The purpose of the dog project is to help 4-H members:
- Experience the pride of owning and/or being responsible for the training and care of one or more dogs.
- Learn to properly feed and care for a dog and gain knowledge of dog health, first aid and safety precautions.
- Gain experience in training a dog in basic obedience, practice handling, grooming, and showing.
- Promote greater love for animals and a humane attitude toward them.
- Develop leadership, initiative, self-reliance, sportsmanship, and other desirable character traits.
- Learn citizenship responsibilities through working in groups and support community programs and activities.
- Develop skills to be used later in life when working with groups of people or working with animals.
- Learn positive reinforcement training and animal treatment.
- Learn how science relates to their companion animal project.
- Increase their knowledge in agriculture and career opportunities.