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September is the Month to Make Your Pooch a Prime Priority

Sometimes, we need a reminder of everything that is required of us in return for the wonderful privilege of having a dog. Dogs bring us love, affection, comfort, security and unrivaled devotion, despite our flaws or past mistakes. So what do we owe them in return? This month, dog owners and dog lovers everywhere will join hundreds of AKC-affiliated dog clubs across the country to celebrate the fifth annual AKC® Responsible Dog Ownership Day in their local communities. Over 370 events will be held by local organizations across the country, with the goal of educating and entertaining all current and future dog owners. All AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day events are listed on www.akc.org.

“Each September we shine a spotlight on the commitment it takes to have a canine companion,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “As dogs are increasingly viewed as family members, the need for all dog owners to train their pets to be good citizens and practice responsible dog ownership is more crucial. All dog owners need to be courteous and respectful of others and properly care for their pet so that we can maintain the rights and freedoms that we currently enjoy.”

Each AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day event is unique but many include obedience/agility demonstrations, low-cost micro chipping clinics, breed rescue information, therapy dog/service dog demonstrations, safety around dogs for kids presentations, giveaways and other entertaining and educational activities. Attendees can speak one-on-one with experienced dog breeders and trainers. Those looking to show their neighbors that their dog is an upstanding member of the community can take the AKC Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Test — a 10-step test certification that rewards well-mannered, obedient dogs, a responsible dog ownership program sponsored by Bayer K9 Advantix®.

On Saturday, September 15, AKC will hold flagship events in New York City and Raleigh, N.C. In addition to all the festivities mentioned above, more than 50 AKC-recognized breeds will be on hand in each location, including newly recognized rare breeds such as the Swedish Vallhund and Tibetan Mastiff.

This year AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day has two national sponsors — Invisible Fence Brand and Nature's Recipe. Each company will be highlighting its commitment to responsible dog ownership by working with event-hosting organizations across the country to provide resources and information for pet owners. Learn more about our generous sponsors at www.naturesrecipe.com and www.invisiblefence.com and www.k9advantix.com

And lastly, if you can't make it to an event, you can still demonstrate your commitment to the cause by signing the AKC Responsible Dog Owner Pet Promise. This oath is a reminder to both novice and veteran dog owners that raising a healthy dog is about more than just playtime and pampering. Training, grooming, nutrition, exercise and veterinary care are equally important in nurturing your best friend!