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A Word or Two From AKC President & CEO Gina DiNardo

Gina DiNardo

A Word or Two From AKC President & CEO Gina DiNardo

Public Education Webinars Return

We’re excited to announce the return of the AKC Public Education Programs & Resources webinars, hosted by AKC Public Education, taking place on November 11, 2025, at 5:30 PM (EST)

These free, 60-minute sessions will highlight the wide range of educational programs and resources offered by AKC Public Education and will include:

  • An introduction to the AKC Public Education team, its role within the organization, and its overall mission
  • An overview of the major programs and resources available through AKC Public Education
  • A brief Q&A session following each program segment, where participants can ask specific questions about the information shared
  • A final open Q&A session at the end of the webinar for any remaining questions • A printable program guide, emailed upon completion of the session

Sign up for the November 11 webinar here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1721577272594600544

Webinars are open to all, but registration is required. If you don’t see a topic that interests you, we encourage you to submit your suggestions to the AKC Education Department. Previous webinars are also available on demand at: akc.org.

Updated Code of Sportsmanship and Civility

We’re also pleased to share an important update to the AKC Code of Sportsmanship. The newly revised AKC Code of Sportsmanship and Civility reaffirms our unwavering commitment to integrity, respect, and the highest standards of conduct for all participants in AKC-sanctioned events. The updated code emphasizes the values of fair play, honesty, courtesy, and mutual respect—principles that define the spirit of our community. Participants are encouraged to engage in spirited competition while prioritizing the health and welfare of their dogs and upholding the rules and spirit of the sport. These standards apply across all AKC events—Conformation, Performance, Companion, and Family Dog—helping to foster a culture of respect and responsibility that has supported our sport’s success for over 140 years.

Introducing the President’s Sportsman Award

In keeping with these values, we are proud to introduce the President’s Sportsman Award, a new honor recognizing individuals who embody the principles of the AKC Code of Sportsmanship and Civility. This award celebrates those who consistently demonstrate integrity, mentorship, and respect within the dog sports community. One Adult and one Junior recipient will be selected by an independent committee and invited to attend the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin this December in Orlando, Florida, where the awards will be formally presented.

Know someone who exemplifies these values? We invite you to submit a nomination here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=_lq-3sMFRkKkwDirdZRsDwN47JHsJRlJlUaC5yPH1EZUMldGUzlPQ1I2N1NaNlI5VVExUUZVVlNWSy4u

AKC Canine College Branded Mobile App

The AKC Canine College mobile app provides dog owners, breeders, trainers, and enthusiasts with access to educational resources directly on their devices. The app includes on-demand video courses, webinars, and assessments covering topics such as Breed Standards, training, grooming, judging, and responsible breeding. With over 80 breed-specific courses and a variety of learning modules, the platform makes canine education available anytime and anywhere. The app also offers resources for teachers, including webinars and materials that can be incorporated into classroom learning.

AKC Agility League Winners

I’m thrilled to celebrate the conclusion of the 10th season of the AKC Agility League, proudly sponsored by Purina Pro Plan. Since its launch in 2022, the League has offered competitors a unique way to showcase their skills—competing on their home training fields while connecting with teams across the nation. Participants earn both regional and national rankings, making every run count. This milestone season introduced an exciting new award category: Most Improved Teams and Dogs in each division, further highlighting the dedication and progress of our incredible competitors. Champions were crowned in all 10 divisions, and I extend my heartfelt congratulations to every team. Your commitment, passion, and love for the sport of Agility continue to inspire us all. To see the full list of champions, go to: https://www.akc.org/sports/agility/in-the-zone/akc-agility-league-announce-spring-summer-season-2025-winners/

Thank you for your continued support as we celebrate these milestones together and work toward an even brighter future for dogs and the people who love them.