New York, NY – Whether you're a pooch parent looking for tips on training, grooming and health or are currently considering adding a precious pup to the family, be sure to circle the month of September on your calendar to mark “AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day.” This month-long celebration involves hundreds of organizations around the country holding free events filled with fun and engaging activities every dog owner can enjoy. All AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day events are listed on www.akc.org.
“Whether you've had dogs for years or are a new pet owner, AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day can teach all dog owners some new tricks about caring for their canine buddy,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “The activities offered not only highlight dog ownership as a big responsibility with various commitments but one that comes with the rewards of unconditional love.”
Each AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day event is unique but many include obedience/agility demonstrations, microchipping 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 a respectable member of society can take the AKC Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Test – a 10-step test certification that rewards well-mannered, obedient dogs.
Listings of all events can be found and searched by state at https://www.akc.org/clubs/rdod/events/. The site will be updated weekly to reflect new additions. Over 150 local events have been entered to date, including:
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9/9- Birmingham Obedience Training Club, Birmingham, AL. – AKC/CAR microchip clinic, raffle, silent auction. AKC Canine Good Citizen testing and agility, obedience, rally and flyball demonstrations.
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9/16- Heartland Dog Club, Inc. Avon Park, FL. – AKC Canine Good Citizen testing, agility, obedience, and rally demonstrations. Information about therapy dogs.
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9/17- Hawaiian Terrier Association, Honolulu, HI. – Grooming demonstration, handling class and information on various AKC breeds and how to find a reputable breeder.
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9/23- Coastal Crescent Kennel Club, Ellsworth, ME. – Educational presentations on canine nutrition, children's safety around dogs, grooming, dental care. Meet the Breeds booth and agility demonstration.
On Saturday, September 16, AKC will hold a flagship event in New York City's Madison Square Park at Fifth Avenue and 23rd Street. More than 20 AKC-recognized breeds will be on hand, including rare breeds such as the Löwchen, Norwegian Elkhound and Xoloitzcuintli, and AKC Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) testing and discount microchipping will be offered. Pup-Peroni, the official pet snacks sponsor of AKC RDO Day in New York City, will be handing out free goody bags loaded with Pup-peroni dog treats, toys, magazines and coupons.
The AKC's Raleigh, NC office will hold a similar event on Saturday, September 9 at Millbrook Exchange Park.
Organizations interested in hosting an AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day event should contact the AKC at communications@akc.org or visit https://www.akc.org/clubs/rdod/index.cfm.