4-H is a learning by doing educational program. Because of the educational goal, 4-H members are expected to care for and train their dogs. Youth learn very little if someone else trains and cares for their dogs.
Exhibitor should provide primary care and training for the dog. The dog should reside with the exhibitor or be cared for by the exhibitor the majority of the year. A youth may borrow a dog for their project but must be responsible for the daily care of the animal.
If a dog has previous training experience by another 4-H member or through another organization, the dog must show at the highest level that the dog has achieved.
Youth are encouraged to keep records from their show experiences such as score sheets and written summaries of show dates, classes entered, and ribbon placings to assist tracking their progress through the levels in the different show classes