The 120th Wyoming State Fair in Douglas showcased a vibrant 4-H Dog Show and Showmanship competition, featuring over 120 youth participants aged 8 to 18 who qualified through their county fairs. Alongside traditional livestock and horse events, the dog show emphasized training, discipline, and responsibility, with contestants demonstrating obedience and conformation skills. The event highlighted the strong bonds formed between kids and their dogs, with a focus on lifelong skills and confidence-building. Mixed breeds competed alongside purebreds, illustrating that training and dedication often outweigh pedigree.

Longtime 4-H leader Gayla Mead-Ellis and participants like Karen Ulmer and MaKenlee Patterson shared insights into the intense year-round training and grooming required to succeed at the state level. Many 4-H’ers develop a passion for dog training that extends beyond the fair, sometimes leading to careers in dog handling and training. The program fosters not only competition but also family involvement and personal growth, teaching kids to be responsible dog owners and good citizens while nurturing meaningful relationships with their animals.