AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days is back again for its 11th year! We hope you’ll save a date for some time this September to hold a free community event publicly promoting responsible dog ownership.

There are many ways to participate in AKC RDO Days:

Host an Event: All efforts are appreciated and welcomed, from hosting a public education table at a dog show or dog run to creating a day-long festival. Visit the AKC RDO Days website for many more suggestions. The first 600 clubs and organizations that confirm event details with us by August 2, 2013 will receive a resource-filled packet with including giveaways and brochures. Events will also be listed and searchable on the AKC RDO Days website.

To sign up to hold an event, and receive your resource packet and web listing:

• Create an Account if this is your first year
• Login if you've hosted a previous event

Hosting a stand-alone AKC RDO Day event counts as a Major Activity in your club's eligibility requirements to hold future dog shows. If your club is already holding an AKC licensed event in September, that can count as an AKC RDO Day! All you have to do is register the details on the RDO website to receive your free kit.

Participate in RDO Days in the Classroom: This option is available to AKC Canine Ambassadors. We provide our Canine Ambassadors with coloring books, bookmarks and safety information to ensure a great lesson about responsible dog ownership during classroom or community group presentations.

If you’re a Canine Ambassador, think about what visits you may be able to schedule before school lets out for the summer. Emails about registering your Classroom event will be sent in early summer. If you already have something scheduled, contact us at communications@akc.org. If you are interested in becoming a Canine Ambassador, you can learn more about the program here.

AKC Flagship Event: The Flagship AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day will be held on September 21, 2013 in Raleigh, NC. If you’re in the Raleigh area and would like to participate as an all-breed club, specialty club or vendor, please let us know at communications@akc.org.

Like Us on Facebook to stay up-to-date with the latest AKC RDO Days news and information. Your participation will help ensure the program's success benefiting dogs and dog owners everywhere! If you have any suggestions for this year’s AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days program, please contact us at communications@akc.org with your thoughts and ideas.