Socializing puppies has traditionally been considered the responsibility of the new owner. We instruct new owners to take the puppy to classes and make sure they are exposed to a variety of people and situations. But recent research shows that encouraging a stable temperament can start even before puppies are born. Breeders can do […]

As a breeder, you spend time and energy finding the perfect homes for your puppies. Once you find the best match, you want to be sure your puppies’ new families have all the information they need to get their pups off to a great start. Our newly updated AKC Puppy Folders allow you to do […]

Canine mothers are the first sign of love and protection for newborn puppies. For the first three weeks after the puppies are born, the mother dog gives them her undivided attention and care. “What you’ll see on day one is a mother who doesn’t want to be away from her pups for more than a […]

Sandra C. asked what to do about her young Australian Shepherd that likes to nip at her and sometimes bites hard enough to draw blood. AKC GoodDog! Helpline Trainer Paisley Lunchick offers up some advice. Biting is a normal part of being a dog and serves a variety of functions. Some breeds, such as the […]

Sabrina M. writes, "I have run into a problem with my puppy that I have not had before. My 11-week-old female is going into attack mode: growling, grabbing clothes, and biting legs. I have tried multiple techniques to stop it. We are currently using timeouts. Do you have any other techniques that might work? We […]

Once the anticipation and waiting are over, and your pregnant dog has successfully delivered her new litter of puppies into the world, it is time to roll up your sleeves and dig into the business of caring for your newborn puppies. This care starts even before the puppies are born, but the moment they are, […]

Health is always a key concern for a new puppy owner. Your puppy buyers look to you as a trustworthy source of information when it comes to their new pet and might have questions ranging from puppy-proofing their home to general health. Here are a few common questions puppy buyers might have, as well as some advice that might come in handy for first-time […]

If your pooch is looking a bit more pudgy than usual, it's actually quite common. The battle of the bulge isn't just something people face — so do pets. In fact, according to a 2018 survey conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 55.8 percent of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese. And […]

You've welcomed a new puppy into your home. Congratulations! Now what? In addition to enjoying snuggles, playtime and the challenges and rewards of puppy training, it's up to you to make sure your dog gets the right amount of food and exercise. Keeping healthy weight gain on track helps ensure a smooth transition from puppyhood […]

Many first-time puppy owners feel overwhelmed in the early weeks of bringing home their new addition. As a responsible breeder, there is much that can be done to alleviate some of the more common issues owners have with new puppies before you send your precious litters out to their new homes. Addressing common problems before they begin can set your puppies up for success in their […]