
Each September, the American Kennel Club hosts AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day to educate first-time dog owners about the responsibilities of dog ownership and help current owners enhance their relationships with their pets. Owning a dog has endless rewards, but it’s important to be aware of the responsibilities that come along with it.
In an effort to protect the health and well-being of the exhibitors, volunteers, and attendees amid the COVID-19 pandemic, AKC’s flagship Responsible Dog Ownership day, sponsored by AKC Pet Insurance, will be a virtual event in 2020!
2020 RDO Day Virtual Event
Date: Sept. 17, 2020
Where: Facebook (Click here to RSVP)
Time: 11 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. E.T.
Schedule:
11:00 AM
RDO Day Opening Ceremony!
12:00 PM
Ask the Expert: How to Be a Responsible Dog Owner
2:00 PM – 2:15 PM
Facebook Live Q&A on Canine Partners Program & GoodDog Helpline
2:20 PM – 2:35 PM
Facebook Live Q&A on Canine Health & Nutrition Best Practices
2:40 PM – 2:55 PM
Facebook Live Q&A on How to Make Your Dog a Therapy Dog
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM
Facebook Live Q&A on AKC Sports and Getting Involved in Clubs
3:20 PM – 3:35 PM
Facebook Live Q&A on AKC Pet Insurance

Get Involved From Home
We encourage all responsible dog owners to take a pledge to follow the pet promise.
Want to be featured in our RDO Day video? Download the Cinebody app and follow this link on your smartphone. You’ll be guided through the pet promise and will be able to submit videos of you and your dog directly to the app.
If your dog isn’t already a Canine Good Citizen, it’s time to start training! There are many ways you can train for CGC skills from home. Once your dog is ready, contact an evaluator and set up an in-person assessment.
Enrich your dog’s life by getting started in a new sport or activity from home. There are many AKC titles you can earn from your house.
Try out new training exercises and sports from the comfort and safety of your home:
- Teach Your Puppy These 5 Basic Commands
- How to Teach Your Dog Scent Work at Home
- Canine Cavaletti: Equine Exercises You Can Do At Home With Your Dog
- Three Easy Do-At-Home Exercises For Senior Dogs
- DIY Cognitive Dog Toys for When You Are Stuck at Home
Next Steps
- Quiz: Are You A Responsible Dog Owner?
- How AKC Canine Good Citizen Is Part of Being a Responsible Dog Owner
- 75 Ways to Be a Responsible Dog Owner
- 7 Ways to Celebrate Responsible Dog Ownership Month
- Get Started in AKC Sports & Events