One of the leaders of the Detection Dog Task Force was told by a potential participant “that they would like to be involved, but understand the dogs are not allowed to be obedience trained”. First, we need to consider what level of obedience is required of an active detection dog. Should a detection dog spend […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="2020"] July Resilience revisited June Obedience or no? May What makes a successful detection dog? Baselines for behavior February Comparing performance January  National Odor Recognition Test Why Assessing Canine Behavior is so important [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] [accordion] [accordion_panel title="2019"] December Assessment versus training November Problems and work arounds in ACS/TSA Hunt Test (part 1) […]

When I first started this journey in the production of purpose raised puppies, the holy grail was to find a test for a 8 week old puppy that will predict success. I have bred and raised well over 600 dogs and the grail still evades me. I had a long conversation with a program participant […]

The biggest obstacle to breeding and raising better dogs is human emotional anthropomorphism. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anthropomorphism It is a very hard thing to breed and raise dogs without some profound attachment. We love our dogs, we believe in their unlimited potential. However, the reality is that not every dog is the elite dog with extreme expression of […]

https://www.atf.gov/resource-center/fact-sheet/fact-sheet-national-canine-division https://youtu.be/Sz2gTaLFD2o At an EU/US working group meeting I recently attended, there was much reference to the national odor recognition test that was established by the ATF. The ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms), DOS (Department of State), and FPS (Federal Protective Service) all mentioned the use of the preliminary test for their certification/validation […]

One of the leaders of the Detection Dog Task Force was told by a potential participant "that they would like to be involved, but understand the dogs are not allowed to be obedience trained". First, we need to consider what level of obedience is required of an active detection dog. Should a detection dog spend […]

AKC Breeder of Merit Kym Burch-Ryan has raised and shown Australian Shepherds since 1993. She lives on a 20-acre farm in Roxbury, Kansas. Her daughter Brandi shares her passion for the breed; she has shown Aussies since she was 8 years old. Kym’s younger daughter, Hadlei, is also now showing Aussies. AKC: How did you […]

Meet Kendall Betz: She Learned That Training Can Build a Dog’s Confidence Name: Kendall Betz Age: 16 Hometown: Richmond, VA Grade: 11th Family: Parents, Brian and Elizabeth, sister Libbie Kendall caught the dog-training bug when she and a friend attended a training camp at the Richmond, VA, SPCA. They learned about canine behavior and how to teach basic tricks. At the end of the session, there […]

We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles in Agility, Coursing Ability, Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, and Tracking. Many of you have had great success taking advantage of AKC’s Virtual Titling programs too!   Agility Master Agility Championships (MACH)  Multiple Master Agility Champions Congratulations to these dogs who have earned more MACHs: AGCH […]

Rescue Pup Wows the Crowds with Disc Tricks Bonnie Scott adopted Mars as a puppy from a shelter to be a companion. She quickly realized Mars was athletic and smart and needed a job. The two discovered disc and have excelled at UpDog Challenge competitions. AKC began recognizing UpDog titles last year. Read how to […]