AKCommunicates | Please click here to view in a browser.
AKCommunicates
A Newsletter for AKC Clubs and Their Dedicated Volunteers – July 2015
President's Message
Dennis Sprung
 
NEWS FROM AKC PRESIDENT, DENNIS SPRUNG
The 13th annual AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days is quickly approaching, and I encourage your club to get involved by hosting an event.

These grassroots community events serve as a great way to introduce the general public to the AKC and reinforce the importance of responsible ownership.

Here is what some of our clubs already have planned.
hz rule
Event Bulletin
2014-1125-tracking.jpg
 
Event Operations Updates
It is recommended that clubs ensure that a judging program is sent to each judge scheduled for your event. This is a courtesy to the judge that assists them in preparing for their upcoming assignment. Judges can review breed standards, plan their arrival at the event, and prepare themselves for any groups or special attraction assignments they may have. Finally, ensuring that a judging program is sent to each judge scheduled for Obedience and AKC Rally® is important so that they may confirm their assignments and start times, as well as prepare the proper number of judging worksheets needed for their assignments.
hz rule
Taking Command
 
With growing momentum, dog owners across the country are challenging anti-breeder and anti-dog ownership rhetoric with facts, science-based evidence, and good old common sense. Lawmakers are learning that the most accurate and reliable information about dog ownership, care, and breeding comes from experienced breeders, trainers and exhibitors rather than angry protestors, misleading petitions, and animal rights lobbyists.

READ MORE 

Read the entire July issue of Taking Command.
hz rule
AKC News
150501-akcomm-2.jpg
 
AKC Continues Commitment to Breeder Education With “Bred with H.E.A.R.T.”
The American Kennel Club (AKC®) continues its long-standing commitment to advance the health and welfare of all dogs with the launch of its new program Bred with H.E.A.R.T. (Health, Education, Accountability, Responsibility and Tradition).

Learn more about the program.
hz rule
150501-akcomm-2.jpg
 
AKC National Owner-Handled Series Finals Judging Panel Released
The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is delighted to announce the judging panel for the 2015 AKC National Owner-Handled Series Finals (NOHS), held in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with AKC/Eukanuba National Championship (AENC) week.

View the panel.
hz rule
Club Publicity
150501-akcomm-3.jpg
 
Creating Special Attractions
To generate as much media interest as possible for your club event, add a media-worthy special attraction, such as an action-packed demonstration or unique presentation:
  • Invite local chapters of Search and Rescue and Guide Dog organizations. Ask them to put on a demonstration during the lunch break or before Best in Show, or give them a donation and schedule a check presentation between the groups.
  • Mark milestone anniversaries with commemorative trophies, posters or logos by local artists. Invite them to the show for signings and presentations.
  • If celebrities attend, see if they will agree to be quoted in your press materials. For instance, Jim Jones, WXYZ news anchor, said. “I am highly supportive of the (name of event). It benefits all dogs and makes our town a better place to live.”

For even more ideas, check out page 34 of Promoting Your Club and Its Events.
hz rule
150501-akcomm-4.jpg
 
Tools and Tactics for Promoting Clubs
The AKC celebrates Responsible Dog Ownership Days each year during the month of September. Anytime during the year, but mostly in September, AKC clubs and organizations are encouraged to hold local events to emphasize the importance of responsible dog ownership. AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day offers clubs the opportunity to gain publicity, legislative visibility, and community contacts by holding events, which may include CGC tests, obedience/agility demonstrations, rescue booths, Meet the Breeds, etc.

Learn more and sign-up here
hz rule
Kudos to Clubs
150325-akcc-4.jpg
 
...for promoting AKC events, activities and opportunities across the country. Recognizing and utilizing your members' particular expertise and capabilities to put your own "spin" on AKC's message points helps them go even further.

Kudos to the Texas Kennel Club for presenting a plaque to the Dallas Police Department’s Canine Squad celebrating the partnership between the two organizations. CBS affiliate KTVT Channel 11 sent a cameraman and the presentation was featured on their 5:30 p.m. newscast. ABC affiliate WFAA Channel 8 and NBC affiliate KXAS Channel 5 also featured the presentation on their 10:00 p.m. newscasts that night.

See more photos from the event.
hz rule
150325-akcc-4.jpg
 
Pets Always Stay Free at Motel 6
Motel 6 is proud to be the official lodging provider of the AKC. AKC registrants receive a 10% discount at over 1,100 Motel 6 locations across the U.S. and Canada. Call the special AKC reservation number 855-M6-4DOGS and mention CP542764 to receive your savings.

LEARN MORE 
hz rule
Thanks to all of the clubs that routinely generate positive media coverage. If your club has an idea or success story to share, please send it to: Stephanie Smith, Club Communications Manager, American Kennel Club, 4th Floor, 260 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016 or send us your brag in an e-mail to communications@akc.org. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
The AKC Communications Team