By LeAnn Miller You just got home with your gorgeous fluff of a pup, and you have grand visions of competing in one or more of the many canine events available. Or maybe you’d like a wonderful housepet who has great manners. How to get started? Following are some strategies to help you build your […]

Before you start training your puppy, there are a few things that you should know.Training is important. It helps you bond with your pooch and show her what’s expected of her. It will also help her feel more secure, as she will understand what you want from her.Training is based on reward and correction. Note […]

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy is the American Kennel Club’s popular puppy training program. STAR is an acronym that stands for Socialization, Training, Activity and a Responsible owner, all the things every puppy needs to get started on the right paw in life. Socialization means letting your puppy interact with other people and dogs. While there are […]

Congratulations on your new puppy!  Once your bundle of joy is home, it’s a good idea to begin crate training.  Your puppy’s crate will essentially become its bedroom – a place to go rest when he needs to get away – as well as keep him safe when you’re not home.  Crate training takes time […]

It used to be that trainers and veterinarians recommended that puppies begin training classes as soon as they were old enough to have all of their vaccines and boosters. What this meant was that some puppies didn't get to class until they already had behavioral issues and were headed down the path to a problem […]

If you notice that your puppy is beginning to protect her toys, bed, balls, food, and other prized worldly possessions, she is starting to do what animal behaviorists call "resource guarding." As with many behavior problems, the best solution for resource guarding is prevention and doing early training to keep the behavior from happening in […]

A writer for the Daily Mail has caught the attention of dog lovers around the world after confessing in an article that she has given up four dogs in four years.Shona Sibary’s article, published last Friday, describes the writer giving away her Husky-mix, Juno, as her daughter sobbed. She admits, “Over the past four years I […]

AKC Gazette breed column—An experienced dog trainer points out how puppy classes and early socialization help ensure a puppy will become a well-adjusted, well-mannered adult dog. As a professional dog trainer, I get calls every day from owners looking for help. The discussion starts with me asking how I can help them. If the caller […]

The decision to bring a puppy into your life should be made only after the careful consideration of many factors. But that decision is just the beginning. Now comes the process of finding him. It can be joyous, nerve-wracking, time-consuming, and exhilarating. It can also be a little overwhelming. We’re here to walk you through […]

Brochures Our brochures are available in a downloadable PDF that can be printed and copied for your convenience. The Joys and Advantages of Owning an AKC®-Registered Purebred Dog View and Print Online Welcome to the American Kennel Club View and Print Online Why Register Your Purebred Dog with the AKC®? View and Print Online Careers […]