The AKC recently awarded three clubs with the AKC Community Achievement Award for hosting outstanding and effective Responsible Dog Ownership Days. The Lake Cumberland Kennel Club (Somerset, KY), Rogue Valley Kennel Club (Grants Pass, Oregon), and Western Carolina Dog Fanciers Association (Dillsboro, NC) each received a $1,000 check to support the clubs’ public education and canine legislation efforts in recognition of their efforts to organize and promote this important event and educate their communities about the importance of responsible dog ownership.

Responsible Dog Ownership (RDO) Days are public events held throughout the country each September. These educational events feature fun activities for all current and future dog owners. Each day is unique and can include such programs as "meet the breeds", obedience and agility demonstrations, instruction for children about safety around dogs, Canine Good Citizen® tests, and information on local resources for dog owners.

The Lake Cumberland Kennel Club celebrated RDO Day with several events, including a “Dog Day Afternoon” at their local library. This included the establishment of an RDO bookshelf, a screening of the AKC DVD regarding responsible dog care, and a donation collection for the Pulaski County Humane Society. In addition, the club hosted obedience classes and microchip clinics and sent letters to the editor of their local paper about responsible dog ownership.

The Rogue Valley Kennel Club offered free dog obedience classes for three weeks prior to their event. During their RDO Day, they conducted Canine Good Citizen® testing, hosted a “Meet the Breeds” event with over 40 different breeds, and had a veterinarian discuss senior dog first aid and health care, among other events. The club was also successful obtaining media coverage both before and after the events.

The Western Carolina Dog Fanciers Association partnered with the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department to host its RDO day festivities. The numerous activities included a parade of breeds, police canine and search and rescue exhibitions, and other demonstrations such as rally and agility. The club also obtained local newspaper and television coverage both before and after their event.

To learn more about these clubs’ RDO Day activities, read the AKC announcement.

Community Achievement Awards are given four times a year to clubs, individuals, or federations for outstanding efforts to promote responsible dog ownership in their community or to introduce, monitor and respond to canine legislative issues. If you know of a club or individual who deserves a Community Achievement Award, you may download a nomination form from the AKC web site.

Learn more about Responsible Dog Ownership Days and how to organize one in your community.