Are you a member of a dog club? How do you volunteer your time and talent?
Did you know there are Juniors Clubs? Is this something that interests you?
As a Junior, do you participate in events other than Conformation?
HANNAH BLOOD
I am a member of Mount Baker Kennel Club Juniors. I volunteer at my church in Sunday School and help set up for youth group on Wednesdays.
I knew there were Juniors Clubs and I would be interested in learning more.
Other than Conformation, I participate in Rally and Obedience through 4-H.
ADRIAN BROWN
I’m a member of a 4-H dog club, and I love it!! I do my best to help educate people about my breed, and help younger children with their dogs!
I would be interested to hear more! An AKC (American Kennel Club) Junior’s Club sounds great!
I do 4-H, and I am hoping to start more Performance events soon!
CHARLOTTE BURKEMPER
I am a member of the Schipperke Club of America. I have a pending application with the Newfoundland Club of America and I’m a member of Greater St. Louis Schipperke Club and will be joining Lone Star Schipperke Club this fall. I’ve been helping my younger Juniors friend every time I can. This past summer, I went to New York and worked for a professional handler for a few months. It was amazing! I try to help at all the shows in any way I can.
I didn’t know there were Junior Clubs, but I’d be really interested to know more and to possibly join!
I’ve done Fast CAT several times. I want to learn more!
ANJA CIKARA-GOCKE
I am a Junior Member of the Southern Colorado Australian Shepherd Club. Most of my volunteer time is with the Larimer County Colorado 4-H dog program. I help train in Obedience, Rally, and Showmanship. I also work with newer Juniors competing in AKC to help them with their handling.
There is a group called the Junior Foundation that has a Best of the Best Junior Competition in Colorado and learning opportunities at local shows. More Juniors Clubs would be of interest to me.
I also compete in Rally, Obedience, Fast CAT, GCG, Agility, and AKC Fetch. I’m working with one of my Australian Shepherds, Ruger, to finish his RACH3 title. I also competed in the inaugural RACH Invitational in Florida last December, where Ruger placed in the Top 50 dogs in the country and was the No. 2 Australian Shepherd.
ABIGAIL CLARK
I’ve started the process to become a member of ACDCA. I’m president of my 4-H club and a member of FFA, where I do several local service projects like trash pickup.
I’m just starting to learn more about these. I have been in contact with the Australian Cattle Dogs Xtreme Juniors program. And yes, I love being involved in my breed!
I just put the RN title on my puppy. I love showmanship and I am really excited for when she is old enough to start Fast CAT and Herding.
PAISLEY CRAIG
I am a member of Upper Potomac Kennel Club, Cumberland, Maryland. I help others in our community by collecting food, coats, and blankets for anyone in need.
I was not aware of Juniors Clubs, but this is something I am interested in.
I do not participate in Junior events other than Conformation—not yet.
TYLER D’AMORE
I am a member of the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America.
I have attended Show-Safe workshops and attend handling class once a week.
In addition to Conformation, I also enjoy Fast CAT, Rally, Agility, and training for Obedience events with my three German Shorthaired Pointers.
BROMLEY DILS
I’m a member of two clubs: Holland Michigan Kennel Club and Paducah Kennel Club. I volunteer by offering tips to new exhibitors, plus, I am always willing to help others show their dogs if needed.
I was not aware of Juniors Clubs, but I would be interested in learning more.
I do not participate in other Junior events—not yet. But I have been working on training my Doberman Pinscher to get ready for her CGC, Rally, and Obedience titles.
WILLIA DYER
Hi, my name is Willia Dyer. I am not a member of a dog club, but my mom is, and I help her with that stuff from time to time. I volunteer my talent and time to younger Juniors and help them on their handling and nerves with their dogs.
I did not know that there were Juniors Clubs. They sound really interesting, like they would be a lot of help to many Juniors.
I do not yet participate in anything but Conformation, but I have been training and practicing for Obedience and Rally.
ANNABELLE FALES
I am a member of multiple dog clubs! I am a member of the STCA (Scottish Terrier Club of America), AMTC (American Manchester Terrier Club), and the TCM (Terrier Club of Michigan). I volunteer my time by participating in fundraisers and other club events. For example, last year, Alayna Thornburg and I sold 50/50 raffle tickets and raised over $800 for the AMTC Junior Fund! I also volunteer at the TCM Health Clinic where I do things like help with heartworm tests and help veterinarians hold dogs while they do things like draw blood.
I was not aware that Juniors Clubs exist. I would like to know more about them, though, and/or join one! This is something that interests me! I think that Junior Clubs could be an awesome way for Juniors to connect, learn, and make friends. It could also be an awesome way for Juniors to learn what goes into running a dog show, and I would love to join one!
I do participate in events other than Conformation! Other than Junior Showmanship, I participate in Fast CAT, Lure Coursing, and Scent Work. While those are the only performance events I have tried so far, I am looking forward to trying Earthdog, Rally, Agility, and Obedience (as well as any other performance event I can) with my Scottish Terrier puppy “Angel” (Benscots The Devil Came Back To Georgia).
MARION FIL
I am currently a member of the Cirneco dell’Etna Club of America. I volunteer my time by helping with set up and assisting in the running of a few local match shows. I have also spent time ringside with new Juniors, offering tips and guidance on how to show dogs.
I never knew this was a possibility. I would love to join one.
Although I do primarily Conformation, I do some Obedience, Rally, Trick Dog, and Scent Work with my Standard Poodle.
GABRIEL FLORES-RULAND
I am a member of South Coast Basenji Fanciers and Basenji Club of America. At shows, I help others with various dogs.
I did not know there are Juniors Clubs—but I am interested.
I do not currently participate in other events, but I will do Lure Coursing and get a CGC on my dogs.
JOLIN FONG
I am a member of two local dog clubs in my area. I am a member of Willamette Valley English Springer Spaniel Association and a member of Greater Portland Dachshund Club. I am a 4-H member in the project area of dogs. I volunteer in my community with my 4-H club, and I support and promote dog sports at our local and state fair in the State of Washington.
I am also a member of our local Juniors Club, Greater Clark County Kennel Club – Juniors Club!
I participate in AKC events. I am very active in Conformation with my English Springer Spaniel and my Longhaired Dachshunds. I do participate in Obedience, Agility, Rally, and Trick Dog. I most recently put Trick Dog Novice titles on my Springers.
LILLIE JANE GOTTHARDT
I’m a member of the Schipperke Club of America. I always try to be kind and help my fellow Juniors when needed.
I did know about Juniors Clubs, and yes, this interests me.
I got my dog’s CGC (Canine Good Citizen) and Trick Dog title and we are working on a Rally title.
AVERY HANSEN
I belong to the Puget Sound Dalmatian Club, Dalmatian Club of America, and Evergreen Golden Retriever Club. I frequently volunteer with professional handlers and breeders, and also spend time fostering animals.
I didn’t know there were Juniors Clubs. This is something that interests me.
My dogs have titles in Fast CAT, Trick Dog, and AKC FIT DOG, and we’ve participated in Dock Diving.
KEVIN JAKOLA
I am a member of the Miniature American Shepherd Club of the US, the Mid-America Miniature American Shepherd Club, and the American Hairless Terrier Club of America. I like to do leash running for Agility and Rally events.
I didn’t know there were clubs just for Juniors; I would want to know more information.
I do a lot of Fast CAT, plus I’ve done Herding Instinct and am training two of my MAS for the Tested level classes. I also train in Rally, Agility, and Scent Work, but I’m still getting ready to compete. I have put several other fun titles on my dogs like CGC (Canine Good Citizen), FDC (Farm Dog Certified Test), Trick Dog, and FIT DOG.
MORGAN JOHNSON
I’m a member of a 4-H dog club, the Sky’s the Limit, and an AKC (American Kennel Club) parent club, the Russian Toy Club of America. I like to volunteer at Agility Trials. I also will be volunteering at next year’s National Specialty. I host dog demos for my community on responsible dog training and the fun sports you can learn with your dog.
I did not know that there are Juniors Clubs. I didn’t know that there were clubs for other kids like me with AKC. I’d love to connect with more AKC kids.
I participate in Agility, Rally, Obedience, and Fast CAT. I recently have been learning Barn Hunt with other organizations as well. While I have only been able to do Junior Showmanship for a year and a half (I just turned 10), I have been playing Agility and competing since I was six. I wish we could try all more often.
SAWYER JOHNSON
I am a member of my AKC parent club, the United States Australian Shepherd Association; my other breed club, the Australian Shepherd Club of America; and my local training club, South Plains Obedience Club. I often help my dad when he teaches Rally and Obedience classes.
I did not know about Juniors Clubs, but I would love to learn more. I feel like it would be very interesting to be a member. It would be great to be able to work with other Juniors—I always seem to be the only one at the Obedience/Rally Trials.
I compete in Rally, Obedience, Agility, Conformation, and Junior Showmanship with my Australian Shepherds. Right now, I am working on a RACH with my girl, Frankie.
LILIAN JORGENSEN
I am a Junior Member of four dog clubs: Kalamazoo Kennel Club, Illiana Bulldog Club, American Manchester Terrier Club, and the American Chinese Crested Club. I volunteer to help ring steward at shows and help out with events like Fast CAT. I also like to help out new Juniors when I meet them ringside.
I did not know there were Juniors Clubs, but this interests me a lot.
Besides Conformation, I also participate in Rally, Fast CAT, Trick Dog, Farm Dog, and Canine Good Citizen.
HAILEY KARNS
I am a part of a club called Palmetto Obedience Training Club. I love volunteering my time to help run our CGC class that we host, as well as party planning for any yearly events! I am also a 4-H volunteer and help teach new Juniors how to show dogs.
I actually didn’t know about Juniors Clubs. I would be super-interested in joining one, especially to make some friends in the dog world!
My primary love is Rally. I also compete in Fast CAT and Trick Dog, and will start to learn Barn Hunt soon.
MICAELA KENYON
I am not a member of a dog club, but my parents are longtime members of the Norwegian Buhund Club of America. I will join once I turn 18. I have helped at the DPCA National Junior Fundraising bake sale. Prior, I have also set up at UKC shows in the past. I am always willing to help new Juniors learn about showing dogs and I try to help people in other breeds show their dogs every chance I get.
I have heard that there are Juniors Clubs, but have not found one in my area.
I do not participate regularly in events other than Conformation, but have dabbled in Dock Diving, Barn Hunt, and Fast CAT, and I have done training for Trick Dog as well as 4-H and have shown my dog at our county fair.
ABBY LEGRAND
I’m a member of Coolest Canines 4-H Dog Club in Tacoma, Washington. I’m still new and learning, but I always like to help out wherever I can. I walk and potty dogs for others and give an extra hand whenever something needs to be done.
I didn’t know there were clubs just for Juniors, but that sounds really fun! I would definitely be interested in something like that because it would be a great way to learn and make new friends who love dogs, too.
I participate in Obedience and Rally, and I’m learning Agility. I really love teaching my dog Levi new things and showing him all the fun things we can do together!
ALEXANDER LEGRAND
I am a Junior Member of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of America and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of Puget Sound. I’m also a member of Coolest Canines 4-H Dog Club. I enjoy being part of the dog community and I like helping at events and shows with set-up, clean-up, moving equipment, and supporting Juniors who are just starting out. I’ve also had the chance to ring steward at Scent Work trials. One of my favorite things is taking part in educational demos and interacting with the public at shows, parades, and events by answering their questions about dogs and dog sports.
I’ve heard of clubs offering Junior memberships, but I wasn’t aware of any Juniors-only clubs. I think that would be a great idea because it would give kids like me a chance to connect with others our age and learn from one another. I would definitely be interested in joining a club like that.
In addition to Conformation, I train and compete in Obedience, Rally, and Agility. I really enjoy trying different activities with my dog—and most of all, I just enjoy spending time with my Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Gia, and learning together.
GIDEON MILLER
I am a member of Hillsborough County 4-H and have actively participated in the 4-H dog project for six years. I am also a member of the Dalmatian Club of America and have enjoyed attending the Juniors events at the National Show for the past two years. I have volunteered for the Juniors Clothing Closet and through my 4-H club in my county.
I know about the Junior memberships in breed clubs.
Besides finishing Championships on both my Schipperke and Dalmatian, showing them myself, they both have their BCAT, CGC, and Farm Dog titles that I earned with them. I am also going to be working on Rally with my Dalmatian, Dipper, and he has worked on Barn Hunt and his Coursing title. Dipper and I were overall Best Junior Handler at the Florida State Fair Youth Dog Show in 2025. This involved not only Conformation but a record book, skillathon test, poster, and educational video.
MACKENZIE MOORE
I am a member of both the Sussex Spaniel Club of America and the Southern Nevada Boxer Club. These are two breeds that I am especially passionate about, as I believe they are in need of greater involvement from Junior members in order to ensure their future in the sport. By encouraging more young handlers to take an interest in these breeds, we can help preserve their legacy, promote responsible stewardship, and secure a stronger foundation for their continued success in the ring. I make it a priority to help others at shows in any way that I can. Sometimes that means offering small tips to improve their performance, and other times it’s simply encouraging them to keep going—because I understand firsthand what it feels like to be in their position at a younger age. In addition, I had the opportunity to serve as co-chair for Juniors at the Flat-Coated Retriever National Specialty. That experience was not only an honor, but also an incredible learning opportunity that allowed me to gain valuable insight into both leadership and event organization.
I am aware that there are Junior Handler programs available, and I recognize the value they bring in providing mentorship, resources, and opportunities for growth within the sport. I am definitely interested in joining a club; however, I have not yet had the opportunity to formally apply. Between balancing school, shows, and other commitments, I simply have not had the time. That said, becoming more involved in a club is something I value and plan to prioritize in the near future, as I know it is an important step toward contributing to the sport and building stronger connections within the community.
I am currently in the process of training one of my Boxers in Agility, which has been both a rewarding and educational experience. In addition to Agility, I also participate in Fast CAT as well as Trick Dog and Canine Good Citizen (CGC) programs. I believe in finding a variety of ways to work with my dogs, not only to develop their skills but also to strengthen the bond we share. Engaging in these activities allows me to challenge them both mentally and physically, while ensuring that the time we spend together is meaningful and enjoyable. My goal is to provide them with opportunities that enrich their lives and showcase their versatility beyond the Conformation ring.
SOPHIA PACHECO
I am a member of the Crazy4Canines 4-H dog club in Pinellas County, Florida. It was from joining this club that I was introduced to the wonderful world of dog shows. I entered my first AKC show just a few months after joining the club. I volunteer every week at the Dog Training Club of St. Petersburg (DTCSP), assisting with the S.T.A.R. Puppy training class. In addition, I also volunteer with Rally and Obedience Trials hosted by the DTCSP.
I am aware that there are Juniors Clubs, and it is definitely something that interests me.
I do participate in events other than Conformation. I competed in Rally last year at Beagle Nationals, and since getting a Schipperke, I continue to compete in Rally and now Obedience. However, I attend Conformation events more often.
ABIGAIL PRATT
I am a member of the Mid-Atlantic Scottish Deerhound Club and the National Scottish Deerhound Club with my Mom and Grandma.
Getting to know other Juniors outside of just showing next to them once in a while would be really fun.
I also do Fast CAT and Lure Coursing with our Deerhounds and Chinese Cresteds. I would love to try something new like Agility too!
GRETCHEN RIBBLET
I am a member of the Papillon Club of America. I like to volunteer at our local training center at the trails I attend. I help the other 4-H members at our club meeting and at our 4-H shows we have. Non-dog events: I help our local fair at fundraising events throughout the year with set up and tear down during fair week.
I did not know there are Juniors Clubs, and yes, I’m interested.
I currently participate and/or carry titles in Agility (both AKC and CPE), Obedience, Rally, Fast CAT, Farm Dog, ATT, CGC, CGCA, and Trick Dog. I have also taken classes for Scent Work and Dock Diving with my family dog.
SOPHIA SENTKER
I have recently gotten into showing, just in 2021! I got my very own Brittany to show in 2024, after falling in love with the breed when I started out. My dog’s name is Wyatt and he is just a goof. He is my heart dog and he keeps me going in the dog show world—and when we are sitting at home on the couch! I am not a member of a club, but I have looked into joining a Brittany club and getting more involved. I would say that I apply my talents in helping my neighbors out with training, bathing, and taking vet classes in my school. Showing dogs does interest me a lot. There is a deep knowledge of all the breeds that I appreciate when I get to go and see all these different breeds show.
I heard something about Junior Clubs, but I don’t know much about them. I’d love to be part of a club for Juniors.
I have participated in some other events such as Rally, so far. I hope to jump into Agility and Dock Diving, and definitely some hunting too! Thank you!
JAYLA SIKES
I am a member of the National Beagle Club (NBC). I am currently working with my first bred-by puppy to show in BPUP (4-6 Month Beginner Puppy Competition). I am working to help co-breed a second litter of Beagle puppies. I love to work with my Beagles and we have qualified for the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin in Orlando, Florida, and for The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. We have also earned Fast CAT titles, FIT DOG titles, Scent Work titles, Hunting Instinct titles for the NBC, and titles in Conformation.
I do know there are Junior Clubs, and I am definitely looking forward to connecting with fellow Junior Handlers through them.
I currently participate in Fast CAT, Scent Work, FIT DOG, NBC Hunting Field Trials, Junior Showmanship, Brace, and Breed. I am also working on Trick Dog titles for my Beagles. I have loved every moment showing in Juniors and working with my dogs.
SYDNEY STEPHENSON
I am a member of the Gordon Setter Club of America thanks to Debbie Shirley and Brooke Thompson. I am also a part of local Obedience clubs; not a member yet, but I do support and help the clubs out! I’m also a member of the Whatcom County Dogs 4-H clubs! I help support my clubs by representing them in the ring every time I enter and by helping them out with heavy labor and work, which helps the community and the show environments.
I did not know there were Juniors Clubs! But I’m very interested in them and would love to find out how to be a part of these clubs and support them!
I compete in Conformation, Obedience, Fast CAT, Frisbee, and way more! I’m mostly huge into Conformation and Obedience right now! My Labrador Retriever mix, Lilo, is my Novice in 4-H and my own personal dog. She is three years old and has her CD (Companion Dog) title and is working on her CDX (Companion Dog Excellent) later this year! Hope is my mentor’s dog, but also my Juniors dog. I do not own her, but she feels like one of mine. I have learned so much from her and want to continue to!
AMELIA SZUBERLA
I would love to be a part of the Miniature America Shepherd Club of the USA in the future.
I did not know there were Juniors Clubs! I would love to join one and learn more about them.
I compete in AKC (American Kennel Club) Obedience, Rally, Agility, and Fast CAT with my Juniors dog, Loki, the Miniature American Shepherd. We also do Dog 4-H where I do similar events!
JASPER THOLT
I show my Powderpuff Chinese Crested, Boomer (GCH Naked And Famous Bartender’s Choice BN RE DCAT CGCA CGCU). I am not in an AKC club, but I am in a 4-H club where I help teach other members what I have learned while showing in AKC.
I did not know there are Junior clubs. It would interest me if there was one close to me. I live in the middle of nowhere, so it is hard to find any clubs within an hour of where I live.
Other than Conformation, I compete in Rally, Agility Course Testing, Obedience, Junior Showmanship, and Fast CAT. When I got Boomer, he only had his GCH and CH titles, and I added all the titles after his name.
CAIDEN THOMPSON
I am a member of the Pacific Northwest Gordon Setter Club, the Gordon Setter Club of America, the Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of America, the Gig Harbor Kennel Club, and I am in the process of joining the Rainier Sporting Dog Association and the South Sound Bird Dog Club. Outside of AKC (American Kennel Club), I am a member of the 24 Carrots 4-H Club in Thurston County, located in Washington State. Most recently, I spent two days helping to plant birds for the Hunt Test put on by South Sound Bird Dog Club and the Pacific Northwest Gordon Setter Club, as well as making snoods for prizes for the Pacific Northwest Gordon Setter Club’s annual specialty. I am a Teen Leader for my 4-H club and help with showmanship, and this year my goal is for all our members to be successful at getting a Trick Dog title on their dogs.
I do know about one Juniors Club, but it is over an hour and a half away, so I have not joined. I would love to be active in a club that was just for Juniors, if there was one that was closer, so I could be more active.
Yes, I do participate in other events. I have run both my Gordon Setter and our Welsh Springers in Hunt Tests and I have done Rally as well. I just finished my Gordon Setter’s Championship this summer and now we are focusing on his Junior Hunt title and Rally. We are also entered in our first Fetch Dog and have our 10 tricks ready for Trick Dog; just waiting for the new 4-H year to start.
ABIGAIL VERDOORN
I’m in a few different dog clubs: Santa Ana Valley Kennel Club, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Club (USA), San Diego Collie Club, Inland Valley Hunt Club, and HRC Prado Basin Hunt Club. I volunteer at Agility Trials with leash running, bar setting, and as a score runner. I try to help new Juniors by talking to them and inviting them over to hang out at my setup at shows.
I didn’t know there were Junior clubs.
I do Conformation, Agility, Hunt, Rally, Obedience, Fast CAT, and Dock Diving. I want to start doing Barn Hunt, too.
KAYLEE WAGONER
I have been a lifelong member of the German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America, and for a couple of years, I have been in the Cairn Terrier Club of Denver, the Cairn Terrier Club of America, and the Greeley Kennel Club. I volunteer my time usually at kennel club events, 4-H events, AKC Fast CAT, the local food bank, and my local community parks.
I have known the Junior Foundation (Colorado) has existed for two years and I really enjoy that it is around because a lot of new Juniors are joining; people are finally seeing what Juniors is all about.
As a Junior, I participate in Conformation, Fast CAT, CGC (Canine Good Citizen) events, Rally, Trick Dog training, and Hunt Tests. I really want to get into Dock Diving because I think some of my dogs could do it and I think I’d have a fun time. During 4-H season, I also do Rally, Obedience, and Showmanship with my dogs in the local dog program.
SCARLETT WELLS
I am a Junior Member of the Dachshund Club of America. I really enjoy participating in Meet the Breeds events at dog shows and talking to others about getting involved in AKC events. I am also a member of 4-H and participate with my dogs in different 4-H events and community service.
I am very interested in joining a Junior Club. I like making new friends and meeting new dogs and learning about different breeds.
I love participating in Juniors, Conformation, Fast CAT, and Barn Hunt, and I have been trying Obedience and Rally. I am excited to learn as much as I can!
JULIA SIMONE WILLIAMS
I am a member of the Orlando Dog Training Club. I train Rally and Obedience there and take handling classes. I give back to ODTC by volunteering as a Steward and by helping to prepare the building before trials. It’s hard work, but it’s also fun because we’re all working together. I am also a member, and the Treasurer, of the Orange County 4-H dog club, 4 Paw’d Champions. In my 4-H club, I have the most experience handling, so I often give tips to our other members who are just starting out and cheer for them ringside. I love that in the world of dog sports I can meet so many amazing friends of all ages and backgrounds.
I did not know there were Junior Clubs. It is something that interests me to research more.
I also train and compete in Rally, Obedience, Agility, and Scent Work. Conformation is my favorite, but I love any activity I can do with my dog.
ANALEIGHA YBARZABAL
I am a member of the Japanese Chin Club of America, my local Dog Training Club of St. Petersburg, and my county dog 4-H group, Crazy 4 Canines. At DTCSP, I volunteer three nights a week as an assistant trainer for Rally, Puppy 2, and Trick Dog classes. In 4-H, we advocate for being responsible dog owners for both recreation and sport. We hold dog food drives for shelter pets, and Showmanship seminars for any Junior interested in learning more about showing.
I did not know there were Junior-specific clubs and I am absolutely interested in learning more about them.
I have trained/participated in Obedience, Agility, Rally, and Tricks with my Japanese Chin. We are working on getting into Fast CAT and Scent Work.
ZAYLA ZANER
I am a member of the American Pomeranian Club and the Sunshine State Pomeranian Club. I help wherever needed at my clubs’ shows and offer to show anyone’s dog that needs help.
I did not know there are Juniors Clubs—but I am interested.
I do not participate in events other than Conformation as a Junior.
