AKC News

New obedience rules start December 1: New regulations governing AKC obedience competitions take effect December 1, 2015. The changes include a new track for preferred novice, open, and utility titles, a few changes in novice exercises, additional changes in utility exercises, and some changes in administrative regulations for trial secretaries and organizing clubs. More information at the AKC website.

The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship events draw largest entry ever: More than 6000 entries will compete in the AKC/Eukanuba Classic events in Orlando, Florida, December 8-13, including several competitions for juniors, the Classic itself, the National Owner Handler finals, the agility invitational, and the obedience classic. Juniors will compete in showmanship, agility, rally, and obedience and 675 dogs will enter the ring for the NOHS finals. More information at the AKC website.

AKC and the Theriogenology Foundation support residencies in reproductive studies in companion animals at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine and University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. The residencies provide specialty training in all aspects of reproductive medicine and surgery, as well as all features of clinical practice related to male and female reproduction, obstetrics and neonatology in companion animals. Details in AKC Breeder newsletter.

AKC honors canine heroes with new urban search and rescue titles. More information at the AKC website.

AKC recognizes the breeders who go above and beyond to produce healthy puppies with the Breeder of Merit program, where passion meets dedication, and the HEART program focused on breed health and education.More information at the AKC website here and here.

From the NAIA...

NAIA study confirms fewer dogs, scarce purebreds in US animal shelters: The number of dogs entering US shelters has reached an all-time low, and the number of purebred dogs found in shelters has dropped to about five percent, according to a study released by the National Animal Interest Alliance. NAIA President Patti Strand said the study shows "tremendous progress" in eradicating dog overpopulation and substantially reducing the number of shelter deaths. More information at the NAIA website.

The Chain Pharmacy Welfare Act, alias the “Fairness” To Pet Owner’s Act: requires veterinarians to offer written paper prescriptions even if the client wants to buy the medication from the veterinary clinic. This mandate will force veterinarians to serve as marketers for national pharmacy chains and drive up the cost of veterinary care. NAIA’s Arnold Goldman, a Connecticut veterinarian with a master’s degree in public health explains. More information at the NAIA website.

Seized Pups Returned: Change on the Way?  This NAIA blog item summarizes the ordeal faced by a breeder in Waukegon, Illinois, who lost had his litter confiscated and given to a rescue group because he failed to buy a $25 breeding license. More information at the NAIA website.

Research: Having Pets Improve Social Skills of Children with Autism, an NAIA blog item that highlights the wonderful bond between people and pets. More information at the NAIA website.

More from NAIA …

Veterinary news

AVMA recently tightened its policy governing bark softening, naming it a last resort to euthanasia if behavior modification fails. The new wording is here.

The organization also approved new policy language for the use of alternative methods such as homeopathy, nutraceutical therapy, flower remedies, acupuncture, and other modalities. That policy is here.

AVMA opposes the so-called “Fairness to Pet Owners Act” now pending in Congress because clients already have the flexibility to fill a prescription at their veterinary clinic or at a pharmacy of their choice; a majority of states already have a state law, policy or regulation requiring veterinarians to honor a client’s prescription request; and AVMA’s Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics and its guide on Internet Pharmacies urges veterinarians to write a prescription in lieu of dispensing a medication when requested by the client. More information is here. (pdf)

AKC Canine Health Foundation news

AKC Canine Health Foundation Study of 9/11 search and rescue dogs enters 14th year: The study, led by Dr. Cindy Otto of the University of Pennsylvania and founder of the Penn Vet Working Dog Center, has been funded by CHF since October 2001. Ninety-five search and rescue dogs deployed at the World Trade Center, the Staten Island Landfill and the Pentagon, and 55 non-deployed control search and rescue dogs were enrolled in this first longitudinal study to monitor search and rescue dogs. More information is here.

Spontaneously occurring cancer in dogs helping to inform human disease: Eight US and international institutions of veterinary and human medicine and biomedical research collaborated on research into spontaneously occurring cancer in dogs that can lead to new treatments in dogs and humans. The work involves tumor DNA from Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, and Boxers that carry genes with well-known involvement in human lymphoma and other cancers. More information is here.