This training tip is brought to you Erin Rakosky of the AKC GoodDog! Helpline, a seven-day-a-week telephone support service staffed by experienced dog trainers. The Helpline provides instruction and advice on training and behavioral issues. Imagine this scenario; you are in the bathroom and you accidentally drop a bottle of medication on the floor. You […]

In the last column, we discussed the importance of making a good impression on the public at shows. The accolades you earn in the ring can be a hollow victory if you project a cold, unfriendly veneer when dealing with interested spectators and kennel club volunteers. Your interaction with fellow exhibitors is equally essential. These […]

Judith C. of Connecticut wrote AKC for help with her German Shorthaired Pointer pup that loves jumping on people and the kitchen counter to steal food. Heather W. of Michigan said she is having the same issue with her pair of one-year-old Labrador Retrievers. Heather says, "We are constantly telling them to stay down and pushing them down. […]

Cynthia S. writes, "My adult Great Dane has been exhibiting a few behavior problems. She's chewing things around the house that are not edible, but only does it when we are gone. She's great at playing outside unleashed until it's time to come in, then she takes off running and I have to chase her […]

If you are serious about success at high-energy performance sports, your dog must be lean. Yet the lean body condition required for speed leaves little room for feeding error. Veterinarians like to see a fat cover of about an eighth to a quarter inch over the ribs and spine (a bit more for middle-aged and […]

Since I currently have several senior Akitas, it occurred to me how special they are as they age and how much I enjoy our “oldies.” As with any aging animal, they may have unique needs or adjustments with advancing age, but they are truly as vibrant as ever, with loads of personality, infinite patience for […]

The Township Committee of Shamong, New Jersey, is expected to consider significant changes to its animal ordinances at its Tuesday, September 4, meeting.  As currently worded, the proposal contains many troublesome and controversial provisions, including future prohibitions on kennels and breeders with 5 or more intact females.  The proposal also includes breeding and ownership restrictions, […]

Every year in December (or January for a few years) since 2001, dog owners from around the world come together for the American Kennel Club National Championship presented by Royal Canin. This year, the event takes place in Orlando, Fla., with a nearly week-long series of events culminating in the Best in Show finale. Starting December […]

Dr. Patrick Mahaney is a veterinarian and certified pet acupuncturist who provides holistic treatment for canine cancer patients. He has shared shares his expertise via AOL’s Paw Nation, PetMD’s The Daily Vet, Pet360’s PetLebrity News, Pet World Insider, and Victoria Stilwell’s Positively.com, among others.  He co-hosts Holistic Vets on the Radio Pet Lady Network. We asked him […]

When's the last time you took a good old-fashioned road trip? It's always fun to travel somewhere new, and even better when you get to bring the dog. But before you hit the road together, there are a few things you need to consider. Make sure you have enough food and water for the trip, […]