VACCINATIONS - All dogs must be immunized and current for distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and rabies. Vaccinations must be administered according to vaccine label guidelines (effective for 1 or 3 years). Dog owners are encouraged to visit with their veterinarian to determine if other vaccinations are recommended for their area or for travel (such as Bordetella). A photocopy of vaccination record form (SF 263) noting all vaccinations is required as part of the advanced entry. All vaccinations must be in effect at the time of the show. Exhibitors may want to get annual vaccinations in the spring and have the SF 263 filled out one time to use for the whole year.
DISQUALIFIED DOGS - Females in season will not be permitted to be shown. Overly aggressive dogs may be disqualified at the discretion of the judge or superintendent. A handler who cannot or does not properly control a dog will be excused and disqualified. Lame or crippled dogs will not be permitted to show if it is determined by the judge or show superintendent that it is affecting the health of the dog.
ROUGH HANDLING - Any rough handling or abuse of dogs on the grounds or in the ring will result in disqualification.
BAITING - Baiting with food, squeakers, or toys will not be permitted in any class and is cause for disqualification. Handlers may use baiting action without food or toys in showmanship. The judge has the authority to disqualify violators.
DOG AGE - A dog must be 6 months or older to be exhibited in dog competitions.
CLEANUP - This shall be the EXHIBITOR'S RESPONSIBILITY. This includes all areas while on the show site. Dogs should use the designated dog exercise area.
EXERCISE AREA - Exhibitors should frequently use the designated exercise area(s) for restroom breaks for their dogs. All clean up and disposal in designated trash cans is the responsibility of the exhibitor.
SOILING IN THE RING - If a dog has an accident in the show ring, the exhibitor will be asked to stop, clean up and disinfect the area with supplies provided by the show. Ring stewards will assist by holding the dog’s leash. The exhibitor will finish their class and will be lowered one ribbon placing as a penalty for that class due to soiling in the show ring.
GROOMING AND WARM UP DAY OF SHOW - Only exhibitors are allowed to groom or work dogs at the show, both in and out of the rings.
ADVANCEMENT IN OBEDIENCE, RALLY, AND AGILITY CLASSES - A youth will move up to a ‘transition year’, after they receive 2 purples in a specific class at county or state level competition. Youth will finish their 4-H year at the same level if the second purple ribbon occurs in the middle of their 4-H year. Youth do not have to move up in the middle of a 4-H year. Youth will then have the option to stay in their current class for one additional year (after receiving 2 purple ribbons) called the ‘transition year’. During the transition year, youth will practice the more advanced class (gaining skills such as off leash work) but may compete in their same level. Youth may advance up to the next level more quickly with advice/assistance from a leader and parent to help evaluate skill and readiness of youth and dog. This may especially occur if the youth has had previous dog handling experiences.
ADVANCEMENT IN SHOWMANSHIP CLASSES - Classes are divided into age divisions.
SUBSTITUTIONS - A dog may be substituted for showmanship classes only if injury or death following the entry deadline. Substitutions are generally not allowed in obedience and agility classes; however, substitutions may be considered at the discretion of the state fair superintendents. A substitute can be selected from the exhibitor’s household family or from the household where the originally entered dog resides. Dog(s) may be substituted only if a superintendent is directly consulted prior to the show date. A Nebraska State Fair Dog Show Vaccination Form (SF 263) must be completed for all substitution dogs and received by the superintendent prior to the show date.
NUMBER OF ENTRIES PER EXHIBITOR - Currently, for State Fair: Youth may enter one showmanship class, two agility classes (using different dogs and in different level of classes), two rally classes (using different dogs and in different level of classes), and two obedience classes (using different dogs and in different level of classes). Fairs, shows, and fun matches may establish entry guidelines according to the number of classes offered, number of exhibitors, facility and number of rings, days of events, judges, and interest.
USE OF LEASH - Dogs are to always remain on leash except under the direction of a judge while performing a class in the show ring.