New York, NY – AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days (RDO) returns for 2014 celebrating a very important American Kennel Club® (AKC) milestone
– the 25th birthday of AKC’s Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) program! Join in on the birthday fun by hosting an AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days event that includes a Canine Good Citizen test this year.
Each year, the American Kennel Club® calls on its more than 5,000 affiliated dog clubs and all other pet-related organizations from around the country to participate in AKC RDO Days by hosting a community event that includes activities like dog sport demos, breed parades, safety around dog presentations for kids, microchipping clinics and more. The nationwide initiative educates the public about the importance of being a responsible dog owner and celebrates the deep bond between humans and their canine companions.
“The Canine Good Citizen program stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs, making it a perfect complement to AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days,” said AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “Many clubs already include CGC tests in their AKC RDO Days, but we’re encouraging all groups to hold one this year by sending a free test kit to all organizations that sign up to host a Responsible Dog Ownership Days event that includes a CGC test.”
NEW! AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days is also expanding in 2014. AKC clubs and other organizations can now host events at any time. Although the AKC will once again host its Flagship AKC RDO Day in September, clubs are welcome to host an AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days event and spread the importance of responsible dog ownership throughout the year.
How can you get involved?
Host a RDO Day: 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. AKC clubs and dog organizations are encouraged to host a CGC test to celebrate the program’s anniversary.
Beginning mid-July, the first 650 clubs and organizations that register at www.akc.org/rdod will receive a resource-filled packet with a Canine Good Citizen test kit, dog care and training info, giveaways and a website listing. Groups are encouraged to host events in September, the flagship month of AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days, but events held at any time in 2014 are welcome.
AKC Flagship RDO Day: AKC will host the flagship RDO Day September 20th in Raleigh, NC at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. Activities scheduled include “My Dog Can Do That” where attendees can try agility, “Ask a Trainer” featuring the AKC GoodDog!SM Helpline training staff, microchipping for just $10, and more. Local breed clubs interested in taking part in AKC Meet the Breeds® and breed parades should contact NCRDODay@akc.org.
2014 AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days is offered with support from national sponsors PetPartners, Inc., a leading pet healthcare provider, and Motel 6, the first national pet friendly chain, welcoming pets since 1962.
New York, NY AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days (RDO) returns for 2014 celebrating a very…