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Nearly 550 Events Will Be Hosted Nationwide; Also Have a Dog-Gone Good Time Online During Virtual AKC RDO Days

Americans have embraced dog ownership for centuries, and many people today view their dogs as cherished members of the family. That’s why AKC hosts AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days each September – to shine a spotlight on the commitment it takes to have a canine companion!

This month, dog owners and dog lovers everywhere will join hundreds of AKC-affiliated dog clubs across the country for the AKC’s annual celebration. Nearly 550 events are being held in local communities this year open to all current and future dog owners. All AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day events are listed at https://www.akc.org/clubs/rdod/events/.

“AKC is proud to host AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days for the eighth time as a reminder about the care our canines deserve,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “Our flagship event, as well as the events around the country, will feature educational and entertaining activities, and we encourage families to find an event to visit with their dog! Those with busy schedules can also participate by sharing an “Act” of responsible ownership online as part of our new AKC Virtual RDO Days.”

Each AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day event is unique but many include obedience/agility/rally demonstrations, low-cost microchipping clinics, breed rescue information, therapy dog/service dog/police 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 that are active in AKC shows, clubs, and rescue groups.  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. 

On Saturday, September 25, AKC will hold its flagship event in Raleigh, N.C.In addition to all the festivities mentioned above, more than 30 AKC-recognized breeds will be on hand for “AKC Meet the Breeds®,” including rare breeds such as the Azawakh, Berger Picard, Cirneco dell’Etna, Portuguese Podengo Pequeno and Pumi. Visitors will also be able to greet AKC Canine Partner “Tracker,” the station dog for WRAL-TV and WRAL.com.

For the first time this year, we’re also celebrating Virtual AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days! To participate, share an “Act of Responsible Dog Ownership” with us via your smart phone, iPad or home computer any time during the month of September.  
Volunteer at the local dog park or give your dog a good grooming? Tell us on Facebook or tweet about it. You can also “Like” the AKC’s Daily Act of Responsible Dog Ownership, which will be posted every day on Facebook, and sign the AKC Responsible Dog Owner Pet Promise at http://www.gopetition.com/online/9290.html.

Post a description, photo or video of your “Act” on:

AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days are sponsored by Invisible Fence® Brand, ADT Security Services, Inc., Hill's® Science Diet® Small & Toy Breed Dog Food and Motel 6. 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 and participating in our flagship Raleigh event.