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UKC Introduces New Program: Socialized Pet Obedience Test (SPOT)

February 1, 2016

For more information, email performance@ukcdogs.com

Kalamazoo, Mich., February 1, 2016 - UKC’s newest program is aimed at highlighting the importance of having well-behaved and socialized dogs in the general public arena and awarding them a designation as such, the Socialized Pet Obedience Test (SPOT), will soon be available across the country.

Designed and created for all dog owners, new and experienced alike, the founding principle of this test is to teach and promote responsible dog ownership. Through the SPOT program, the United Kennel Club offers owners a chance to prove that their dog is a well-behaved asset to their community by completing a series of exercises that demonstrate these valuable and necessary skills. Each exercise is designed to simulate an “everyday” life experience where the dog can demonstrate that they possess the skills, and have the behaviors necessary, to be considered a “SPOT” certified dog.

The test consists of 10 stations. There are four possible rankings for each station. The dog will receive a rating at each station, varying from “Outstanding” to “Needs Practice”. These exercises are used to demonstrate that the dog is capable of exhibiting desired behaviors that the general public would expect to see in a well-behaved dog. It is NOT intended to be an obedience trial. The SPOT test places value on the importance of responsible dog ownership, and that a well behaved dog is not only a happy dog, but one that will be accepted in a community.

The United Kennel Club believes in “Real Dogs for Real People” and developed this program to reward one’s everyday life with dogs. The United Kennel Club feels strongly that every dog should be an ambassador in its community as a well-behaved canine companion. It is important that all owners strive to set an example of responsible dog ownership by training their dog(s) to display appropriate behavior while on leash and in the presence of other dogs.

UKC Clubs may offer SPOT tests in conjunction with licensed UKC events, or SPOT tests can be offered separately any place where an approved SPOT Evaluator is available to oversee the test. To find an upcoming SPOT evaluation held in conjunction with a UKC event, please visit our website. The SPOT program is open to all dogs, purebred and mixed breeds. Dogs do not need to be UKC registered or have any type of UKC listing number in order to participate, but the SPOT designation will be recorded on the pedigree and win history of UKC registered dogs who pass the test with a SPOT or SPOT-ON rating.

Learn more about the SPOT program, the details of each stations, how to become a SPOT evaluator, and more.

A Kalamazoo, Michigan-based company founded in 1898, United Kennel Club is the largest all-breed performance-dog registry in the world, registering dogs from all 50 states and 25 foreign countries. Celebrating the unique Total Dog philosophy, UKC events highlight the instincts and heritage of dogs that look and perform equally well, as more than 60 percent of its annually licensed events are tests of hunting ability, training, and instinct. United Kennel Club prides itself on its family-oriented, friendly, educational events, welcoming both purebred dogs and dogs of unknown ancestry.

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