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![Bull Terrier puppy sitting in the yard looking up.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/07143429/Bull-Terrier-puppy-sitting-in-the-yard-looking-up-3-400x267.jpeg)
Expert Advice: Training
5 Common Dog Training Mistakes to Avoid
There's a lot of information out there about how to train a dog. You can teach your pet just about anything, using a variety of methods, but there are plenty of mistakes owners make when training their canine companions. These missteps are super common and can have a big impact on whether or not your […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/train-dog-common-mistakes-avoid%e2%80%8b/
| April 7, 2022
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Expert Advice: Agility
Ninja the ‘One-Eyed Wonder’ Defies Expectations to Run With Agility Elite
At the 2022 National Agility Championship (NAC) in Ocala, Florida, hundreds of the nation's top canines compete with hopes of being named one of the best Agility dogs. Of the qualifying contenders, it's typical to see dozens of Border Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs. This year, there was even a Bulldog and a Borzoi! But a […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/ninja-one-eyed-dog-runs-agility/
| April 11, 2022
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Expert Advice: Lifestyle
How to Become a Veterinarian
When I was 14 years old, I decided I wanted to become a veterinarian. I liked animals. I had a horse, a dog, and my bedroom was home to eight aquariums. But there was something that deepened my passion—James Herriot. The books written about that fictional veterinarian told me that’s what I want to do. […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/how-to-become-a-veterinarian/
| April 11, 2022
![American Staffordshire Terrier laying down next to a girl on the floor.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/07145153/American-Staffordshire-Terrier-laying-down-next-to-a-girl-on-the-floor-400x267.jpeg)
Expert Advice: Fun Facts
8 Ways Kids Benefit from Having a Dog
Want a smarter, more empathetic, possibly healthier child? It may come as no surprise that having a family dog can benefit your child’s emotional intelligence. A collection of scientific studies outlined by Nienke Endenburg and Ben Baarda in their paper The Role of Pets in Enhancing Human Well-being: Effects on Child Development, along with other […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/kids-benefit-from-having-a-dog/
| April 7, 2022
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Expert Advice: Lifestyle
11 Questions to Ask When Getting a Dog From a Rescue or Shelter
Rescuing a dog is exciting but can also be intimidating. Whether you’re looking at the local shelter or using a private rescue organization, there can be many dogs to choose from. Although you might be tempted to pick the first cute face you see, it’s essential to make an informed choice. Your goal is to […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/questions-to-ask-when-getting-a-dog-from-a-rescue-shelter/
| April 6, 2022
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Expert Advice: Puppy Information
Why Does My Puppy Pee in the House?
So, you've potty trained your puppy. You take them outside for walks and let them out in the backyard for bathroom breaks. And your puppy is happy to do their business outside. That should be that, right? But your puppy keeps peeing in the house. Why? It's probably one of two common reasons. Either you […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/puppy-information/why-does-my-puppy-keep-peeing-in-the-house/
| January 20, 2021
![herding group](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/herding-group-hero-400x225.jpg)
Products & Services
Getting Started in Training
Getting Started in Training Before AKC Community Canine℠ The AKC's Canine Good Citizen program trains dogs "from puppies to the community." With the introduction of AKC Community Canine, the Canine Good Citizen Program now provides a comprehensive 3 level training program for you and your dog. AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy The First Step in Training You […]
https://www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/canine-good-citizen/akc-community-canine/getting-started/
| October 26, 2017
![Briard puppies sitting together outdoors.](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Briard-puppies-sitting-together-outdoors-1-400x267.jpeg)
Expert Advice: Dog Breeding
Replying to Puppy Inquiries: How Responsible Breeders Should Respond
Recently I helped a breeder friend compile a package of handouts to send to prospective owners. This was her first litter so she was new to the process. I was surprised to learn that her bitch’s breeder had not sent her anything comparable when she was shopping for a puppy. I used to think these […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/replying-puppy-inquiries-responsible-breeders-respond/
| April 8, 2021
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Expert Advice: Agility
Oldest Agility Competitor Also One of the Year’s Top
Competing with a senior dog can come with its fair share of concerns, from joints to weakened eyesight — but at nearly 14 years old, Radiance, a Shetland Sheepdog, is still moving well in Agility. In fact, she’ll be the oldest dog competing in the 2022 National Agility Championship (NAC) on April 1-3 in Ocala, […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/oldest-agility-competitor-also-one-years-top/
| March 31, 2022
Sports & Events
How to Select a Conformation Dog Show Class
Now that you’ve decided to enter your dog in a conformation dog show, you will need to decide which dog show class to compete in. Your dog will be eligible for some classes and not for others, so that should help eliminate some of the guesswork. Most dogs at a conformation dog show are competing […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/conformation/resources/select-conformation-dog-show-class/
| August 24, 2018