Hundreds of Nationwide Events Listed on www.akc.org/rdod

Interested in learning training and grooming tips from the pros? Looking for a new canine family member? Or want to start competing in AKC events? Then be sure to mark “AKC® Responsible Dog Ownership Days” on your calendar. This month–long celebration includes hundreds of organizations around the country holding free events filled with fun and engaging activities for every current or future dog owner. AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day events are held throughout September and are listed on www.akc.org/rdod

This year, you can weigh in about your own responsible ownership habits. In the spirit of this month–long celebration, the AKC has created a fun, light–hearted AKC RDO Days survey to learn more about America’s doggie “dos” and “don’ts.” Take the survey and the AKC will announce the survey results at the beginning of September to kick–off AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days.

“Dogs are considered to be members of the family and the best way to return the love of your dog is to be a responsible owner,” said AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “We encourage everyone to attend an AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days event near them to both have fun and learn about all the different ways to have fun and do more with your dog.”

Each AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day event is unique but many include AKC Rally®, Obedience and Agility demonstrations, meet the breeds, microchip clinics, breed rescue information, legislation seminars, therapy dog/service dog demonstrations, health clinics, safety around dogs for kids, giveaways and other entertaining and educational activities. If you want to show your friends and family how well–mannered your dog can be, take the AKC Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Test. This 10–step test rewards well–mannered, obedient dogs – and is offered at many events.

Listings of all events can be found and searched by state at www.akc.org/rdod. The site will be updated weekly to reflect new additions.  Over 200 local events have been entered to date, including:

• 9/4 – Trap Falls Kennel Club, Easton, Connecticut – AKC Canine Good Citizen® Testing; AKC CAR microchip clinic; AKC Rally and Obedience matches; vendors and demonstrations

• 9/11 – Northeastern Indiana Kennel Club, Fort Wayne, Indiana – Agility, Obedience and Police K–9 demos; Meet breeders and learn about the pros and cons of their breed; free dog photos, caricatures, doggy massages and face–painting; discounted microchipping; and fifteen different breed rescue groups and therapy dog groups on–site.

• 9/18 – Seneca Siberian Husky Club, Brockport, New York – Demonstrations of dog sports including sledding, agility, rally, and flyball; meet therapy and police K9 dogs and some of AKC’s 167 breeds; attend classes on first aid and traveling with your dog; speak to a professional behaviorist, vet, trainer and pet communicator; and enjoy kids’ activities like crafts, coloring, and a safety class.

• 9/20 – Hartford Obedience Training Club, West Springfield, Massachusetts – Demonstrations of AKC Canine Good Citizen® test exercises; information about disaster planning in case of emergency; and a mini–Meet the Breeds before and after all demonstrations.

AKC will celebrate its own AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day in Raleigh, N.C. on Saturday, September 25. The event will feature many AKC–recognized breeds, agility and obedience demonstrations, AKC CGC® testing, low–cost AKC CAR microchipping, goodie bags and much more.

Organizations interested in hosting an AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days event should contact the AKC at communications@akc.org or visit https://www.akc.org/rdod

AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days are sponsored by Invisible Fence® Brand, Hill's® Science Diet® Small & Toy Breed Dog Food and ADT Security Services.  These organizations will be highlighting their commitment to responsible dog ownership this September by working with event–hosting organizations across the country to provide resources and information for pet owners.