Nothing is more fun than introducing a litter of puppies to the world. Interactive playtime with balls, squeaky toys, climbing obstacles, and games of hide-and-seek helps puppies put their best paw forward on socialization. Add in children and seniors, backyards and basements, carpet and concrete, and puppies will be well on their way. Puppy socialization focuses on that sliver […]

As mentioned in a previous alert, California Assembly Bill 1901 would regulate all dog trainers in the state as boarding kennels – regardless of the type of training class or the length of the class. The bill defines dog training very broadly and must be assumed to encompass every type of training, including drop-in classes, […]

As mentioned in a previous alert, California Assembly Bill 1901 (authored by Assemblyman Nazarin of Hollywood Hills/Toluca would regulate all dog trainers in the state as boarding kennels – regardless of the type of training class or the length of the class. The definition of dog training is very broad and must be assumed to […]

Getting Started in Training Before AKC Community Canine℠ The AKC's Canine Good Citizen program trains dogs "from puppies to the community." With the introduction of AKC Community Canine, the Canine Good Citizen Program now provides a comprehensive 3 level training program for you and your dog. AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy The First Step in Training You […]

A bill placing numerous new overreaching requirements on all dog trainers in California is scheduled for a committee hearing on April 19. It is important that all dog trainers and responsible dog owners in the state use the information below to contact the author’s office and committee members TODAY.  Respectfully let them know you oppose […]

Tifani King of Spring Lake Park Minnesota could technically still compete as a junior. But after a successful Juniors career, she made the decision to start not just competing against adults, but to become a professional handler, where she is hired to show other people's dogs in the breed ring. For someone with a lifelong […]

For the past eight years, I have been fortunate to serve on the Board of this great American Kennel Club, the world’s strongest and most effective champion for purebred dogs and our Sport. It has been a privilege to play a role in the advancement of AKC’s mission and to be a part of so […]

Good afternoon. The holiday season is now upon us and yet very little about our lives today is as it once was. This is indeed a time of reflection about the things that we are thankful for; peace, goodwill toward one another, and hopes for what the future may bring. Yet the challenges of the […]

Good morning or afternoon, whatever the case may be. Resilience. Flexibility. Communication. When we look back on the past year and a half – as we do now nearing the midway point of 2021 – these are the words that characterize our incredible organization. The end of the pandemic is at last in our sights, […]

Competition/Titles Update Winter 2022 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) AGCH MACH3 Up&Running A […]