Because of the Pandemic, AKC laid off a substantial percentage of their staff and workers. The remaining staff must be overwhelmed trying to keep up amid the chaos. I have always counted on AKC to process the results of my efforts (scores from events), record and send the titles we’ve earned, and they have done a spectacular job. Data entry workers are the unsung heroes, without whom recognition for our efforts might go unrecognized.

Since Covid and the layoffs, recording of the results of our trials have slowed considerably. On checking my puppy’s records, her two points in conformation were never recorded. I called AKC several months later and the problem was promptly remedied, but had I not checked it might have eventually been too late to do anything. In this case, she won the points in an “Open Show” at 4 months, and the puppy results had not been entered in the database.

When it came to her BCAT title, Farmdog Certificate, and CGC, it took 4 to 6 weeks for the information to be recorded. For my Rally Intermediate title, one of my scores was never turned in to AKC – the judges book page was somehow lost. Fortunately, the judge still had a copy and it got straightened out. I am learning to be patient, especially because there is nothing that can really fix the problem until the health crisis starts to come under control.

Until then, keep good records in case you need to call AKC about an issue. I try to take a photo of the judges book for obedience and rally (the score sheet wouldn’t really help you if it wasn’t recorded correctly in the judges book.) Most of the time you won’t have access to the score sheets, but if you check the posted judges book and take a photo of it you have proof of your accomplishments should a problem arise. And if something was recorded incorrectly, you can get it fixed immediately.

Another important bit of information related to recording trial results: If there is a problem where AKC has to contact a judge regarding a missing or inaccurate entry, or an error, recording of the rest of the event results stops until the problem is corrected. A Judge’s prompt attention in these instances benefits everyone!

Good training, everyone, and stay safe!