Training your dog to come when called is a lifesaving skill that owners must take the time to teach to puppies and older untrained dogs. But perfecting the response to this command doesn’t happen overnight, especially with easily spooked or distracted dogs. I teach these training games as a safeguard, in case a dog gets […]

Maryland House and Senate committees are considering bills over the next week that could cause an owner to permanently lose ownership of their animals when they are suspected of cruelty – even if they are found not guilty. The AKC agrees that anyone found guilty of cruelty should be punished appropriately, including being responsible for […]

We all expect to save and set aside money for big expenses, like a new car or the down payment on a house. But, what many of us don't consider, when we're oohing-and-ahhhing over that adorable new puppy, is the actual cost of dog ownership. It's important to take into account how much of your […]

The Virginia Senate will likely soon vote on a bill that could create a number of significant problems for dogs and dog owners in Virginia, including unreasonable tethering laws that could actually hurt dogs and a new provision that would allow local governments to pass new, stricter laws on basic standards of animal care including […]

Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Visit the 2019 Legislation Tracking page and click on your state to get the latest updates on state bills monitored by the AKC. Idaho – Senate Bill 1312 would increase penalties for any person who purposely injures or harasses a service dog or a service […]

Dogs have strong jaw muscles, which allow them to tear and chew many things. We have to remember, however, that their gastrointestinal tract is almost the same as a human’s. Anything (aside from dog food) that we would not eat, our dogs should not eat. There are three categories of foreign objects that dogs tend […]

  Why Does My Dog Hoard? Hoarding behavior in dogs is an instinctive behavior that originated during the time when their ancestors did not have regular meals appear magically, at least twice a day. They were lucky if they ate every few days, and if there was a jackpot of more food than could be […]

At first glance, dogs seem to have it made. Favorite canine activities include frequent naps, nature walks, and staying blissfully ignorant about the financial burdens of existence. All in all, dogdom looks pretty chill to us humans. The reality is quite different. Dogs may not worry about putting food on the table or holding down […]

The sport of AKC Scent Work® makes a game out of your dog’s favorite activity — sniffing. Scent work asks a dog to locate a hidden cotton swab scented with essential oil. Besides being incredibly fun, the sport has many benefits, and any dog, purebred or mixed breed, is welcome to compete. Why Try Scent […]

Just as with human foods and products, there are periodic recalls of pet foods and products. In many cases, dog foods are recalled because the product presents a danger when consumed. The company that makes the dog food or the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may initiate a recall. Sometimes the product recall may […]