Coming Out of the Pandemic

We’re all aware how the past few months (dealing with the coronavirus), has changed our usual way of life. The pandemic has challenged us as never before, basically inflicting a social experiment on all of us.  While change can be uncomfortable that doesn’t mean it’s bad or good.  Just different.

Exhibitors at AKC trials make up a community who have typically been opinionated about changes to the sport’s regulations.  Historically, community opinion has been sought as changes were being considered and incorporated.  Advisory panels were created to obtain and consider opinions of the community, and modifications to the regs were applied gradually and with moderation.  In recent years this practice appears to have changed, which is ironic given the communication advances technology now offers.

Due to the pandemic I don’t think most reasonable exhibitors question how trials have been modified to address the safety concerns imposed by COVID-19.  Such adjustments were necessary in almost all aspects of our lives, and these alterations needed to be made swiftly.  For many industries adapting to COVID-19 restrictions was quite a brainteaser.  In our realm, I think the AKC should be congratulated for their efforts to keep dog trainers safely engaged in the sport.

Now that pandemic restrictions appear to be easing it will be interesting to see which of the AKC’s temporary changes will become permanent, which may be altered, and which will revert back to their previous status.