These guides are activity guides. Several fact-filled books about dogs are listed as resources on this guide. The activities are active, hands-on, and engaging and are guided by the 4-H motto: Learning by Doing. As youth explore a dog project topic of interest to them, they also practice essential life skills. Although a few dog project youth will find careers with dogs, all youth will benefit from the life skills they acquire as they complete the activities in these guides. Youth who engage in this curriculum will develop essential dog project skills such as selecting a dog; investigating breeds; appreciating dogs' places and roles in society; practicing grooming, fitting, showing and training; caring for dogs; and exploring dog-related careers and activities. Youth will also practice the life skills of communication, responsibility, planning and organizing, decision making, leadership and more. This guide contains the following chapters: (1) Selection and Care; (2) Health and Nutrition; (3) Behavior and Training; and (4) Fitting and Showing. A glossary is included. A list of resources is included. [For related guides, see ED538888, ED538889, and ED538890.]