1. 4-H Berrien County Seasonal Expo Canine Evaluations - Since 2005, Best Friends 4-H Club has hosted a Spring Achievement Canine Evaluation in Obedience (using the AKC CGC Program as a goal), Agility, Presentation and Junior Showmanship. 4-H Leaders become the evaluators and stewards of the evaluation as the 4-H'er showcases his or her teamwork and training with his or her canine.
2. Canine Therapy at Blossomland Learning Center, Berrien Springs Michigan - During the months of September through April, Best Friends 4-H Leaders and his or her temperament tested canine enter Mrs. Kathy Zuraw's gym class at Blossomland's Learning Center and using the dog as a therapy tool, work on an individual basis with the students encouraging him or her to walk, use his or her cognitive thinking process, communicate and use tactile touch in a positive manner.
3. Canine Therapy Seminar in Education at Andrews University - Throughout the year, Best Friends 4-H Club Leaders are invited into the Educational Department to teach a seminar on the benefits of Canine Therapy in the classroom. We bring in our canines as a visual aid and demonstrate the practicality of using a canine as a therapy tool for children and adults alike in the education system.
4. Canine Therapy Seminar in Nursing at Andrews University - Throughout the year, Best Friends 4-H Club Leaders are invited into the Nursing Department to teach a seminar on the benefits of Canine Therapy in the medical world. We bring in our canines as a visual aid and demonstrate the practicality of using a canine as a therapy tool for children and adults alike in the education system.
5. Teaching Canine Safety at Local Schools - Every so often, Best Friends 4-H Leaders are invited into a school to educate the students on Canine Safety. We bring in the dogs to demonstrate
6. Team Instructor Classes - Team Instructor's Class will be scheduled to assist the new Team Instructor in understanding the dog training classes being taught during our dog training classes project.
7. NEW THIS YEAR!!!!! - "BOOK HOUNDS" at the Lincoln Township Library! BF's 4H Leaders bring his or her canine into the library and have a child read to their canine in 20 minute sessions. Time frame for Book Hounds is 60 minutes.
2. Canine Therapy at Blossomland Learning Center, Berrien Springs Michigan - During the months of September through April, Best Friends 4-H Leaders and his or her temperament tested canine enter Mrs. Kathy Zuraw's gym class at Blossomland's Learning Center and using the dog as a therapy tool, work on an individual basis with the students encouraging him or her to walk, use his or her cognitive thinking process, communicate and use tactile touch in a positive manner.
3. Canine Therapy Seminar in Education at Andrews University - Throughout the year, Best Friends 4-H Club Leaders are invited into the Educational Department to teach a seminar on the benefits of Canine Therapy in the classroom. We bring in our canines as a visual aid and demonstrate the practicality of using a canine as a therapy tool for children and adults alike in the education system.
4. Canine Therapy Seminar in Nursing at Andrews University - Throughout the year, Best Friends 4-H Club Leaders are invited into the Nursing Department to teach a seminar on the benefits of Canine Therapy in the medical world. We bring in our canines as a visual aid and demonstrate the practicality of using a canine as a therapy tool for children and adults alike in the education system.
5. Teaching Canine Safety at Local Schools - Every so often, Best Friends 4-H Leaders are invited into a school to educate the students on Canine Safety. We bring in the dogs to demonstrate
- How to ask permission to pet a dog.
- How to approach a dog safely
- What to do if you see a strange dog and it approaches you.
6. Team Instructor Classes - Team Instructor's Class will be scheduled to assist the new Team Instructor in understanding the dog training classes being taught during our dog training classes project.
7. NEW THIS YEAR!!!!! - "BOOK HOUNDS" at the Lincoln Township Library! BF's 4H Leaders bring his or her canine into the library and have a child read to their canine in 20 minute sessions. Time frame for Book Hounds is 60 minutes.