PURPOSE STATEMENT
There is little data or evidence that explains the usefulness and value of the AKC junior Showmanship program. No long term data has been collected that supports the belief that juniors are the future of the sport. Although many clubs support and offer a junior program no evidence has been collected that demonstrates that these efforts produce future breeders, handlers or exhibitors. Given the lack of longitudinal data the following survey was developed as a joint effort by Dr. Carmen Battaglia PhD of the AKC and Dr. Cindy Otto DVM, University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine.
For purposes of this survey, the investigators are interested in juniors who were in competition 10 or more years ago as a junior handler. This survey will attempt to identify characteristics that are associated with young people who became interested in AKC junior showmanship program. A secondary question focuses on identifying the factors that attracted them to the dog world of juniors and why some continued or fail to pursue their interest in the dog sport.
By completing this survey, you acknowledge that you are giving your consent to use the information that you provide for research purposes. You recognize that participation is entirely voluntary. If you have any research related questions or concerns you are able to contact Dr. Cynthia Otto at cmotto@vet.upenn.edu. For programmatic questions related to the Junior Handler Program or the AKC you can contact Dr. Carmen Battaglia at cbattaglia@mindspring.com.