AKC
Responsible Dog Ownership Day
Responsible Dog Ownership Day is a fantastic program created by the American Kennel Club. Basically put, the AKC encourages all dog and pet-relatd organizations to join the AKC in September to commemorate AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day by holding a community event that publicly promotes responsible dog ownership. This event can be held anytime during the month of September.
BUB proudly supports RDOD, and has been privileged to be a part of this Day in a planning capacity as well as participants. We've gathered the following links to encourage Clubs and organizations to get on the bandwagon and host a day of their own this September. Please join us by reading the following articles and tidbits and leaving comments of your own.
This is the page where you can create your account and gain access to all the prep and planning materials the AKC has to offer. http://www.akc.org/clubs/rdod/
The AKC page provides some suggestions to help commemorate AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day:
- ID clinic - Hold an AKC/CAR microchip clinic
- Rescue information booth
- Health clinic/health screen testing/First Aid for Dogs
- Meet the breeds/Find the right dog for you
- Obedience /Agility / Rally/ Performance demonstrations
- Therapy/ SAR Dog or Police K9 Unit demonstrations
- "AKC Safety around Dogs" for kids presentations (in-school or for childrens' groups)
- A kids contest with awards for best drawings, photos, or essays about dogs
- AKC Canine Good Citizen test (requires additional kit purchase)
- Seek sponsorships or donated items from local businesses to be raffled or for contest prizes
- Raise money to donate/dedicate needed items to local dog park/runs (pooper scoopers, bulletin boards, water fountains, etc.)
- Fundraising events for AKC Canine Health Foundation
- Write a letter to the editor of your local newspapers
- Obtain a proclamation from your Governor, or Mayor, etc.
Are you prepared?
AKC Emergency Checklist for Pet Owners
Your pets depend on you to keep them safe in good times and in bad. It's not pleasant to think about the worst happening - but it's imperative to have a disaster plan in place just in case. The AKC has prepared this printable checklist of supplies fto have on hand in case of emergency evacuation or injury. You can also visit ready.gov for helpful disaster preparedness advice.
AKC Responsible Dog Owner Pet Promise
AKC Responsible Dog Owner Pet Promise - see if you can agree to the entire document!
http://www.akc.org/pdfs/clubs/rdod/2006/Pet_Promise.pdf
Beyond Sit, Down, Stay
Sure, you went to puppy class with you bud, learned all of the basic commands.
Do you know there's more that you can do?
Similar to graduating to high school after middle school, there is a possibility for you to continue to bond with your dog and have great fun while showing others his skills.
Not competitive by nature?
Not to fear, most sanctioned Clubs offer classes in Rally Obedience (like regular obedience, but you can use more natural encouragement), agility, obedience, freestyle (dancing with your dog - seriously), and more. This stuff is great for the entire family. Many children learn confidence while working with their bud. To learn more, follow the links below.
Getting Started in Rally
http://www.akc.org/events/rally/getting_started.cfm
Getting Started in Agility
http://www.akc.org/pdfs/events/agility/Agility_Brochure.pdf
Getting Started in Tracking
http://www.akc.org/events/tracking/getting_started.cfm
Getting Started in Obedience
http://www.akc.org/events/obedience/getting_started.cfm
