He's been your loving companion for a long time. He's still by your side, but he's not as frolicsome or attentive as he once was. It's inevitable -- your beloved pet is growing old. His needs are changing, and he will depend on you more than ever to keep him healthy and comfortable. Most dogs […]

I have a 3 year old Shih Tzu and an 11 year old Yorkie. The problem is with the eating habits of the Shih Tzu, she takes the pieces of her food out of the bowl and distributes them all over the floor even onto the living room carpet area. She does not eat all […]

Placing an adult dog with another breeder or as a house pet requires some planning, and you must know the dog’s individual personality. You have a lovely, finished bitch who has produced two litters for you. From each litter you have kept a bitch. The older one is almost finished, and the younger one shows […]

Some dogs regularly chomp on fingers while taking their treats. Some only do it when they are excited or all revved up.  Either way, taking things gently in the mouth is a learned skill for some dogs, especially when they are excited! If your dog is a regular “Jaws,” he needs to learn that fingers […]

Dogs that can be considered of medium size can be found in most of the AKC’s seven groups. Whether it’s the energetic Shetland Sheepdog, the sporty spaniels, or the laid back Bulldog, there is a range of temperament and appearance within this size category. When considering getting a dog, size is a factor, but only […]

Big dogs equal big love and loyalty. Here are the large dog breeds that earn their place at the top of the size chart. Most people will know the Great Dane but what about the lovely Leonberger? When considering getting a dog, size is a factor, but only one of them. The dog’s personality, activity […]

This article originally appeared in the March 2012 issue of the AKC Canine Partners News newsletter Cooper is an agility superstar. It barely took him a month to go from Novice to the most advanced level of AKC agility – Excellent. But then the then-8-year-old mixed-breed dog suffered a back spasm that took him out […]

If your dog is constantly on the prowl for squirrels, moles and any other critters that appear in your backyard, then they should be a natural for the fun sport of Barn Hunt.   As of April 1, 2013, the American Kennel Club recognizes titles earned at events sanctioned by the Barn Hunt Association (BHA). […]

  A rare outbreak of canine flu in the Chicago area has sickened more than 1,000 dogs, including five who died, in the past month, according to veterinarians in the region. The Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control is warning dog owners to avoid dog parks, group training activities and dog daycare and […]

In observance of the fifth anniversary (April 1) of AKC Canine Partners dogs in competition, we are honoring some of the first top achievers in the program. OTCH Twister is the record holder of firsts for All-American Dogs in AKC Obedience. He is the first Utility Dog (UD), first Utility Dog Excellent (UDX), first Obedience […]