The Public Education department supports a nationwide network of more than 4,000 volunteer educators from AKC-affiliated clubs. These Public Education Coordinators (PEC) and Canine Ambassadors visit community groups and schools, distribute AKC materials, and host responsible dog-ownership events.

At the Houston cluster in July, Public Education introduced a "train the trainer" workshop for Public Education Coordinators (PECs) and club officers. The well-received program will be expanded in 2006.

Staff developed a "Dog Show Tour Kit" for PEC presentations at show grounds; 3,000 PECs received six issues of the "Public Education Corner" newsletter.

"Best Friends" teaching kits and Safety Around Dog videos were distributed to thousands of educators at the annual conferences of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and the National Education Association.

Canine Ambassadors conduct dog-and-handler presentations at their local schools. Seasonal AKC mailings to Canine Ambassadors featured activities and games about breeds, puppy care, and dog sports.

The Public Education department distributes Canine Ambassador directories to teachers, librarians, and youth-group leaders, and publishes the "Kids' Corner" online newsletter.