Table Talk • July 22, 2026
Last week the AKC Board released a new policy and disciplinary update focused on Dog Safety (https://caninechronicle.com/breaking-news/memorandum-new-akc-policy-and-disciplinary-updates-focus-on-dog-safety/ ). In my humble opinion, this communication had the potential to be viewed in a positive light: The AKC was taking the initiative to communicate their concern for the safety and well-being of the dogs.
Unfortunately, the initial communication backfired due to the way it was written. As a result of the backlash from many in the sport, the staff at AKC subsequently issued a Frequently Asked Questions document (https://caninechronicle.com/current-articles/from-the-akc-frequently-asked-questions-akc-unattended-dogs-in-vehicles-policy/) . While this FAQ addressed several concerns raised by the fancy, there was still a great deal of uncertainty, and a third communication was issued by the Board’s Communication Subcommittee. Initially this communication was sent to the Delegate Body and was subsequently posted on social media. This third effort did a better job of clarification, but by this time the damage was already done. Perhaps the AKC Board’s Communication Committee should review all communications to the fancy prior to them being released.
I believe what writers were trying to do is communicate that 1) if a dog is harmed or dies due to being left unattended in a vehicle, the Show Committee is required to hold a hearing, and 2) the policy was implemented for one reason: to prevent dogs from dying or suffering heat-related injury while left in vehicles.
As the Communications Committee clarified, this is a welfare policy, not a technology policy. It does not prohibit leaving dogs unattended in vehicles; rather, it requires that vehicles be properly ventilated and that dogs be checked frequently. The policy does not ban the use of vehicles with air-conditioning, generator or shore power, temperature monitors, or similar safeguards. Instead, its intent is to make clear that these safeguards do not relieve fanciers of responsibility if the technology fails. In short, dogs left in vehicles during hot weather must be monitored often, the vehicle must be properly ventilated, and the individual remains responsible if something goes wrong. Responsible fanciers who use appropriate safeguards, keep vehicles ventilated, and check on their dogs regularly should not need to change their usual practices.
I was having a conversation with a past Board Member at the shows last weekend, and she raised an interesting thought: Should clubs be responsible for holding disciplinary hearings? Currently when a complaint is filed, the Club’s designated disciplinary (Bench Show) Committee reviews the complaint and determines if a hearing is warranted. If so, the committee holds the hearing and their findings are submitted to the AKC’s disciplinary committee who either upholds the Show Committee’s findings, kicks the findings back to the Show Committee because something was not done correctly, or finds that the Committee’s recommended punishment was not appropriate and changes it.
Over the past few years, it seems the AKC Committee kicks back a large number of the Show Committee’s findings. Many clubs have very few volunteers, and if a complaint is handed in, some, if not all volunteers, are taken away from running the show to hear the complaint. This puts even more stress on the already stretched Club volunteers.
Perhaps Show Committees should be responsible for fact and evidence gathering, then submit that information to the AKC Committee. This way, determinations would be made by the AKC Committee, not the Show Committee. This would make the administration of the rules more consistent and would free up Club volunteers to perform the many responsibilities they have when holding a dog show.
The fancy is mourning the sudden passing of Professional Handler Nicki King. Sadly, Nicki was killed in a motorcycle accident just three weeks after getting married. Nicki was known for her talent and dedication to the sport, and her kindness, warmth and friendship. Nicki will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Condolences to her family and friends at this most difficult time.
Congratulations to Heather and Jason McIlwaine on their marriage! Best wishes for much love and happiness in the years ahead.
Peggy Beisel-Mcilwaine is checking an African adventure off her bucket list! She and her son, Trevor, are heading out on one of Booth Adventure Travel’s great trips! Have fun!
Kellie and Steve Williams and Theresa Connors-Chan and Greg Chan are celebrating wedding anniversaries! Congratulations and may you have many more happy, healthy years ahead.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Kristin Lyons, Mickey Feigelson, Megan Honari, Matias Mato, Tabitha Teutsch, Carlene Pulliam, Mark Stephen, and Pam Desrosiers. Remember my friends, you are all like fine wine, improving with age.
I am looking forward to bringing you Table Talk Live coverage from the Steel Valley Cluster in Canfield, Ohio. I would love to chat with you about how you keep your dogs cool and safe, so please reach out to me if you want to participate in the coverage.
Be safe out there, and don’t forget to check on your dogs regularly. Until next time…
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