Advocating for Inclusion of Earthdog - ACTION REQUESTED

The AKC implemented a new Family Dog titling Program this January. FIT DOG titles are earned through participation in a combination of activities that are pro dog and owner fitness. As a long time supporter of the Family Dog program, I am happy to see yet another opportunity for people to interact with their dogs. Many of the participants in Family Dog programs such as Canine Good Citizen, Trick Dog, etc., are relatively new to dogs and these programs serve as an excellent introduction to other sports or events. AKC FIT DOG is another way for owners to interact with their dogs and get credit for it if they choose.

When the titling checklists became available, the glaring omission of Earthdog titles was apparent. Several Earthdog participants wrote to the program director, Mary Burch thinking it was surely an oversight. The responses were dismissive and showed a fundamental lack of understanding about Earthdog and the physical requirements placed upon the dog. In one response, Mary Burch stated “Deciding factors were the extent and amount of the exercise, as well as handler involvement. We did not feel Earthdog was the equivalent to other activities with regard to sustained exercise, so it was not included”. 

Examples of included activities are one group walk or hike of 1 mile -these can be virtual and the “group” online; one community run - completed at your own pace of 1 mile, again this can be virtual, a BCAT title; a Rally Novice RN title, etc.. those activities somehow are greater than the requirements to obtain an Earthdog title. The owner involvement in FastCat is to release or catch the dog. The owner requirement in ED depending on the level, is to remove a working terrier from a den (if you have ever tried to get down in a hole on uncertain terrain to lift a terrier, within time and then gotten back up again with that dog in your arms you know this is a physical requirement indeed) and possibly do a master walk up, or do a senior and master run in the same day, etc.. The dogs work quarry for various sustained periods of time at a high level, turning and flexing through the tunnels and anyone who has released or removed a working terrier from a den can attest to the elevated heart rate of the dog. These are titles that require work, athleticism, and physical effort that is at a minimum the equivalent of several other included activities and titles. Earthdog as a sport needs new participants and inclusion in the FIT DOG program could lead people new to the sport of dogs to try Earthdog. Earthdog titles should be included as an activity. If you agree, please email Mary Burch at FITDOG@akc.org and let her know why you believe Earthdog should be included. I also am asking you to sign and share this petition. Again, we are not advocating for the exclusion of other activities, merely the inclusion of Earthdog.