog ID is required for your Dog Record Book.

Directions for printing an Animal ID:

  • Log in to 4honline using your family email.
  • Go to the Member Page.
  • Scroll down to the list of family members and click on “edit” next to your name (just like when you were registering).
  • Click on the “Animal/Livestock” button at the top.
  • Click on the “Edit/View” button next to the animal.
  • Right click print
  • Scroll down to the pictures
  • Right click print again
  • The ID will be on two pages: one with the information and one with the pictures.

Larimer County 4-H Dog Project Leasing Policy

Updated 2020

Larimer County 4-H members may lease a dog to participate in the 4-H Dog Project. This program is designed to offer the opportunity of the dog project to members who are unable to own a dog. The lease terms and agreements should be determined by the 4-H member and the lessor, and the Extension Office is not involved in any lease agreements and operates purely as an educational advisor. 

Members with a leased dog may participate in all activities pertaining to the Larimer County 4-H Dog Project, including workshops, clinics, contests, camps and the Larimer County Fair 4-H Dog Trials.

Leased Dogs are not allowed to show at the Colorado State Fair 4-H Dog Trials.

To print all upcoming events, select "Agenda" and then "Print"


Larimer County CSU Extension

Email: extnsn01@larimer.org
Phone: (970) 498-6000

1525 Blue Spruce Dr.    
Fort Collins, CO 80524-2004

Facebook YouTube Instagram