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Expert Advice: Dog Sports
How to Watch Top Dogs Compete in the 2021 AKC Agility Premier Cup on ESPN
Don't miss the top agility dogs and handlers from across the country as they gather at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida for the AKC Agility Premier Cup. The two-hour event will air on ESPN on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at 7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT. From a Borzoi to a Pyrenean Shepherd to […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/watch-2021-agility-premier-cup-espn/
| May 17, 2021
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Expert Advice: Common Conditions
Heartworm in Dogs: What You Should Know About the Mosquito-Borne Parasite
Heartworm is a potentially deadly parasite that is transmitted only by mosquitos, which pick up larval heartworms, called microfilaria, circulating in the bloodstream of infected animals. Dogs and other canids, such as fox, wolves, and coyote, are considered the primary heartworm hosts, but these parasites can also affect other mammals, including cats and ferrets. There are treatments […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/heartworm-in-dogs-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment/
| May 14, 2021
![Australian Kelpie navigating weaving poles in an agility course outdoors.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/31154347/Australian-Kelpie-navigating-weaving-poles-in-an-agility-course-outdoors-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Agility
Agility Training for Anxious Dogs
When it comes to agility, the very process of training might be just what your dog needs to help overcome anxiety. Here's what makes agility training great.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/agility-training-great-anxious-dogs/
| May 14, 2021
Legislative Alerts
MA Action Alert: Contact Joint Judiciary Committee About Dog-Related Bills Up for Hearing on Wednesday, May 19
At its Wednesday, May 19, 2021, hearing, the Massachusetts General Court’s Joint Judiciary Committee will consider multiple dog-related bills. The American Kennel Club (AKC) supports five proposals and opposes four. AKC encourages all concerned Massachusetts residents to contact the members of the Joint Judiciary Committee to express support of H. 1656, H. 1824, S. 1111, […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/ma-action-alert-contact-joint-judiciary-committee-dog-related-bills-hearing-wednesday-may-19/
| May 13, 2021
![Happy free time with beloved dog. Beautiful young woman and friend staying indoor smiling and holding cute Jack Russell. Happy pets friendship emotion concept](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/two-women-with-terrier-inside-home-400x267.jpeg)
Expert Advice: Travel & Adventure
How to Plan for Your Dog’s Care When You Leave Town
As lockdowns lift and summer approaches, travel plans are brewing for many dog owners. If you're taking your dog away with you, check out our recent guide to airline pet policies. But if the pup needs to stay home, you're left with a different set of questions: where should you leave her, and with whom? […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/travel/how-to-plan-for-your-dogs-care-when-you-leave-town/
| May 13, 2021
![English Cocker Spaniel sitting on a rug near the door.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/02161204/English-Cocker-Spaniel-sitting-on-a-rug-near-the-door-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Training
How to Teach Your Dog to Ring a Bell to Go Outside
Teaching your dog to ring a bell to go outside is a great trick and very helpful for house-training. Here's how to do it from our dog training experts.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/teach-dog-ring-bell-go-outside/
| May 13, 2021
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Expert Advice: Dog Sports
Dog Athlete of the Month: Kirby the Brussels Griffon
To some, Kirby may look like a Pug, but he's not: this little Brussels Griffon is a Dog Star who will let you know who's boss. Bringing Home a Brussels Griffon Veterinarian Christina Coudret had never heard of the Brussels Griffon breed until a technician she worked with at a veterinarian clinic was fostering for […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/dog-athlete-of-the-month-kirby-brussels-griffon/
| May 12, 2021
![Yorkshire Terriers together outdoors.](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Yorkshire-Terriers-together-outdoors-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Studies
Are We Gender-Stereotyping Our Dogs?
"Female dogs are moodier; males are more playful." "Females are more dog-aggressive; males are more human-aggressive." "Males are more loyal." "Females are sweeter." Everyone, it seems, has an opinion on sex differences in dogs—these are just a few I collected in an informal poll. But is there any truth to these distinctions, or are they […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/are-we-gender-stereotyping-our-dogs/
| May 12, 2021
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Expert Advice: Training
What Is a Crisis Response Dog? Comfort Dogs vs. Therapy Dogs
Is there anything more comforting than the reassuring touch of a dog? Scientists have discovered that interacting with animals boosts levels of oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin in our brains, and can even improve our immune system. These findings prove that dogs bring comfort to the people they interact with, but what exactly is a comfort […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/what-is-a-crisis-response-dog/
| May 12, 2021
![Joseph of Hellingly, Mastiff. c. 1925](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/17144304/Mastiff_BreedStandards_001-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Breed History
Mastiff History: From War Dogs to Loyal Companions
Over the centuries, Mastiffs have maintained a reputation for their irrepressible protective streak. Learn more about the history of this dignified breed.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/mastiff-history/
| May 11, 2021