4-H Dog Training Classes

February 21, 2024

Adam Petty
4-H Agent
Laurens County

The Whiskers and Tails 4-H Dog Club is a group of 4-H’ers from Laurens and Greenville Counties who are interested in learning more about working with their furry friends and showing them in competitive events.

For many years, Laurens County 4-H has supported opportunities for youth related to dogs. Each year through the Laurens County Dog Project, 4-H’ers are encouraged to learn and keep records of training, health, grooming, and much more as it relates to their pets. There have also been collaborations with the Greenville Kennel Club as they have provided clinics and support over the years. They assist each year in judging the annual dog show as part of the Laurens County Junior Livestock Show.

Beginning in August of 2023, the Whiskers and Tails 4-H Dog Club started offering weekly dog training classes at the Dog Trainers Workshop in Fountain Inn. These classes were for Canine Good Citizen certification, rally, and dog showmanship. They concluded at the end of September with a final competition. Then, with growing interest, it was decided to offer additional weekly classes in January of 2024 that will conclude at the end of February. These classes consist of Canine Good Citizen certification and rally and were open for any 4-H member in Laurens or Greenville Counties.

This club is led by a great group of volunteers; Charity Blumer, DeAnn Karns, and Lisa Stroup. Our 4-H’ers are also receiving quality lessons from qualified AKC instructors. It’s been amazing to see the amount of knowledge and confidence gained by these youth as they work with their animals. Thanks to Dog Trainer’s Workshop of Fountain Inn for the use of their training facility. We look forward to additional training classes throughout the year. Stay posted for the opening of registration for the 2024 Laurens County Dog Project in the spring. This project is open to all interested 4-H’ers in surrounding counties as well. Please contact Adam Petty at akpetty@clemson.edu or 864-705-1102 for more information. Also, check out our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/4Hlaurenscounty