"Your Dog 'Can' Do That!" Hundreds Of Raleigh Residents Invited To Try Agility And AKC Rally® At AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day

RALEIGH, N.C., Sept. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- All dogs are welcome to join the fun whizzing through weave poles and flying over jumps at the FREE AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day, hosted by AKC this September 22, 2012 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the NC State Fairgrounds.

The AKC is celebrating the tenth anniversary of the AKC RDO Days program by hosting "My Dog Can Do That!" at its Raleigh flagship event for the first time ever. "My Dog Can Do That" encourages pet owners and their dogs to experience the first steps in Agility and AKC Rally with help from experienced trainers. This fun and casual activity teaches owners new ways to communicate with their dog while discovering AKC dog sports with friendly dog-savvy experts at their side.

"Attention parents! There will also be a 'mini' "My Dog Can Do That!" for youngsters wanting to take their favorite pet through a fun small obstacle course," said AKC Manager and RDO Days Flagship Coordinator Penny Leigh. "It's truly rewarding to watch a child learn new skills, accomplish a task successfully and share the achievement with their dog. What better way to teach responsible dog ownership this September!"

Visitors will also be able to: 

• Shop local vendors like Mojo Dog Tugs, Sit Means Sit, and the Waggin' Wagon, a doggie decorated school bus that sells gourmet dog treats to benefit the Paws4Ever shelter and rescue program. See full vendor list here.
• Learn about more than 40 popular and rare breeds during Breed Parades
• Watch demos of herding, flyball, agility, obedience and AKC Rally
• Take their dog through the Canine Good Citizen® test for $8
• Get their dog microchipped for only $10 by Wake County Animal Care, Control and Adoption until 1:00 pm. This helps to ensure dogs will be returned to their owners in the event of loss or theft.
• Enjoy facepainting, games for kids, and free goodie bags to the first 500 families!

Can't make it to an event? Participate online!

• Sign the AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Pet Promise: Raleigh residents can help us mark the RDO anniversary milestone by assisting AKC in reaching 10,000 signatures on the AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Pet Promise. Sign it here.
• Virtual AKC RDO Days: North Carolinians can also like AKC on Facebook to participate in Virtual AKC RDO Days! Participants will be able to pick up tips, receive a special online badge and share acts of responsible dog ownership throughout September!

AKC RDO Days is supported by Motel 6, Cosequin, available at RescuePetSupply.com, TimberTech and The Hartford. 

Learn more at akc.org or Facebook.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) proudly celebrated its 125th Anniversary in 2009. Since 1884 the not-for-profit organization has maintained the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world, and today its rules govern more than 20,000 canine competitions each year. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its nearly 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Companion Animal Recovery and the AKC Museum of the Dog. For more information, visit www.akc.org.

AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.

To become a fan of the AKC on Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/americankennelclub. To follow the AKC on Twitter, go to http://www.twitter.com/akcdoglovers.

SOURCE American Kennel Club