Stepping onto the big stage at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show will assume an entirely new meaning—and challenge—Tuesday, June 21 for Travis Torsak. Gaining the coveted initiation will be his first handling endeavor ever with Jack, a Grand Champion West Highland White Terrier he co-owns. Torsak has always hired professionals to handle his Westies […]

Meet Reagan Wallace: Dog Training Is the Best Part of Her Day Name: Reagan Wallace Age: 15 Grade: 9th Hometown: Saint Peters, MO Family: Parents, Traci and Britt; brother, Hayden Reagan got her start in training from her aunt, who is active in a rescue organization. Things really took off when she got her All […]

We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles and honors in Agility, Coursing Ability, Fast CAT Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog. Many dogs are also having success in AKC’s Virtual Titling programs! AGILITY Agility Grand Champion (AGCH) Congratulations to these dogs who have earned the […]

New puppy owners hear a ton of advice from their family, their neighbors, and even the overly-talkative owner at the dog park. Some is spot on, and some is ill-advised. Because those early weeks with a new puppy are critical, it's important to filter that advice and do what's best for your pup and their […]

Depending on the type and intensity of a natural disaster or pandemic, it may be safer for you and your dog to stay where you are than to evacuate. FEMA advises that sheltering in place is appropriate when “conditions require that you seek immediate protection in your home, place of employment, school, or other location […]

Typically breeders plan their litters far in advance. However, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic that has gripped our world, there are issues to consider beyond the pedigrees and the physical compatibility of sire and dam. So, what should we as breeders be thinking about before we proceed with that spring breeding? Is now the […]

More people than ever before are opening their hearts and homes to puppies during the coronavirus pandemic. For those who are self-isolating, puppies provide welcome wagging tails and comforting cuddles. Plus, many puppy seekers are discovering they now have the crucial element needed to raise a good dog: time. So, is now the right time to […]

It's been almost a decade since Sharon Gardner of Austin, Texas, had her most devastating experience as a Rhodesian Ridgeback breeder. With no warning, her litter of five-and-a-half-week-old puppies began showing signs of lethargy. Then came the diarrhea and vomiting. A test performed by her veterinarian delivered the bleak diagnosis: parvovirus, a highly contagious disease […]

EDITOR'S NOTE: A big, blinking, red stop sign of warning: There is absolutely no connection between the COVID-19 virus and any canine coronavirus referenced in this article. Most importantly, even though dogs can get a mild respiratory form of the canine-specific coronavirus, that virus is totally unrelated to the current human pandemic. Bottom line: Your dog […]

There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. —Maya Angelou A young vet assistant carried my Lab, Fergus, into a room set aside for euthanasia. While Fergus lay on a large, soft pillow, I lay down beside him. I told him what a good guy he was and how I loved him. […]