You are invited to join the AKC Detection Dog Task Force for our next webinar on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at 7:30 PM (ET).

A dog is a dog, right? Yes, but…. 

Our working dogs are professional athletes that face a variety of occupational health risks in the line of duty. Just as professional human athletes have unique medical considerations, so do our working dogs. For optimal K9 health and performance, handlers should partner with their veterinarians; and veterinarians need to be sure they understand the physical, environmental and behavioral demands of the working dog. 

The AKC Detection Dog Task Force is pleased to welcome Dr. Cynthia Otto, Founder and Executive Director of the Penn Vet Working Dog Center at the University of Pennsylvania (www.vet.upenn.edu/WDC ), for an online discussion that will focus on aspects of communication with the team, cooperative veterinary care, preventative care strategies and potential hazards in the field.

Dr. Otto is a recognized leader in both research and practical aspects of developing high quality working dogs. She is a tenured Professor of Working Dog Sciences and Sports Medicine at University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, and board certified in veterinary emergency medicine/critical care and canine sports medicine/rehabilitation. 

As Founder and Executive Director of the Penn Vet Working Dog Center, Dr. Otto oversees fitness and medical care of the program’s detection dogs, provides rehabilitation and conditioning for police and other working dogs and conducts vital research on and by detection dogs. She has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and her numerous awards include the Asa Mays DVM, Excellence in Canine Health Research award (2021). 

The online event will take place Thursday, June 22, 2023, 7:30 pm ET.

The session will last approximately one hour.  

Registration is required. At registration, participants will have the chance to submit up to three questions for discussion during the session.