WATERLOO - Stefanie Newhouse and K8 have only been training together since May.

K8, pronounced Kate, is a problem child, Newhouse said of the 16-month-old yellow Labrador.

One time K8 swallowed her slipped collar, which required surgical removal.

But such a challenge is exactly why Newhouse, 14, of Hudson prepared the energetic pup for her fourth dog show at the Black Hawk County 4-H and FFA Fair. The fair continues today and Saturday at the National Cattle Congress grounds.

About 50 spectators gathered in Estel Hall to watch six master-dog pairs participate in the event Thursday.

The number of entries was possibly the fewest ever, said Bobbie McDowell, dog show superintendent and a former 4-Her.

"We used to have 10 to 15 in one class alone," McDowell said. "I don't know if people don't realize that their everyday house dog can learn obedience. It just takes a little bit of work - 15 minutes a day inside the house even."

Newhouse and K8 were relaxing before the morning show. Friend Lynn Koenigsfeld, also 14 of Hudson, pinned an entry number on the back of Newhouse's shirt.

"We let the dogs hang out, so they're used to each other when they get in the ring," Newhouse said.

K8 met up with Jazz, a 3 1/2-year-old rat terrier. The two attend dog obedience classes together once a week at Devonshire School in Waterloo, through Iowa State University Extension at Black Hawk County.

Like Newhouse, Jessica Lee, 14, of Hudson belongs to Lincoln Friendly Links 4-H Club. Lee took Jazz for a few practice loops in the competition space, outlined by ropes strung along metal folding chairs.

"I wanted to make sure he wasn't afraid of the chairs, but he wasn't," said Lee, a five-year member of 4-H. Usually a white fence surrounds the judging space, Lee noted.

Lee's parents, Elwin and Stacy, watched from the bleachers. Dog training has helped their daughter build responsibility, they agreed.

Jazz is familiar with his pre-show routine.

"I put the training collar on a few minutes before we go into the ring and when I'm practicing with him," Lee said. "Then he knows it's all business. He watches me to see what's going on, so he knows what to do."

Newhouse is borrowing K8 from her mom's friend, Donna Rastetter of Waterloo, since her border collie, Ginger, died in February. Besides previous hunter training, K8 started from scratch learning commands like lay down and stay.

K8 did well with heeling commands under the eye of judge Susan Friedrich of West Union, who's been judging 4-H dog shows for about 25 years. But when asked to stay, well, she didn't.

"She doesn't really like (the command) stay because she has to stay alone," Newhouse said. "She loves to be around people. She likes to play."

Rastetter, K8's owner, met K8 on the sidelines after her first round - a white-ribbon performance.

"You listen to Stef," she told K8, cradling K8's face in her palms. "I mean it. Look at Mommy. You behave. Be a good dog. I know you're scared."

K8 sniffed around Jazz's vacant kennel before heading into her own.

"Put her in somewhere she knows," Newhouse said. "There's a blanket inside that smells like her house and the other dogs (K8 lives with)."

Lee took a seat on the cement next to Newhouse to study for the showmanship round, which tests handlers on their dog's body parts, breed, health issues or vaccinations.

"Jazz did a lot better than last year on the sits and downs and on the stand," said Lee, handing Jazz a treat from a baggie. Jazz earned a red ribbon in the Pre-Novice B class.

Each dog also received biscuits and a toy, donated by Laura Miller of Cedar Falls. Miller's daughter, now in college, showed dogs for years.

Possibly for next year, show superintendent McDowell recruited volunteer Linnea Ulrich to add dog agility, in which a handler directs a dog through an obstacle course.

Other counties with dog agility programs have attracted more participants, McDowell said.

Contact Tina Hinz at (319) 291-1484

or tina.hinz@wcfcourier.com.