Blue Earth County 4-H’ers present their best at the Minnesota 4-H State Dog Show

Two 4-H youth from Blue Earth County participated in the Minnesota 4-H State Dog Show held Sept. 23-24, 2023. In total, 363 youth and 417 dogs from across the state participated in this annual event, held at the 4-H Building on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. 

Over the two-day event, 4-H’ers competed against other youth in their age group and experience level to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in agility, obedience, showmanship and rally. 

Youth members of the Minnesota 4-H dog project learn to train and build a trusting relationship with their pets. Topics of study include canine behavior, breed characteristics, diseases, ethics, grooming, health, nutrition, responsible breeding, service dogs, therapy dogs, dog-related careers and the wide array of dog sports. 

“Youth learn so much responsibility from training their dog and competing in the 4-H state dog show,” said Kim Lambert, one of the many caring adults who volunteer with the 4-H dog project statewide. “These kids work all year long, building strong partnerships with their dogs. If they don’t work carefully with their dogs, the dogs won’t work for them. The responsibility kids learn here they can use forever.”

To learn more about the 4-H dog project, contact Extension Educator, Lizz Kendall, at 507-304-4142 or visit the 4-H dog project page.

Youth members of the Blue Earth County delegation and their awards