We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles and honors in Agility, Coursing Ability, Fast CAT Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog. Many dogs are also having success in AKC’s Virtual Titling programs! AGILITY Agility Grand Champion (AGCH) Congratulations to these dogs who have earned the […]

EDITOR'S NOTE: A big, blinking, red stop sign of warning: There is absolutely no connection between the COVID-19 virus and any canine coronavirus referenced in this article. Most importantly, even though dogs can get a mild respiratory form of the canine-specific coronavirus, that virus is totally unrelated to the current human pandemic. Bottom line: Your dog […]

As many Americans hunker down in their homes, emerging for only essential errands or obligations, small businesses and service industries are feeling their absence where it hurts the most – in their pocketbooks. The slowdown caused by the coronavirus containment is also affecting those who work in dog-related fields, including groomers, trainers and dog walkers, […]

The AKC Paw of Courage is an award given to show appreciation for the work that dogs do in the service of humankind. This award recognizes dogs who serve their communities, making great impacts in the lives of their human counterparts. Paw of Courage awards can be presented to Police K-9s, Military Working Dogs, Therapy Dogs, […]

Although consistency is key when training dogs, naturally there will be training breaks that happen. Work schedules, family commitments, and vacations can all result in even the most serious dog sport competitors needing to take some time off from training or reduce the amount of time they have to train. Similarly, injuries to the dog or handler […]

Editor's Note: The American Kennel Club has had a long history of inclusion across our sport for exhibitors and spectators from all walks of life. This month, we are sharing stories and voices of LGBTQ community members. Here is Sassafras Lowrey's: When the AKC went public on social media with a rainbow version of the logo […]

Your local AKC dog club should be able to provide you with the information you need to find or join CGC training in your community. Some AKC obedience clubs offer “Canine Good Citizen” classes. Other clubs, while perhaps not having a class specifically named CGC, will cover all of the CGC skills in a basic […]

Luring is a popular and easy way to teach dogs a variety of behaviors. It usually works by a handler using a treat on the dog's nose to steer or lead a dog to move their body in a specific direction, essentially "luring" them. This training technique is often the easiest and quickest way for […]

The covert’s utmost bound Slyly she skirts; behind them cautious she creeps, And in that very track, so lately stain’d By all the steaming crowd, seems to pursue The foe she flies. -William Somerville, The Chace, 1735 William Somerville’s lyrical descrip­tion of a hare sneaking around behind a pursuing pack of hounds and tracking them […]

When you and your dog reach the Elite Performer level, you'll need not only to perform high-level tricks, but also act out a story together. The same is true for the AKC Virtual Trick Dog Competition. So, is your dog ready to be the star of their own show? As a fiction author turned dog […]