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Since the Junior Recognition Program began in January 1999, recognizing Juniors who obtain titles on dogs in the Companion and Performance Events, dozens of certificates have been issued to Juniors.

The majority of certificates have been issued for dogs with titles in Obedience and Agility. However, we have many Juniors participating and working towards titles in all of the events, including Hunt Tests and Field Trials, Earthdog, Lure Coursing and Herding.

The biggest shortfall we have encountered is that the completed Junior Handler certification forms are not being received in the AKC Event Records department and therefore, the dogs' records are not being updated to indicate that a Junior handled the dog. Many juniors who have met the criteria to receive a certificate have not because of lost/misplaced paperwork. The AKC Event Record and Judges Education Departments now have the ability to update a dog's record to include the junior handler's number, even after the event has been closed out.

We strongly urge Juniors to keep records of their wins, titles, legs, etc., and to maintain their copy of the Junior Handler Certification forms. In the event that the original yellow form is not received by the AKC, we will accept a copy of the Junior's copy.

Title certificates for dogs are processed by the AKC's computer system. Junior Recognition certificates are processed manually, and therefore, will be issued after the dog's certificate has been issued. If you come across a Junior who has not received their certificate, please have them call us at (919) 233-9767. We will be happy to review the Junior's record and the dog's record to determine which forms are missing. Junior Handler Numbers can also be assigned immediately over the phone (during business hours) at the above phone number. Copies of missing or late Junior Handler Certification forms can be mailed to:

AKC
Event Operations
Attn: Juniors
8051 Arco Corporate Drive, Suite 100
Raleigh, NC 27617-3390
phone: (919) 233-9767
email: juniors@akc.org

Supplies of blank Junior Handler Certification forms can also be obtained from the above address or phone number.

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