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 […]

It's natural for dogs to defend their territory, but it's potentially dangerous. Learn to recognize territorial aggression and what you can do about it.

Every litter is a new and exciting adventure. The months of research into pedigrees, rereading notes on dogs that appear in various pedigrees and evaluating their influences, have come to fruition, and the future is now in the whelping box. The genetics are set; now the puppy socialization  begins. Handling puppies daily from day one […]

New dog owners should take the time to learn the signs of potential health problems that might develop as a puppy matures into an adult dog. Here are some of the conditions to watch for: Allergies In dogs, allergies often show up as skin conditions, itchy ears, head-shaking, scratching, or bald or raw spots, though […]

There is a difference between Active and Passive dog training and all interactions with your dog matter. Many dog owners train their dogs daily, are active in taking group classes, and some even compete at high levels.  This is called active training. But you might not be aware that your dog is learning all the time. […]

Kathy Matjeka of Colorado Springs, CO, often hits the road with her pooches, Brewster and Zinger, for weekend getaways. Here she offers some tips for making the most of your canine road trips: Stop often for potty, play and exploration breaks. We like to go into small towns along the route where there is often […]

AKC GoodDog! Helpline trainer Breanne Long explains the secrets to clicker training and how it can make a positive impact in your dog’s training program.  What is clicker training? You may have heard about clicker training, a method of positive reinforcement training. But what does it mean? How is it different from just rewarding your […]

It was a typical question sent to an AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy instructor. “I need help, I just adopted a terrier puppy and he bites when he is playing. His teeth are like needles. How can I teach him not to bite?” It’s hard to believe how much those needle-like tiny teeth can hurt when a rambunctious […]

MACH Jinx Falkenburg McLean MXB MJB owned by Adrienne McLean of Richardson, TX Jinx was rescued as a small puppy and had obviously been feral for some amount of time, Adrienne said. “I call her a gremlin-ewok mix, and people seem to get it instantly.  She's smart, but is sometimes hard to motivate. Food matters […]

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 […]