THE LEARNING CLUSTER
Guthrie OK, June 27-30, 2020 
The first all-breed dog shows in the United States since the start of the COVID pandemic were held by the Bartlesville Kennel Club, Claremore Kennel Club of Oklahoma and the Mid-Del Tinker Kennel Club at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, OK on June 27 - 30. Appropriately the event was called the Learning Cluster. Many of AKC’s Best Practices were applied. It was indeed a learning experience as exhibitors had to re-think their traditional activities. Bottomline – with everyone paying attention and following the rules, this can work!!
With a focus on meeting facility, Local and State regulations and applying event specific best practices, successful shows can be held with high priority given to safety. The rules must be clearly explained in the premium and through signage at the event. Judges, exhibitors and organizers must be aware of the expectations and not deviate. Working together to enhance the safety for all resulted in an enjoyable event.
The following photos were taken in order that we may all learn from the experience of the Learning Cluster.
Maintain social distancing - 6-foot measuring stick is a valuable reminder. 
General Signage
Signage was used throughout the event to remind exhibitors what was expected to maintain a safe environment. 
Sign stacks on the floor to remind exhibitors what is expected. These towers were placed at the main entrances and throughout the floor.
Masks were required in the building. Social distancing reminder. No ring-side seating was allowed. 
Grooming Area
Grooming was arranged in rows with back-to-back crating, a 6 foot aisle separated the next grooming row. No force air dryers were allowed in the grooming area on the show floor. 
Ring Set-up
Separate exit and entrance gates for all rings. In the photo below, the dog finishing is leaving by the judges table while the next dog is ready to come in the ring at the other end by the self-serve armband table. 
Floor markings provided social distancing reference markers. Markers include white arrows to show the flow of the ring. Next is a white line to indicate six foot spacing with the neighboring ring. Finally, there are 6-foot markers (orange dashes) to provide reference points for exhibitors to social distance during the judging. Floor markings were easy to see and understand. 
Some rings had double gating instead of the white floor markings. 
Self-serve armband tables at the ring entrances. 
Ribbons are laid out for the exhibitor to pick-up as they exit the ring. 
Group Ring
Markers (X's) were added outside the group ring to line up the dogs before entering the ring in order to reduce entry gate congestion and maintain distancing. 
Judging
Exhibitors using social distancing markers on the ground to maintain safe distances. 
Here is a photo of an exhibitor showing the bite.
Official's Tables
Plexi-glass screens were used to protect exhibitors and officials. 
Club officials from out-of-state attended to determine what would work at their upcoming shows. The Learning Cluster truly lived up to its name. Thank You to the clubs, superintendent, judges and exhibitors. You have helped demonstrate the way forward.
With plenty of hand sanitizer, face coverings, and efforts to maintain distancing, exhibitors were clearly excited to return to the ring. Winning Best of Breed helped also!! 
If you have any questions or comments, please contact AKC Club Development at clubdevelopment@akc.org.
American Kennel Club, 101 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10178
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