Photo by Deb Gau Debbie Beisler led her dog Lexie around the ring during the showmanship competition Friday. Earlier in the week, 4-H members also took part in dog agility and rally competitions

MARSHALL — Being part of the 4-H Dog Project takes a lot of practice and teamwork, even before you set foot in the arena. But the kids gathered at the Lyon County fairgrounds this week said there’s also another side to the show events.

“It gives us a good chance to bond with our dogs,” said Charity Beisler. Beisler was relaxing with her dog Laila between show events on Friday.

“I really like just getting to hang out with your dog,” said Olivia Munson. Munson and her dog Coal had just finished competing in the show ring. “He’s kind of off and on, but he’s mostly a good dog, though,” Munson said of working with Coal.

4-H members from Lyon and Lincoln County — together with their four-footed partners — competed in a few different events this week. On Thursday, dog agility and rally competitions were held at the fairgrounds. The rally event had a course that focused on dog obedience and training, 4-H members explained.

“There are different signs, with different commands to do,” said Debbie Beisler. “And it’s all timed.”

The showmanship competition was held early Friday morning, to avoid the heat of the day. The event was a little like a traditional dog show. Youth led their dogs around the show ring, and answered questions from a judge.

Competition events can be challenging for both dogs and humans. 4-H members said it can be tough to keep your dog focused in an environment with lots of other people and dogs.

“It’s harder for younger dogs, mostly because they have a shorter attention span,” Kienzlee Sawyer said. Sawyer was competing in the showmanship event on Friday with her dog Rosie.

Padraic Moriarty said part of the challenge of working with his dog Buster was not getting pulled around. “He’s a big dog, with a lot of muscle,” Moriarty said.

Dog Project participants ranged from Cloverbuds, to 4-H members with years of experience.

“I’ve been doing it since I was in Cloverbuds. But as a 4-H’er, three years,” Debbie Beisler said. She said her older sister also competed in the events. “She loved it.”

Getting to spend time with their dogs was part of the fun for 4-H members, but they said it was good for the dogs, too. “It gives them something to do,” Sawyer said.

4-H members also said it was fun to see their dogs learn and improve in the arena. Isabela Pantoja said she had been working with her dog Bubba for about a year. “It’s fun to watch how far he’s come in a short amount of time,” she said.