Virtual monthly webinar learning experiences created by breeders for breeders.
Join renowned experts in these educational opportunities for breeders!
2026 Schedule
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 6:00 – 7:30 pm (EST)
“Prepaid Registration Made Easy with AKC Breeder Toolkit” Presented by the AKC BRET Team
Discover a smarter way to register your puppies and see why more breeders are choosing AKC Prepaid Registration through Breeder Toolkit. In this live webinar, you’ll learn how to register puppies exactly the way you want — including applying your kennel name, giving each puppy the registered name that best represents your breeding program, selecting Full or Limited Registration, and ensuring every puppy is registered exactly as you intended. See how Prepaid Registration makes the process faster, easier, and more convenient for both you and your puppy buyers — helping more puppies begin their AKC journey and start unlocking the many benefits of AKC registration. Plus, when every puppy from your litter is registered, you’ll earn a $10 coupon toward your next litter registration. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to make the most of Breeder Toolkit, this session is packed with practical tips, time-saving techniques, and a live demonstration you can put to work immediately. Reserve your spot today and learn how to save time, reduce paperwork, increase completed registrations, and get more value from every litter you register.
Sign up here https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2879980950144295004
for FREE to join the September 30, 2026 webinar with the AKC BRET Team.
Meet the AKC BRET Team!
Kelli Ellis – Director, Training and Contact Center Support
Kelli Ellis joined the American Kennel Club in 2016 and is the Director of Training & Contact Center Support. She and her team create training programs and educational resources that equip AKC staff to confidently support breeders, dog owners, exhibitors, and clubs with their registration and service needs.
With more than 25 years of experience in training, customer service, and performance improvement, Kelli is passionate about helping people succeed by making complex topics easy to understand. Outside of work, she enjoys competing in and volunteering at AKC events with her two Whippets, combining her professional expertise with her love of dogs and the sport.
Jennifer Freeman & Amanda Sanders – AKC Learning and Development Specialists
Amanda and Jennifer are seasoned Learning and Development Specialists at the American Kennel Club, each bringing a strong foundation of experience and dedication to supporting AKC teams and customers. Jennifer began her career in AKC Publications before transitioning to the North Carolina office, where she deepened her expertise in Registration and Customer Support.
Amanda launched her AKC journey in Customer Service and has been a consistent and valuable resource for both customers and internal staff.
Together, they lead training initiatives for the AKC Contact Center and provide learning support across various departments. Their contributions extend beyond training, including the development and upkeep of knowledge articles, internal process documentation, and a range of learning tools that enhance service quality and team efficiency.
With their in-depth knowledge of AKC products, customer support, and instructional best practices, Amanda and Jennifer play a key role in driving the ongoing success and development of the organization.
Linda Duncklee – Sr. Director, Registration
Linda Duncklee is the Senior Director of Registration at the American Kennel Club (AKC), bringing more than 34 years of experience in registration operations, process management, and breeder services. Throughout her career, she has played a key role in the evolution of AKC’s registration programs, helping to modernize processes and improve the experience for breeders, owners, and internal stakeholders.
A recognized subject matter expert in AKC registration, Linda partnered closely with Information Technology teams during the development and implementation of the Breeder Toolkit, providing critical business expertise and helping shape the platform’s functionality. Her deep understanding of registration policies, breeder needs, and operational workflows has made
Tuesday, November 17, 2026 7:00 pm (EST) – Dr. Wendy Townsend, DVM, MS, DACVO
“Seeing the Future: Canine Ophthalmology for Responsible Breeders”
Join Wendy Townsend, DVM, MS, DACVO board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist, for an informative webinar focused on the importance of canine eye health. Whether you are a breeder, exhibitor, or dedicated dog owner, this session will provide valuable insight into common eye conditions, hereditary eye diseases, and the role routine ophthalmic examinations play in preserving vision and improving the long-term health of dogs.
Dr. Townsend will discuss current eye screening recommendations, explain the significance of ophthalmic certifications in responsible breeding programs, and share practical guidance on recognizing early signs of eye disease. Attendees will gain a better understanding of how proper eye care contributes to producing healthier dogs and protecting the future of their breed.
This webinar is an excellent opportunity to learn from one of the leading experts in veterinary ophthalmology and to ask questions during a live Q&A session.
Whether you’re new to breeding or have years of experience, you’ll leave with practical knowledge you can apply to help ensure your dogs enjoy a lifetime of healthy vision.
Sign up here https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5822846911980229213
for $19 to join the November 17, 2026 webinar with Dr. Wendy Townsend.
Dr. Wendy Townsend DVM, MS, DACVO
Dr. Wendy Townsend is a veterinary ophthalmologist with a deep passion for research on ocular conditions in purebred dogs, particularly Golden Retriever pigmentary uveitis. She is committed to educating dog owners and breeders, believing that empowering them to make informed breeding decisions is the most effective way to promote the health and well-being of future generations of dogs.
A native of Lexington, Kentucky, Dr. Townsend earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Auburn University in 1995. She then spent three years in mixed private practice in upstate New York before joining Purdue University as a small animal intern in 1998. Following her internship, Dr. Townsend remained at Purdue for her residency in veterinary ophthalmology and completed a Master’s degree in 2003. That same year, she became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO).
Dr. Townsend served on the faculty at Michigan State University from 2003 to 2010 before returning to Purdue University in the summer of 2010, where she is currently a Professor of Ophthalmology and Associate Dean for Academic Success. She has contributed to the ACVO as a member of its genetics committee and as its president.
Outside of her professional work, Dr. Townsend enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and a variety of animals. Her hobbies include gardening, horseback riding, home renovation, and playing with her dogs and cats.
Stay tuned, information coming soon about more breeder webinars scheduled in 2027!
For questions email breederdev@akc.org