Bark Buddies K-9 Dog Obedience

Bark Buddies K-9 Dog Obedience event is designed for young members (Third grade and Up) to work with their dogs on basic obedience and showmanship in preparation for the Foothills Fair. While participation in the fair is encouraged, it is not required.

The first meeting is April 22, 6-7:30pm at the Oconee County Extension Office. This first meeting is for orientation to the training and to explore how youth and their dogs will grow through the following weeks. PLEASE - NO DOGS AT THE FIRST MEETING!

Training with dogs will begin May 13, 2025, and run for 12 weeks, taking place every Tuesday from 6:00–7:00 PM at the Oconee County Extension Office.

Youth who complete the training will be skilled dog handlers, and eligible to complete in the dog showmanship at the Foothills Fair (fair dates September 23-27, 2025). This is not required, but is deeply rewarding! Youth are also invited to make posters about their experiences working with dogs to enter in the informational poster contest.
We also hope that this training will ignite interest in rebuilding the Bark Buddies club to foster a deep ongoing connection between youth, their dogs, and the community. In the past the club has meet with K9 officers and handlers, supported service dogs for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, and helped make pound pups more adoptable. Through these experiences, members develop leadership, community engagement, individual accountability, and communication skills.

This training, the show, and potential ongoing club are great opportunities for young handlers to build confidence, bond with their pets, and become part of a meaningful, service-driven group.

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Refund statement: Full payment is due upon attendance (you may pay at the door with prior arrangements). No refunds will be issued after participation in the event has started. For a one-stop-shop onption, the non-member cost covers the price of membership in 4-H online(the registration process through is still required for participation-simply indicate "pay by check")

Membership requirement: For safety & liability reasons, current 4-H membership in is required for participation in this event. Assistance in registering will be provided at the event.

Custodial Care: Please note that this event and its coordinators do not assume custodial care of youth in attendance. Adults (parents, guardians, volunteers, coaches, teachers, or other chaperones) must be present for the supervision of youth participants.

Civil Rights Statement

Host or Publisher Oconee County 4-H