When Ava Finger, Juneau, Wis., was in an accident that paralyzed her from the waist down, she continued her drive to compete and became involved with the Wisconsin Adaptive Sports Association, where she plays tennis and basketball. This year, together with her service dog, Luna, Ava took on an entirely new challenge. She and Luna are enjoying competition as part of the Dodge County 4-H Dog Project.

The Dodge County 4-H Dog Show was held July 30, 2022, at the Dodge County Fairgrounds. There were several experience levels, such as grand novice, novice, pre-novice, and beginner pre-novice. This was Ava’s first year competing with Luna, so she was in the beginner class.

“I like learning how to train her,” said Finger. “The biggest challenge is getting her to sit still. I give her a treat when she sits still.” Following Ava’s accident in her early teen years, her cousins began training Luna for service, and they introduced a wheelchair right away. “I didn’t really have to train her any different for competition because of my wheel chair. She does get a little scared that I’ll run over her tail when I’m going behind her for finishing ‘long sits,’ though.”

Tiffeny Herioux has been teaching youth how to train dogs in the Dodge County 4-H Dog Project for many years. “We welcome all children in the dog project, but it is a project with a major time commitment,” said Herioux. “This year, weekly practices started in May and have continued to present. After a week off in early August, those headed to state competition, Sept. 30-Oct. 2, will continue weekly practices until that time.”

Even with the time commitment, though, Herioux says there are numerous advantages. “The major benefit for kids who participate in the dog project is they develop a bond with their dog. In addition, after training, the kids can be comfortable taking their dog out in public, such as to the vet or the groomer, and know the dog will cooperate and not hurt someone or another dog.”

Herioux’s son, Andy, has been in the dog project for three years. “I like spending time with my dogs,” said Andy. “I have a Shihtzu and a Shetland sheepdog; I try to work with them every day. Sometimes they’re stubborn and sometimes they cooperate, so they get ‘attention.’ One of my dogs likes snuggles for ‘attention,’ and the other likes play time.”

There is an opportunity for the public to see these dogs in action. “On Wednesday night of the Dodge County Fair, at 5:45 p.m., we have our awards night in the Farm Progress Arena,” said Herioux. “Awards from the county show are presented, and then the kids and their dogs have fun demonstrating their skills for fair attendees. We do some agility and have a timed event with jumps, tunnels, hula hoops, and more. Everyone is welcome to watch.”

The 2022 Dodge County Fair starts on Wednesday and runs through Aug. 21. Learn more about fair activities at www.dodgecountyfairgrounds.com.

Written by Dori Lichty — farm wife, 4-H Mom, and full-time communicator