RNC & NOC In The Age of COVID-19
The AKC had to cancel the RNC and NOC in July due to CoVid 19, but shifted it to Orlando in December 2020 replacing the AKC Classic. It is an interesting time to compete in dog events of any kind. Many events have been canceled across the country. Many Judges have had to cancel assignments due to quarantine restrictions, either coming into a state or going home. Clubs that push ahead and have their events despite the pandemic have done so, not only for self-preservation, but because there is still a section of exhibitors willing to follow safety precautions in order to compete. Six by six foot crate spaces marked out and a limit on entries based on the number of crate spaces available at each venue means trials are smaller. Temperatures are taken at the door, waivers signed, delf-declaration forms filled out, and masks must be worn at all times for some events. Some local trials allow handlers to remove their masks while in the ring, where adequate social distancing is a given.
December 9 & 10 were the Pre-trials for the big AKC events, hosted by Orlando Dog Training Club at the Convention Center. Pre-trial entries were smaller than usual for Obedience, but huge for Rally. Considering the Rally National Championship was Friday, December 11, it was expected that handlers would enter Rally at ODTC to get their dogs into the competition rings. The entry total for Thursday was 159 – just one short of the limit for any judge. Louann Currey did a great job keeping up, although I’m sure there were a number of absentees. It was suggested that exhibitors bring their own food as the Convention Center vendors would be very limited and most did pack a lunch. Handlers removing their masks to catch a drink or a bite were promptly reminded to mask-up as soon as possible. Safety was the name of the game.
I was privileged to judge the RNC this year, replacing a judge who was unable to make it due to quarantine restrictions. There was a substantial number of absentees making it easy to stay on schedule, but sad that so many handlers couldn’t get to the competition. Entry numbers were still down for most events, which is understandable. I was impressed with the precautions in general, though. Conformation grooming spaces were defined by drapery. Stickers adorned the floor and rings around the breed rings, reminding everyone to stay 6 feet apart. Everyone had to sign a waiver and self-declaration form. We were given an AKC bracelet to wear every day. Each day temperatures were taken and a different color sticker reading “Fever Free” was handed out. Regular announcements came over the sound system reminding everyone to show, shop and go. No socializing, no one standing ringside not handling a dog, no watching except live-streaming on AKC TV.
Introduced at this event was the Fast Cat competition. It was run outside, beautifully set up, and convenient for handlers to crate out of their cars. The Florida weather was moderate to mild, so a good chance to showcase this exciting skill. The winner to be crowned “Fastest Dog” in the USA.
I’ve included some candid photos from the weekend. Hopefully, now that the vaccines provide a light at the end of our long tunnel, things will start getting back to normal by mid 2021. Congratulations to all of the winners at the Nationals, and I was so impressed by the sportsmanship and camaraderie of the exhibitors at these events. Next year’s Nationals will be in Ohio on July 9. Good luck to all who qualify for those events!
Good training, everyone, and stay safe!