If you happen to have a Sheltie for a family member, you know these ten things to be true... 1. They are famous for their Sheltie smile.   2. They are so smart. They are always learning new tricks and trying to outsmart you (and sometimes they succeed).   3. They are the best watchdogs. […]

Does your dog know how to stay? Does he have a release word? If not, he should! A release word is a word that tells your dog he is allowed to move, following the "stay" command. "Stay" needs to have a defined beginning and end, otherwise your dog will learn he can move anytime he […]

So you've fallen in love with the stunning, brilliant breed known as the German Shepherd Dog. You are not alone. The German Shepherd, also known by the shorthand GSD, is among the world's most popular canine companions and workers. If you want a job done—whether it's apprehending dangerous criminals, sniffing rubble for disaster survivors, or […]

To most people, training a dog begins and ends with commands and equipment. They never think that developing a relationship with their dog through training is possible, let alone critical. But by forming a relationship with your dog through an activity like training — rather than only from cuddling on the couch or slipping him […]

Positive reinforcement dog training, also referred to as force-free, reward-based, or clicker training, is a method that focuses on telling your dog when he is correct, instead of only pointing out what is incorrect. This is done through a marker for correctness and timing, paired with a reward that is reinforcing to the dog. The […]

Dogs young and old can be comical from time to time. From tricks and talents to everything in between, it’s always fun to watch their silly and smart habits captured on camera. Get ready to laugh with some of the funniest dog videos we could find. Note: All credit goes to original video owners. Say […]

From the April 2016 AKC Gazette We’re all looking for ways to make life easier—notice how popular Pinterest ideas and YouTube videos for “lifehacks” have become? Living with Field Spaniels has taught me to create some easy shortcuts as a dog owner as far as general care and maintenance, and at shows and trials it […]

1. You’re not giving him enough exercise: If you’re gone 12 hours a day, and your dog’s walk consists of a quick dash into the backyard, you’re not providing your pet with adequate opportunities to use up all his energy. Instead, the excess will go into chewing your shoes, stealing your food, or scratching your walls. […]

Shaping is a great way to teach your dog how to problem solve. Many dogs get stuck in the trap of waiting to be told what to do or waiting for a cookie to appear in front of their nose and lure them to the correct position. While luring is a great training technique, there's […]

Nearly 2,600 dogs vied for the coveted title of Best in Show at the 145th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina® Pro Plan®. After three days of breed competition and two days of group competition, seven dogs moved forward to Best in Show competition. Working group Samoyed: Vanderbilt 'N Printemp's Lucky Strike Sporting group German […]