11/07/2025
From a long time lover and supporter of our sport:
As I've been involved and judging both HTs and FTs since the late 80s, I've seen many changes happen. While all are well intended, many just become innocuous or in the recent case of the AKC pe*****le video and test, detrimental to our sport.
As judges we are and always have been the Frontline to ensure the integrity and best interests of the events and sport.
Therefore, it's hard for me to sit by and follow the herd down a detrimental path...the AKC pe*****le video and test, which I personally view as an insulting, feel good, time waster.
Further, where does it end...what and who is next? Participants, workers? Maybe liability measures on youth participation ? But that's just my opinion and that's all it is.
My intention is only for the AKC to solve the right problem and not create a bigger problem enroute. Pressure them to find the right solution to the right problem.
Perhaps we should give the AKC real data on the detrimental effects of this latest requirement.
I'd like to see a show of hands and a straw poll on judges decisions on this issue. So if you could indulge, respond to the following:
For judges of Hunt Tests or Field Trials:
Are you going to view the Darkness to Light Pe*****le awareness and take the test per AKC policy? (Yes/No/Don't know)
How many years have you been judging Hunt Tests?
Approximately how many tests have you judged?
How many are you planning on judging in the next 2 years?
How many years have you been judging Field Trials?
Approximately how many stakes have you judged?
How many stakes are you planning on judging in the next 2 years?
What region of the country are you from (N/S/E/W)
My intention is that this data can be used to extrapolate the effects on the larger population of judges so that the impacts can be quantified, and used in decision making.
I'll start:
How many years have you been judging Hunt Tests? 35
Approximately how many tests have you judged? 100+
How many are you planning on judging in the next 2 years? 3
How many years have you been judging Field Trials? 30
Approximately how many stakes have you judged? 40
How many stakes are you planning on judging in the next 2 years?4
What region of the country are you from (N/S/E/W) North