Coram Deo Retrievers 2

07/17/2026

New AKC Policy and Disciplinary Updates Focus on Dog Safety

Memorandum

Subject: New AKC Policy and Disciplinary Updates Focus on Dog Safety
Date: July 16, 2026
At its July 2026 meeting, the AKC Board of Directors approved a new policy and related disciplinary changes to strengthen protections for dogs at AKC events.
The health, safety, and wellbeing of dogs are at the heart of everything AKC does. In recent months, several incidents involving dogs left unattended in vehicles have resulted in dangerous situations and, in some cases, tragic outcomes. As temperatures rise and these risks increase, the Board determined that additional safeguards are necessary to help prevent future incidents and reinforce the shared responsibility of exhibitors, handlers, and owners to ensure every dog's safety.
Effective immediately, AKC's new Unattended Dogs in Vehicles Policy prohibits leaving dogs unattended in vehicles that are fully enclosed or do not have adequate ventilation and airflow. Simply having fans, air conditioning, temperature monitors, remote alerts, or other electronic devices does not, by themselves, make a vehicle safe for an unattended dog. Owners and handlers are responsible for ensuring dogs are kept in conditions that protect them from heat-related illness, distress, injury, or death.
Violating this policy is considered conduct prejudicial to the best interests of purebred dogs, the sport of purebred dogs, and the American Kennel Club and may result in disciplinary action under the AKC Charter and Bylaws.
The Board also approved two related changes to support the new policy. Effective July 29, 2026, the Dealing with Misconduct at American Kennel Club Events guidelines will require an Event Committee hearing whenever a dog is seriously injured or dies in connection with an AKC event, not just when a vehicle is involved. This process allows the committee to review sworn testimony, determine the facts, and ensure these incidents are handled fairly and consistently at events across the country.
The AKC Discipline Guidelines have also been updated to include a new disciplinary offense and penalty structure for violations of the Unattended Dogs in Vehicles Policy. Depending on the severity of the violation and the circumstances involved, penalties may range from a one-year suspension and monetary fines to a lifetime suspension and fines of up to $10,000.
These changes reinforce AKC's commitment to providing a safe environment for dogs and promoting responsible stewardship at every AKC event.
For more information on this policy contact: [email protected]

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07/12/2026

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🐾 TWO PUPPIES? READ THIS FIRST.

One of the questions we get asked the most is, “Should we get two puppies at the same time?”

The answer is yes… but only if you understand the commitment.

Although it’s commonly called “Littermate Syndrome,” these same challenges can develop with any two puppies of a similar age, even if they aren’t from the same litter. The concern isn’t that the puppies become friends. We want them to enjoy each other! The concern is when they begin relying on each other instead of building a strong relationship with you.

One of the most important things we’ve learned over the years is this:

The strongest relationship each puppy should build is with you.

If you choose to bring home two puppies, you’ll need to intentionally create that relationship with each one individually. That means training separately, walking separately, crating separately, and spending one-on-one time with each puppy every day. It’s a tremendous commitment, but it’s the best way to help each puppy become a confident teammate.

Many people assume that raising two puppies is simply twice the work. In reality, it’s often much more. You’re building two separate relationships while also managing the relationship between the puppies. That’s why we often say it’s closer to ten times the commitment than two.

If your goal is to have two well-trained hunting dogs or family companions that look to you for guidance, our recommendation is to start with one puppy. Build a strong relationship, establish a solid training foundation, and then, if you decide you’d like another dog in the future, you’ll be setting both dogs up for much greater success.

Have you ever raised two puppies at the same time? We’d love to hear about your experience and what worked well for you! 🐾

07/10/2026

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07/02/2026

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06/29/2026

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THAT GREEN STUFF COULD KILL YOUR DOG. 💚🐾

As the weather warms up, ponds, lakes, stock tanks, retention ponds, and other slow-moving bodies of water become the perfect environment for blue-green algae to grow.

Despite its name, blue-green algae isn’t actually algae. It’s a type of bacteria called cyanobacteria that can produce powerful toxins. Those toxins can make dogs critically ill within minutes of exposure.

The scary part? It doesn’t always look dangerous.

Sometimes it appears as a thick green mat on the surface. Other times it may look like spilled paint, pea soup, floating grass clippings, or just a thin green film on the water. If you aren’t sure, don’t let your dog swim or drink from it.

At Best Retrievers, our dogs spend countless hours in the water. Water work is an important part of developing a retriever. That also means we pay close attention to the conditions before we ever send a dog.

Not every pond or lake is unsafe. The key is learning to recognize the warning signs and making good decisions before your dog enters the water.

Signs of blue-green algae toxicity can include excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, stumbling, difficulty breathing, seizures, or collapse. If you suspect your dog has been exposed, rinse them with clean water as soon as possible and contact your veterinarian immediately. Don’t wait to see if they improve. Early treatment gives your dog the best chance.

One of the easiest ways to help protect your dog is to bring fresh water whenever you’re training, hunting, hiking, or spending time around natural bodies of water. Many dogs drink from ponds simply because they’re thirsty.

When it comes to blue-green algae, if you’re unsure about the water, don’t take the chance.

A few minutes spent evaluating the conditions could save your dog’s life. Please share this post. You never know who might need to see it.

05/31/2026

05/26/2026

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05/24/2026

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Larger “mats” of the goopy-green algae typically appear floating in creeks or along lakeshores between late May and early August.