Dog Care is the only dog project that is judged based on an interview instead of an actual show. The interview happens at our 4-H Interview Judging in mid-July. The interview is over the things that the Dog Care book covers. This includes the history of the dog, the breeds of dogs, the dog owner's responsibilities, selecting the right breed, preparing for your puppy, feeding the mature dog, detecting estrus or heat, care of the bitch and puppies at whelping, basic home training, internal parasites, dog diseases transmitted to humans, external parasites, dog diseases preventable by vaccination, first aid for your dog, and building a dog house.
The dog care project is judged on five areas. This includes (1) the interview, in which the 4-Her is judged on their knowledge of the dog's health and grooming, parts of the dog, and general knowledge of dogs, and (2) the member record forms, found in the back of the dog care book. They are also judged on (3) the 4-H member's appearance and attitude, and (4) the dog's appearance and manners, which checks the general health of the dog, the grooming of the dog, and that the dog demonstrates good manners. The final area the project is judged on is (5) the creative achievement of the 4-Her and their dog. They are expected to demonstrate something they learned in the current 4-H year.
There are four divisions in Dog Care. They are Dog Care Jr. Beginning, which is for 4-Hers 13 and under. They can compete at this level for two years, then they move to Dog Care Jr. Advanced, until they turn 14. Dog Care Sr. Beginning the 4-Her is for 4-Hers 14 and older with no Jr. Dog Care Advanced experience. They can compete at this level for two years, then they move to Dog Care Sr. Advanced.