AKC Dog Agility Community

05/27/2026

The AKC Agility Department is excited to announce the following new provisional judges to the program:
• Phillip Felty - IN
• Jeff Foster - VA
• Michele Lemole - FL
• Amy Masterson - CA
• Margaret Steinrock - IN
• Aaron Wallin - CA
• Garth Welch - ME
This group of provisional judges are available to judge beginning October 1, 2026
The following revisions in our program are designed to help meet the growing need for judges. This proposal will allow provisional judges more latitude in accepting judging assignments. All assignments are subject to scheduling for Field Rep supervision/attendance. Please be reminded that schedules are established well in advance, void of holidays, and those adjacent to/during AKC events.
AKC Provisional Agility Judge Progression
LEVEL 1 – FIRST TWO (2) ASSIGNMENTS
• May accept Novice/Open, FAST and T2B as a sole judge
• Eligible to judge ALL levels through Ex/M & Premier (exception ISC) when splitting an assignment with another fully approved judge (if all levels are included).
• 350 run max per day total between two judges, if one ring
• TWO-day maximum assignment
• One judging assignment in a 30-day period
LEVEL 2 – OTHER ASSIGNMENTS
• May accept all levels – individual or joint (no ISC until full status)
• Eligible for 3-day assignment (could be solo or multiple judges)
• One assignment in a 30-day period for each

05/20/2026

2027 Agility New Judge’s Seminar

Registration is now open for the 2027 Agility New Judge’s Seminar (NJS), and we are accepting applications from prospective new judges. This seminar serves primarily as an evaluation and testing weekend for individuals seeking to become AKC Agility Judges.

The 2027 NJS will be held May 21-23 at On The Run Canine Training Center in Ham Lake, Minnesota. Throughout the weekend, applicants will be assessed on their knowledge of the Regulations for Agility Trials, course design skills, judging mechanics, and overall readiness to officiate AKC Agility events.

For additional information or to request an application, please contact Michelle Persian [email protected]

05/07/2026

05/01/2026

Agility Department Update:

Rhonda Crane – Sr. Agility Field Representative Retirement Announcement

After many years of dedicated service, Rhonda Crane will retire from her role as Sr. Agility Field Representative on May 29th.

Over the years, Rhonda has been a steady and valued part of the agility community, especially in her work with provisional judges. She has also brought a creative touch to the program by designing agility event logos and coordinating merchandise sales. The revealing of each unique logo has become an event in itself, and exhibitors have appreciated the selection of memorabilia available to them through Rhonda’s efforts.

Rhonda’s knowledge, reliability, and commitment have made a real difference to judges, exhibitors, and the sport as a whole. She will certainly be missed.

In retirement, Rhonda is looking forward to spending more time on her Harley Road Glide, expanding her pet therapy volunteer visits, and enjoying a well-earned change of pace.

Please join us in thanking Rhonda for her years of service and wishing her all the best in her retirement.

Ronda Bermke - New Agility Field Representative

Canines and the sport of purebred dogs have been a central part of Ronda Bermke’s life from an early age. Raised in a family actively involved in dog events, she entered her first AKC‑licensed show in 1979 exhibiting a Shetland Sheepdog. With the exception of her college years, she has always shared her life with dogs and has continued to build on that foundation throughout her career.

Ronda established White Ridge Kennels, located just outside Green Bay, Wisconsin, where she has bred, trained, and exhibited multiple dogs across a wide range of AKC events. After acquiring her first Dachshund in 1993, “Kramer,” she achieved numerous milestones in the breed, including earning her first Versatility Certificate.

Ronda is married to Rob, and together they have one adult son, Sam. Their home is currently shared with a Standard Longhaired Dachshund and three Border Collies.

Her involvement in AKC sports is extensive. She has titled multiple dogs in conformation, agility, obedience, rally, herding, scent work, and earthdog. In 2011, Ronda became an agility judge and subsequently earned her junior showmanship, rally, and limited number of breed conformation judging licenses. She has greatly valued her experiences in the ring and the many individuals she has met through judging.

Ronda is enthusiastic about transitioning into the field representative role and is committed to supporting the continued growth and success of the AKC agility program.

Scott Stock - New Senior Agility Field Representative

In this role, he will assume responsibility for provisional judges, transitioning this area from Rhonda. He will also oversee several key areas within the program, including:

• Judge Continuing Education
• Site management and logistics for all AKC-hosted agility events
• Development and implementation of new agility events
• Maintaining approved judges for course review

Scott’s experience and continued commitment to the sport make him a strong fit for this expanded role, and his contributions in these areas are highly anticipated.

04/29/2026

Congratulations to Sally Slade and her incredible Corgi, Maverick, on achieving MACH 50! This is an extraordinary milestone, and Maverick has made history as the very first dog to reach MACH 50. What an amazing accomplishment and a true testament to their dedication, teamwork, and talent!

04/15/2026

2nd Preferred Dog to be Invited to Invitational

4/15/2026 – The eligibility time period for AKC’s 2026 Agility Invitational shall be closing on June 30, 2026 after which Round 1 Top 5 invites will be sent out in mid-July. *

**NEW** this year -- AKC will be inviting the Top Two Preferred dogs during Round 1’s invites.

If the Top 5 dogs in a breed are all regular dogs, then both a 6th and 7th invite will be sent to the Top Two Preferred dogs.

If there are less than 5 regular dogs within a breed, then a minimum of two invites will be sent to the Top Two Preferred dogs with a max of 6 invites being sent for that breed.

If having sent invites to the Top Two Preferred dogs there are additional spaces within the Top 5, then additional preferred invites will be sent to complete the Top 5 as has been done in past years.

Questions? Send them to Steve Herwig - [email protected]

04/06/2026

Don’t miss out—sign up for the American Kennel Club Agility Exhibitors Blog to stay up to date on all the latest news and updates!

04/01/2026

AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB
Agility Department
MEMORANDUM
Date: April 1, 2026
To: All Event Chairs, Judges, Trial Secretaries, and Exhibitors
From: Agility Department
Subject: Implementation of New Agility Regulations – Effective Immediately
________________________________________
In an ongoing effort to enhance the sport of agility, improve exhibitor experience, and align with evolving canine performance standards, the American Kennel Club (AKC) is implementing the following rule updates effective immediately. All licensed and member clubs are expected to comply.
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1. Handler Attire Alignment Requirement
Handlers are now required to wear attire that reflects the historical or functional purpose of their dog’s breed.
• Sporting breeds: field-appropriate apparel
• Non-Sporting breeds: business casual minimum
• Toy breeds: formal or semi-formal attire preferred
Failure to comply may result in a “Lack of Thematic Cohesion” deduction.
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2. Canine-Verbal Communication Standardization
Judges will utilize standardized bark patterns when communicating with canine participants. Handlers are prohibited from translating, interpreting, or otherwise interfering with judge-issued vocalizations.
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3. Enthusiasm Incentive Scoring (EIS)
Dogs demonstrating spontaneous “zoomies” during a run will receive a discretionary Enthusiasm Incentive Score bonus of up to +5 points. Judges are advised to maintain situational awareness.
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4. Treat Verification Protocol
To ensure fairness and safety, all treats intended for use within the trial grounds must be verified by the presiding judge. Verification may include, but is not limited to, visual inspection, aroma assessment, and taste confirmation.
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5. Pre-Run Handler Synchronization Exercise
Prior to the first walk-through of the day, handlers must participate in a brief synchronized warm-up routine. Evaluation criteria include coordination, rhythm, and overall presentation.
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6. Sportsmanship Clarification – Canine Expression
A new minor fault will be assessed for dogs displaying prolonged or deliberate “side-eye” directed at the judge. This will be recorded as Unsportsmanlike Expression (UE).
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7. Post-Qualification Media Requirement
All qualifying teams placing first in their class must participate in a brief post-run interview. Required responses include, but are not limited to:
• “What contributed to your success today?”
• “Who’s a good dog?” (Correct answer required for ribbon validation.)
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8. Exhibition Class Addition – Unicorn Agility
Clubs may now offer an optional exhibition class titled “Unicorn Agility.” This class will be conducted in Ring 6 where available. Access must be restricted to participants with proper credentials and wristbands. Entry procedures will be provided under separate cover.
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These updates are designed to promote consistency, engagement, and continued excellence within AKC agility events. Additional guidance will be distributed as needed.
We appreciate your immediate attention and cooperation.
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HAPPY APRIL FOOL’S DAY!

03/09/2026

Save the dates:

2026 Premier Cup - June 5-7 - Philadelphia, PA

2026 ISC Championship - October 9-11 - Palmyra, PA

03/07/2026

Daisy Peel - 3rd place - Crufts International Jumping