FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dog shows really like what you see on TV?
Like all televised sporting events, what you see is only a small portion of what really takes place. When you attend a “live” dog show in person, you see all the “behind the scenes” activity, including grooming and ring-side preparations, the owners, handlers, and judges, and hundreds of dogs “up close and personal.” Attending a dog show in person is the best way to experience all the sights, sounds, smells, anticipation, excitement, frustration, and hustle and bustle that you just cannot see on television.
The Nita-Nee Kennel Club hosts two officially sanctioned AKC events each summer: one, two-day Agility Trials event and one, two-day All-Breed and Obedience show. While each event is held for different purposes, both provide unique opportunities for seeing all kinds of dogs and appreciating what our canine companions are really capable of. The shows are at the Grange Fairgrounds. Bring your family and spend the day! Parking is free, and there are vendors of dog-related products (some you can’t find anywhere else) as well as food.
How do I buy a dog?
Make the politically correct choice and Think First! If you’ve really thought about it, and have decided to get a dog, try a Dog Selector: try Purina or Animal Planet; or use a search engine (type in “dog breed selector”) to help find the right breed for you.
The AKC has descriptions of each breed with their attributes and their potential drawbacks at their Breed Information section.
Once you’ve decided on a breed, contact the club to see if any of our members share your breed interest. If there is no one in our area, check the Breeder referral service from the AKC. Or, rescue a dog through the local Centre County PAWS or SPCA, or a National Breed Rescue (see our Links page).
How do I get started in Dog Showing?
Dog shows (conformation events) are intended to evaluate breeding stock. The dog’s conformation (overall appearance and structure), an indication of the dog’s ability to produce quality puppies, is judged. Check out the AKC’s Getting Started Showing Your Dog and become familiar with the AKC Rules and Regulations for Dog Shows.
How do I get my child started in Junior Showmanship competition?
The AKC offers youngsters 10 to 18 years of age the opportunity to compete with others their own age at various AKC events. Juniors competing in conformation events are judged on how they present their dogs. See this Getting Started in Junior Showmanship publication at the AKC’s Juniors Program site.
How can I find a dog training class?
Check our Club Events at the top of the page. We occasionally offer puppy, beginning obedience and conformation handling classes. If we have no classes scheduled at the moment, check our Resources page for listings of local trainers and training clubs.
How do I become a NNKC member?
Anyone who subscribes to our objectives, is in good standing with the AKC, and abides by its rules and regulations, may apply for membership. You do not need to show dogs, you simply need to share our love for dogs and our sincere concern for their welfare. We suggest you come to a club meeting and meet us! Meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm. Check the Club Events at the top of the page for more details.
The NNKC Membership Application needs to be filled out that includes basic information. Prospective members must attend at least two meetings prior to application. The application is published in our newsletter, read at a board and general meeting and then voted upon. The process takes about three months.
Membership dues are $20.00/year for individuals, $30.00/year for families, and $5.00 for juniors (no voting privileges).