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Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Dog Show – Showmanship

August 3, 2009

Species: Dog

For: Youth

Location: Buckeye Building - Ohio State Fairgrounds

Event Details

The following rules will apply:

Project Eligibility
1. Youth must be enrolled in Showmanship, Project No. 201S, to show in Showmanship classes. 4-H members can be enrolled in any 4-H Dog Project to participate in the Poster Contest; and any 4-H member, regardless of 4-H project, can participate in the Dog Skillathon.

2. FFA members are eligible to show provided they meet school FFA dog project requirements. FFA members must follow the 2009 OHIO STATE FAIR JUNIOR FAIR DOG SHOW RULES and entry requirements.

3. Only domestic dogs can be shown. Wolf and wolf hybrids are not permitted.

4. All dogs exhibited must be six months of age by the date of the show. Proof of age is the burden of the exhibitor or exhibitor’s immediate family. Dogs not meeting this age requirement cannot be shown.

Ownership
1. Dogs participating in Showmanship must either be owned by the junior fair exhibitor or the exhibitor’s immediate family. Dogs must be in the continual care of the junior fair exhibitor for the duration of the project. The date of ownership must be no later than April 1, or earlier as the date specified by the exhibitor's county. Proof of ownership is the burden of the exhibitor and exhibitor's family. Hardship cases will not be considered for state fair participation.
DEFINITIONS
a. IMMEDIATE FAMILY is defined as the junior fair exhibitor’s father, mother, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, grandfather or grandmother, including the corresponding step and half relations, or by a member of the exhibitor=s household.
b. CONTINUAL CARE is defined as the junior fair exhibitor being responsible for and involved in the feeding, cleaning, and caring of the project.
c. HARDSHIP CASES are defined as dogs that replace the original project enrolled by the exhibitor after the county’s enrollment deadline, or no later than April 1.
d. OWNERSHIP – REGISTERED DOGS: The exhibitor’s name, or a member of his/her immediate family’s name, must appear on the registration certificate of a dog registered by AKC, UKC, individual breed registries, herding dog registries, etc. Co-ownership of a dog is permitted provided the exhibitor’s name, or a member of his/her immediate family’s name, is listed on the registration certificate. It is recommended that a copy of the registration certificate be on file in the county Extension office.
e. OWNERSHIP – NON-REGISTERED PURCHASED DOGS: A non-registered dog purchased from a private owner, pet shop, humane society, dog rescue, etc., must have the exhibitor’s name or a member of his/her immediate family’s name, on the bill of sale. It is recommended that a copy of this bill of sale be on file in the county Extension office.
f. OWNERSHIP – DOGS FOUND/GIFTS: If a dog was given to the exhibitor or immediate family, or found by the exhibitor or immediate family, the exhibitor or a member of his/her immediate family receiving or finding the dog, should verify the date received or found by use of veterinary records, dog licenses, and other forms of records, and write a statement as to the definite or approximate date the dog was received as a gift or found. It is recommended that a copy of this statement be on file in the county Extension office.

2. Leasing a dog is not permitted for State Fair dog show participation. If counties have a leasing program, leased dogs are not permitted to exhibit at the State Fair.

3. Sharing a dog at the county level is not permitted for State Fair dog show participation. If two youth share a dog at the county level, neither youth is eligible to show that dog at the State Fair, including Agility competition.

Training/Showing/Titles
1. Lessons, instruction and advice for the exhibitor are encouraged. As long as the exhibitor is present in the learning situation, and handles or trains the dog the majority of the time present, such assistance can include occasional handling or training by another person. Only the exhibitor can train the dog at any type of training class on or after April 1, 2009.

2. No one other than the junior fair exhibitor is permitted to show the project dog at any type of dog show, including agility, field trials, rally trials, etc., as well as fun matches, on or after April 1, 2009.

3. Project eligibility and class or classes entered must be determined at the county level. It is the responsibility at the county level to determine what class or classes the exhibitor is eligible for, and that the exhibitor understands the 2009 OHIO STATE FAIR JUNIOR FAIR DOG SHOW RULES, including the exercises to be performed for the judge.

4. Dogs shown at the Ohio State Fair Dog Show must be the same dogs enrolled at the county level.

5. Junior Fair exhibitors in respective activities and classes are expected to perform in those events and demonstrate those skills which are listed in these 2009 OHIO STATE FAIR JUNIOR FAIR DOG SHOW RULES, in the OHIO 4-H DOG RESOURCE HANDBOOK, OHIO 4-H DOG PROJECT AND RECORD BOOK, on the various dog 4-H judging score sheets, and in the USDAA® Official Rules and Regulations. NOTE: Score sheets used in judging are in the OHIO 4-H DOG PROJECT AND RECORD BOOK. They are also posted on the Resources page at www.4hdogs.osu.edu. These score sheets must be used for evaluating 4-H dog projects. Any additional information pertinent to the State Fair Dog Show will be sent to the county Extension offices or posted at www.4hdogs.osu.edu.

6. For Showmanship classes, dogs with AKC Jr. Handling or like experiences must be shown in exhibitor age-appropriate B classes. Dogs completing a title prior to, or anytime during, the project year must show in exhibitor age-appropriate B classes. Any dog receiving points toward a championship title anytime during the project year must then move into the appropriate B class at the time the points were first earned.
This rule, if applicable, supersedes exhibitor and dog information listed in the class descriptions found later in this document. Fun matches do not apply.

7. ONLY dogs shown by junior fair exhibitors are permitted on the Fairgrounds. Exhibitors, parents/guardians, advisors, show personnel, etc., are NOT permitted to bring their dogs on the Fairgrounds and to the Dog Show unless dogs are being used for demonstration purposes. ALL dogs must comply with the 2009 Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Dog Show health and license requirements. Pregnant and lactating bitches, bitches in heat, and puppies less than 6 months of age are NOT permitted on the Fairgrounds.

License and Health Requirements
1. All dogs must be currently licensed in the exhibitor’s county of residence. THE EXHIBITOR MUST BRING A CERTIFICATE OF LICENSE TO HEALTH CHECK. THE DOG LICENSE TAG ALONE IS NOT SUFFICIENT.
a. The exhibitor must pay a $15.00 processing fee if he or she does not bring a certificate of license to health check and show officials must call his or her respective county auditor’s office for verification. This fee must be paid prior to officials making the phone call.

2. The 2009 Ohio State Fair Dog Project Identification Form and Vaccination Certificate completed and signed by a licensed, accredited veterinarian is required for exhibition. THIS IS THE ONLY CERTIFICATE THAT WILL BE ACCEPTED AT HEALTH CHECK. This certificate must include ALL information requested in the Identification Form section, completed and signed by the exhibitor. The administering veterinarian must complete the information requested in the Vaccination Certificate section. Other certificates of vaccination, computerized vaccination records, pet record cards, or kennel records will not be accepted. It is the exhibitor's responsibility to make sure that all health requirements for State Fair are met.

3. The Ohio Department of Agriculture requires dogs to have current Rabies vaccinations. Veterinarians must document on the 2009 Ohio State Fair Dog Project Identification Form and Vaccination Certificate whether the exhibitor’s dog’s rabies vaccination is current for 1 year or 3 years by filling in the “date expires” blank.

4. The Ohio 4-H Dog Program requires that all dogs be vaccinated yearly for Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus for exhibition at the Ohio State Fair Dog Show. However, if the veterinarian feels that administering the Leptospirosis vaccination would jeopardize the dog’s health, it may be waived, and the administering veterinarian must initial the applicable box under the DHLPP section on the Vaccination Certificate. If the veterinarian follows the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommendations or vaccine antibody titer tests, the administering veterinarian must initial the applicable box under the DHLPP section.

5. All vaccinations must be administered by a licensed, accredited veterinarian. If the veterinarian does not administer certain vaccinations to older or other dogs, those vaccinations must be noted by the administering veterinarian, either on the vaccination form or letterhead. For the Ohio State Fair Dog Show, all vaccinations must be current through August 6, 2009. (Note: Vaccination deadlines for county fairs may differ.)

6. The 2009 Ohio State Fair Dog Project Identification Form and Vaccination Certificate is available from the county Extension office. It can also be downloaded from the Resources page at www.4hdogs.osu.edu. This same form may be used for county fair shows provided the vaccinations are current through August 6, 2009 for State Fair exhibition. The use of this form/certificate at the county level must be approved by the county 4-H professional and must be consistent throughout the respective county.

7. Any dogs exhibiting abnormalities or symptoms of sickness, disease, or parasite infestation as determined by the health check officials will be eliminated from the show and must be removed from the Fairgrounds. If a dog is under veterinary care for a health condition that is not infectious or contagious, the exhibitor must bring a health certificate from the attending veterinarian verifying the condition and treatment. Decision of the health check officials is final.

8. Bitches showing ANY signs of heat are not permitted on the Fairgrounds. They are not permitted to show! Each dog must go through a health check where all females will be checked for signs of heat. If a bitch shows any signs of heat, she will be eliminated from the show and must be removed from the Fairgrounds. Any bitch, which appears so attractive to males as to be a disturbing element, will be eliminated from the show and must be removed from the Fairgrounds. Decision of the health check officials is final.

9. Pregnant and/or lactating (nursing) bitches are not permitted on the Fairgrounds, and are not permitted to be shown.

10. Any male or female dog that is a disturbing element to other dogs will be eliminated from the show and must be removed from the Fairgrounds.

11. Before going to Registration, exhibitors must bring their dog(s), dog license certificate(s), and 2009 Ohio State Fair Dog Project Identification Form and Vaccination Certificate(s) to Health Check each day they are showing. Incomplete or falsified information is grounds for dismissal.
a. The exhibitor must pay a $15.00 processing fee if information on the health certificates is incomplete and show officials must call his or her veterinarian for verification. This fee must be paid prior to officials making the phone call.

Safety and Sportsmanship
Refer to www.4hdogs.osu.edu for Sportsmanship and Ethics information.

Individuals who violate any rule and/or exhibit poor sportsmanship during the Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Dog Show WILL BE DISQUALIFIED from showing and removed from the Fairgrounds. Judges’ decisions are FINAL. Individuals are NOT permitted to have any discussion with judges at any time throughout the Dog Show. Individuals with concerns must express them in writing, give them to Show Personnel, and those concerns will be discussed at the fall State 4-H Dog Advisory Committee meeting. Confrontations with Judges and/or Show Personnel will result in removal of those individuals from the Fairgrounds and in disqualification of exhibitors.

1. Dogs must be kept on leash while on the fairgrounds, except when participating in the ring during judging. Dogs must be kenneled in designated areas. Exhibitors are totally responsible for their dogs while on the fairgrounds. Exhibitors are expected to clean up after their dogs. Dogs are not permitted outside the show ring area and kennel area. Dogs must not be left unattended.

2. Any dog exhibiting unsafe or threatening behavior or any exhibitor or other person(s) abusing or neglecting a dog will be removed from the fairgrounds. Dogs are not permitted to wear any type of muzzle, prong collar, or electronic collar while on the fairgrounds. Exhibitors will be disqualified if their dogs are seen wearing muzzles, prong collars, or electronic collars.

3. Any dog that is not under its handler’s control and any handler who willfully interferes with another competitor or that competitor’s dog will be excused from competition.

4. JUDGES DECISIONS ARE FINAL. Exhibitors, parents, volunteers, and other individuals ARE NOT PERMITTED to talk with judges at any time during the Dog Show. Discussion and/or confrontation with judges will result in disqualification of exhibitor and removal of individuals from the Fairgrounds.

5. Exhibitors, parents, volunteers, and other individuals verbally and/or physically abusive or threatening to show personnel will be removed from the Fairgrounds, and exhibitors will be disqualified.

6. Judges and/or show officials have the right to disqualify any participant exhibiting poor sportsmanship from showing, or from receiving any awards, at anytime during the Dog Show, as well as order the removal from the Fairgrounds of anyone showing unsportsmanlike conduct. This is in addition to participants having points deducted from the Sportsmanship category on their score sheets.

7. The judge or show officials may dismiss from the ring any dog exhibiting unsafe or threatening behavior or any exhibitor abusing the dog. This may result in disqualification of exhibitor and/or removal of dog and/or exhibitor from the Fairgrounds.

8. Only the exhibitor’s dog, exhibitor, and show officials are permitted in the show ring area at any time throughout the show.

Show Equipment/Handler’s & Dog’s Appearance
1. Exhibitors must provide their own collar, leash, water dish, kennel and any equipment needed.
a. Showmanship collars include nylon or very small chain link slip collars, or combination lead and collar, such as a martingale. Nothing may be hanging from the dog’s collar. Showmanship leads may be of fabric or leather, proportionate to the size of the dog, and long enough to allow for easy handling. Chain leads are not acceptable.

2. Using bait in showmanship classes is up to the discretion of the judge. The steward should check with the judge prior to the start of classes and have the announcer inform the exhibitors as to the use of bait.

3. Handler’s appearance: Exhibitors should be neat, clean, and well-groomed in appearance. They should wear clothing that is comfortable to handle in and appropriate for dog shows. Clothing should not distract, limit or hinder the judge’s view of the dog. Acceptable clothing for girls in Showmanship classes are dresses, skirts, dress shorts, skorts, dress slacks, dressy Capri or crop pants, collared blouses, or similar attire. Acceptable clothing for boys includes dress shirts, ties, and dress slacks. Sports jackets may be worn, but are not necessary, especially in hot weather. When wearing a tie, secure it with a tie tack. Closed-toe shoes, rubber-soled shoes, flats, and similar type shoes are acceptable footwear. Inappropriate clothing includes clothing that is too tight or too revealing, such as short skirts, short shorts, tank tops, halter tops, spaghetti straps, low cut blouses or shirts, shorts hanging too low on the waist, clothing with holes or tears in the fabric, blue jeans, faded or torn jeans of any kind, or other similar types of clothing. Do not wear shirts with club names or logos, or clothing with lettering and distracting or offensive wording or designs. Do not wear hats. Do not wear sandals, open-toed shoes, high-heeled shoes, clogs, or similar type footwear. Exhibitors dressed inappropriately will not be allowed in the show ring.

4. Dog’s appearance: Dogs must be clean, well brushed and in good physical condition appropriate for the dog’s age. The coat must be free from mats and loose hair. Ears must be clean and free from hair in the ear canal. The eyes must be free from matter, and teeth should not have any tartar buildup. Some staining on the teeth of older dogs is permissible. Toenails must be of proper length. Hair between the pads should be trimmed to prevent matting and collecting dirt. It is not required that whiskers be trimmed, but if the dog’s face is shaved, the stubble should be removed. Regulation show clip is not required for purebred dogs.

Scores/Ties/Score Sheets
1. Scores will be posted within a reasonable amount of time after each class has been judged. Exhibitors who are tied for the top fifteen places in all Showmanship classes, except Showmanship Junior A should remain until all classes in the same category are judged, in case of further ties. Failure to stay will mean forfeiture of a possible placing.

2. Youth scoring in the top 25% in and Showmanship Junior A will receive awards.

3. Ties will be broken as follows:
Showmanship: When two or more exhibitors have the same overall scores, the scores in the handling exercise will be compared. The exhibitor with the highest score in the handling exercise will receive the highest placing, and so forth. If all exhibitors have the same score in this last exercise, the scores in the grooming section will be compared, and so forth until ties are broken. If the scores are equal throughout all of the exercises, with the interviews being the last section compared, ties will be broken by the exhibitors and their dogs performing a handling exercise as specified by the judge.

4. Score sheets will be returned to the County Extension Office about two weeks following the closing day of the State Fair. Score sheets will not be returned during the State Fair Dog Show.

Classes and Awards

1. Youth may show the same or different project dog in that eligible Showmanship class.

Exercises to be performed in all Showmanship classes include: (1) Interview; (2) Handler Appearance & Attitude, (3) Grooming, and (4) Handling. For the Interview, age-appropriate questions will come from specific chapters and/or sections of the Ohio 4-H Dog Resource Handbook. The chapters/sections from where questions will be asked, along with sample questions, will be posted on the website by June 1.

J-13 Showmanship Junior A This class is for the 4-H or FFA member 8-11 years of age as of January 1, 2009. Neither the exhibitor nor the dog has had any prior experience in Showmanship, AKC Jr. Handling or like experiences, or a champion title before April 1, 2009, or their county’s 4-H enrollment deadline, whichever comes first. Once an exhibitor and dog show in this class, he/she must move to Showmanship Junior B provided he/she is still within the age requirements. If the exhibitor will be 12 years of age as of January 1 the next year, then he/she will move to Showmanship Intermediate B. A dog shown in this class at the Ohio State Fair cannot return to this class. It must be shown at the Showmanship B level of the appropriate age of the exhibitor. All youth placing in the top 25% of the class will receive an Outstanding of the Day rosette. The highest scoring youth will receive a trophy. 2008 Winner – Erin Struble, Hardin Co.

J-14 Showmanship Junior B This class is for the 4-H or FFA member or dog who has shown in Showmanship Junior A or has had prior experience in Showmanship, AKC Jr. Handling or like experiences, or a champion title before April 1, 2009, or their county’s 4-H enrollment deadline, whichever comes first. The exhibitor must meet the age requirements of 8-11 years of age as of January 1, 2009. The exhibitor who wins first place in this class at the Ohio State Fair can return to this class with the same dog every year provided age requirements are met. A dog shown in this class must be shown at the Showmanship B level and cannot go back to an A-level class. A first place trophy and 1 – 15 placing rosettes will be awarded. 2008 Winner – Monica Pennewitt, Clinton Co.

J-15 Showmanship Intermediate A This class is for the 4-H or FFA member 12-14 years of age as of January 1, 2009. Neither the exhibitor nor the dog has had any prior experience in Showmanship, AKC Jr. Handling or like experiences, or a champion title before April 1, 2009, or their county’s 4-H enrollment deadline, whichever comes first. Once an exhibitor and dog show in this class, he/she must move to Showmanship Intermediate B provided he/she is still within the age requirements. If the exhibitor will be 15 years of age as of January 1 the next year, then he/she will move to Showmanship Senior B. A dog shown in this class at the Ohio State Fair cannot return to this class. It must be shown at the Showmanship B level of the appropriate age of the exhibitor. A first place trophy and 1 – 15 placing rosettes will be awarded. 2008 Winner – Austin Webb, Medina Co.

J-16 Showmanship Intermediate B This class is for the 4-H or FFA member or dog who has shown in Showmanship Intermediate A or has had prior experience in Showmanship, AKC Jr. Handling or like experiences, or a champion title before April 1, 2009, or their county’s 4-H enrollment deadline, whichever comes first. The exhibitor must meet the age requirements of 12-14 years of age as of January 1, 2009. The exhibitor who wins first place in this class at the Ohio State Fair can return to this class with the same dog every year provided age requirements are met. A dog shown in this class must be shown at the Showmanship B level and cannot go back to an A-level class. A first-place trophy and 1 – 15 placing rosettes will be awarded. 2008 Winner – Molly Parker, Clark Co.

J-17 Showmanship Senior A This class is for the 4-H or FFA member 15-18 years of age as of January 1, 2009. Neither the 4-H or FFA member nor the dog has had any prior experience in Showmanship, AKC Jr. Handling or like experiences, or a champion title before April 1, 2009 or their county’s 4-H enrollment deadline, whichever comes first. Once an exhibitor and dog show in this class, he/she must move to Showmanship Senior B. A dog shown in this class at the Ohio State Fair cannot return to this class. It must be shown at the Showmanship B level. A first place trophy and 1 – 15 placing rosettes will be awarded. 2008 Winner – Clara Fox-Ruddell, Clark Co.

J-18 Showmanship Senior B This class is for the 4-H or FFA member or dog who has shown in Showmanship Senior A or has had prior experience in Showmanship, AKC Jr. Handling or like experiences, or a champion title before April 1, 2009 or their county’s 4-H enrollment deadline, whichever comes first. The exhibitor must meet the age requirements of 15-18 as of January 1, 2009. The exhibitor who wins first place in this class at the Ohio State Fair can return to this class with the same dog every year provided he/she meets the age requirements. A dog shown in this class must be shown at the Showmanship B level and cannot go back to an A-level class. A first-place trophy and 1 – 15 placing rosettes will be awarded. 2008 Winner – Sara Haer, Miami Co.

Summary of Progression of Showmanship Classes at the Ohio State Fair Dog Show

(J-13) Showmanship Junior A (8-11 yrs. as of 1/1/09) - 1 year, then move to Showmanship Junior B if still meeting the age requirements or move to Showmanship Intermediate B if 12 as of January 1. Neither the youth nor the dog can return to an A class.

(J-14) Showmanship Junior B (8-11 yrs. as of 1/1/09) - until reach Intermediate age division; class winner can repeat Showmanship Junior B every year with same dog; must progress from Showmanship Junior B to Showmanship Intermediate B.

(J-15) Showmanship Intermediate A (12-14 yrs. as of 1/1/09) - 1 year, then move to Showmanship Intermediate B if still meeting the age requirements or move to Showmanship Senior B if 15 as of January 1. Neither the youth nor the dog can return to an A class.

(J-16) Showmanship Intermediate B (12-14 yrs. as of 1/1/09) - until reach Senior age division; class winner can repeat Intermediate Showmanship B every year with same dog; must progress from Showmanship Intermediate B to Showmanship Senior B.

(J-17) Showmanship Senior A (15-18 yrs. as of 1/1/09) - 1 year, then move to Showmanship Senior B. Neither the youth nor dog can return to an A class.

(J-18) Showmanship Senior B (15-18 yrs. as of 1/1/09) - until ineligible to join 4-H or be in FFA; class winner can repeat Showmanship Senior B every year with same dog.

a. Refer to the J-13 through J-18 class descriptions for more details. At the Ohio State Fair any previous participants or dogs in Showmanship Junior A, Showmanship Intermediate A, and Showmanship Senior A may not enter the same class. First place winners of the Showmanship B classes can repeat Showmanship B every year with same dog provided youth meet age eligibility.
b. For Showmanship classes, dogs with AKC Jr. Handling or like experiences must be shown in exhibitor age-appropriate B classes. Dogs completing a title prior to, or anytime during, the project year must show in exhibitor age-appropriate B classes. Any dog receiving points toward a championship title anytime during the project year must then move into the appropriate B class at the time the points were first earned.
This rule, if applicable, supersedes exhibitor and dog information listed in the class descriptions found elsewhere in this document. Fun matches do not apply.

Contact: Lucinda B. Miller

OSU Animal Sciences Bldg.
2029 Fyffe Ct., Room 222B
Columbus OH 43210
614-292-7543
miller.78@osu.edu

Registration Deadline: July 11, 2009

Fee: $4.00

Registration/Entry Notes: The following entry information will apply: 1. Any youth enrolled in a 4-H or FFA dog project may enter the Ohio State Fair Dog Show. All entries must be approved by the youth’s 4-H advisor/FFA instructor and Extension professional. 2. Youth must enter their dogs by completing a 2009 Ohio State Fair Dog Show Entry Form, available online at www.4hdogs.osu.edu or from the county Extension office. Youth must mail entries directly to the Ohio State Fair Entry Department. Entry fees are $4.00 per dog per class entered. All entry fees must accompany the official State Fair Dog Show Entry Form. All entries must bear a postage stamp and have a legible cancellation date. Metered entries will NOT be accepted. The entry deadline is Saturday, July 11. Entries postmarked after July 11 will be charged a $50.00 late fee. 3. Youth may enter any of the classes they are eligible for as outlined in the 2009 OHIO STATE FAIR JUNIOR FAIR DOG SHOW RULES. The handler and dog must be able to perform the exercises required of the class(s) entered. 4. The Ohio State Fair Entry Department will mail an admission ticket and parking permit to each exhibitor by July 29. Admission tickets for additional days showing and dog walk passes will be provided at registration. Exhibitor letters and other pertinent information will be posted online at www.4hdogs.osu.edu.