Beltrami County 4-H'ers participate in Minnesota State Dog Show
Nov. 16—ST.PAUL — Ten members of Beltrami County 4-H made their way down to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds on Sept. 24-25 to participate in a state dog show.
Over the two-day event, participants and their dogs demonstrated skills and knowledge in agility, obedience, showmanship and rally as they competed against others in their age group and experience level, a release said.
Beltrami 4-H'ers that competed at the state competition were Rocky Cook, Brooklyn Fenner, Alix Haugen, Faith Mailhot, Love Mailhot, Morgan Mellema, Wendy Mellema, Eli Sibben, Emmarae Tanum and Ruth Weber.
In total, there were 307 4-H'ers and 354 dogs from across the state that participated in the annual event. All are a part of the Minnesota 4-H Dog Project, where youth learn to train and build a trusting relationship with their pet.
"Youth learn so much responsibility from training their dog and competing in the 4-H State Dog Show," 4-H Dog Project volunteer Kim Lambert said in the release. "These kids work all year long, building strong partnerships with their dogs. If they don't work carefully with their dogs, the dogs won't work for them. The responsibility kids learn here they can use forever."
Topics of study learned within the Dog Project include canine behavior, breed characteristics, diseases, ethics, grooming, health, nutrition, responsible breeding, service dogs, therapy dogs, dog-related careers and the wide array of dog sports.
To learn more about the 4-H Dog Project, visit
Rocky Cook and Henry won two first-place ribbons in Grad Beginner Obedience and Elementary Agility along with an Award of Excellence in Novice Rally Obedience and Grand Champion in Jumpers Agility 1B.
Brooklyn Fenner and Hank won four first-place ribbons in Beginner Agility, Jumpers Agility 1A, Foundation Obedience and Jr. Novice Showmanship along with Grand Champion in Foundation Rally Obedience.
Alix Haugen and Cali took home four first-place ribbons in Beginning Obedience, Pre-Novice Rally, Jumpers Agility 1A and Jr. Novice Showmanship along with one second-place ribbon in Beginner Agility.
Faith Mailhot and Cozy won two first-place ribbons in Beginner Obedience and Jr. Novice Showmanship.
Love Mailhot and Lila won first place in Jr. Open Showmanship.
Morgan Mellema and Mogli took home one first-place ribbon in Beginner Agility along with Grand Champion in Jumpers Agility 1A, grades 3-5.
Wendy Mellema and BB won second place in Beginner Agility and Grand Champion in Jumpers Agility 1A, grades 6-8.
Eli Sibben and Lucca won First Reserve Champion in Foundation Rally and in Foundation Obedience.
Emmarae Tanum and Remington took home two first-place ribbons in Beginner Obedience and Pre-Novice Rally along with an Award of Excellence in Jr. Novice Showmanship.
Ruth Weber and Winnie won first place in Foundation Rally, second place in Jr. Novice Showmanship along with Grand Champion in Beginner Agility and an Award of Excellence in Foundation Obedience.
