The Cumberland County Dog Training Club

4H at Work:

The Cumberland County Dog Training Club in Cumberland County, New Jersey, is a group of 4H kids who train and show dogs.  These remarkable youngsters and their dogs go through increasingly challenging levels of dog training.  Some of the children are even raising dogs for service dog training.

4H used to be a farm kids’ club, but now children from many different kinds of communities attend and learn the leadership, citizenship and practical life skills that 4H teaches.  Children like those in the Cumberland County Dog Training Club learn through hands-on experience and formal training. 

4H is administered through the Department of Agriculture, and training and classes are often offered through university extension programs.  Experienced dog trainers teach 4H dog training classes like those attended by the Cumberland County Dog Training Club.  The children learn how to care for their animals, how to housebreak and teach basic obedience, and then how to do more advanced training. 

At the Cumberland County Fair, members of the Cumberland County Dog Training Club show what they have learned through competitions and demonstrations. 

The 4 H’s stand for heart, head, hands and health.  In all of their 4H activities, the members of the Cumberland County Dog Training Club learn to care for themselves, others and the world around them, including caring for their dogs.  They learn to think clearly, teaching the dogs the skills they need to compete successfully at the fair.  They learn to do—one of the basic principles of 4H is hands-on learning.  And they learn to live healthy, balanced lives.

4H builds character in young people.  They also learn how to lead and how to be good citizens.  The legacy of the Cumberland County Dog Training Club will follow these kids as they become tomorrow’s leaders.