The AKC has been sending out press releases right and left, so I have a few pieces of news from them to share with you. This will be a long post, so I want to shout out the highlights right here at the top:
1. Responsible Dog Ownership Days return for the 19th year. Kits are available to help you get started hosting an event.
2. Down and Back podcast, season 2, an historical look at dogs and dog shows, is now available.
3. New, additional dates announced for Meet the Breeds.
Responsible Dog Ownership Days
The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is preparing for the 19th annual AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day (AKC RDO Days). This summer and fall hundreds of clubs and dog organizations around the country will host free events to educate the dog-loving public about the responsibilities and boundless pleasures of dog ownership.
“Since the inception of the AKC RDO Days initiative, AKC clubs and pet-related organizations have held countless events to educate current and potential dog owners about the responsibilities that come along with owning a canine companion,” said AKC President and CEO Dennis B. Sprung. “These events, big and small, are a great way for dog lovers to celebrate the unconditional human-canine bond, while learning about the obligations we have to our dogs in return. We are grateful to those who join us each year and we encourage organizations that have not yet held an event to give it a try in 2021.”
Host an Event: All efforts are appreciated and welcomed, from hosting a public education table at a dog show or dog run to creating a day-long festival. The first 500 clubs and organizations that register at www.akc.org/rdod will receive a kit full of free giveaways and a searchable event listing on the AKC website. Some giveaways for 2021 include car decals and RDO wristbands.
AKC Flagship RDO Day: AKC will host the flagship Responsible Dog Ownership Day on September 11th from 10am-2pm in Raleigh, NC at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. Dogs and their owners will be able to enjoy a lovely day of demonstrations, giveaways, games, tests and more. Canine Good Citizen and Trick Dog tests will also be available at this action-packed event.
To learn more about AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days and sign up to hold an event, please visit the AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days website or contact [email protected]. Breed clubs, sponsors or vendors interested in participating in the Flagship RDO Day should contact [email protected].
Down and Back Podcast
AKC Historian Bud Buccone returns with all-new stories of purpose-bred dogs that will continue to delight a new generation of listeners. The first episode, “Top Dogs and Underdogs,” explores the 2020 breed popularity list, a favorite topic among the dog-owning public. Other episodes this season include: “How Dogs Become Recognized,” “Dogs of Myth and Legend,” “Canine Heroes of 9/11,” and “Form Follows Function.” Each episode is a riveting look into the history and milestones of our canine best friends.
“No one tells a story quite like Bud Buccone,” said Gina DiNardo, AKC Executive Secretary. “We’re thrilled at how well-received season one was and cannot wait to continue bringing the world of dogs to people in this innovative way.”
“Down and Back: Stories From the American Kennel Club Archives” can be found on all podcast platforms (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, Tunein, Castbox, Google Podcast) and on akc.org/podcast TODAY!
Meet the Breeds
The American Kennel Club and GF Sports & Entertainment announced tickets on sale for four additional cities on the AKC Meet the Breeds® National Tour. AKC Meet the Breeds® is America’s largest in-person dog breed educational showcase. The two-day event is perfect for the whole family with children’s tickets lower than $20 and a variety of ticket options including early access and VIP experiences. Tickets are on sale now for Tampa, FL (Sept. 18-19); Columbus, OH (Nov. 13-14); and New Orleans, LA (Nov. 20-21) through the tour’s exclusive ticket provider SeatGeek.
Tickets are also available for the first two AKC Meet the Breeds® tour dates in San Diego, CA (Aug. 14-15) and Dallas, TX (Aug 21-22).
From Affenpinschers to Yorkshire Terriers and everything in between, the showcase gives pet lovers the unique opportunity to meet and play with more than 100 different dog breeds in booths that depict each breed’s country of origin, historical purpose/function, and attributes as a family pet, all while learning about responsible pet ownership and which breeds may be right for them. The event also includes unique activities such as testing your own agility skills in our interactive area and participating in games and photo opportunities with the whole family. All events will be held with COVID-19 protocols in place.
“We are beyond excited to bring this unique, educational dog event to more cities,” said Dennis B. Sprung, President and CEO of AKC. “This is an excellent opportunity to educate the public about dogs and which breeds may fit their lifestyle and how to be responsible dog owners. Special thanks to the knowledgeable volunteers from AKC parent breed clubs and local clubs for supporting our vision and making this responsible pet education extravaganza possible.”
Added Shawn Tilger, President, GF Sports & Entertainment: “The enthusiasm for the AKC Meet the Breeds® events from venue operators across the country is incredible. We are excited to be able to add three more dates to this year’s tour, with hopefully more to come!”
Up-to-date information on all AKC Meet the Breeds® events.
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!