Your mother may not have had an advanced psychology degree, but when she told you to eat your vegetables in order to get dessert, she was on to something. Her advice was based on the Premack Principle, a rule proposed by psychologist David Premack, which states that high-probability behaviors, like eating dessert, will reinforce low-probability […]

If you’re interested in learning as much as possible about dog sports and want to participate in a meaningful, hands-on way, joining your regional breed club is an important connection to make. It is a natural complement to membership in your local all-breed kennel club. The all-breed club will afford you the opportunity to learn […]

On Friday, Ohio Governor John Kasich signed a law that will have a significant positive impact on dogs, dog owners, breeders, and sportsmen throughout Ohio. House Bill 506, which contains numerous amendments requested by the AKC, is a compromise bill developed with a broad range of stakeholders concerned about animal welfare in the state.  The […]

Not all of the judging at a dog show takes place in the ring. As a breeder-exhibitor, your demeanor and interactions with others will be judged from the moment you set foot on the showgrounds. Stewards, the superintendent and AKC field staff, the show committee, the media, fellow exhibitors, and, perhaps most importantly, the public, […]

Leopards don’t change their spots, and neither do reputable Dalmatian breeders. Nothing can dampen their enthusiasm for the spotted dogs that have captured their hearts, as well as their couches. Patti Strand of Portland, Ore., has bred Dalmatians with her husband Rod under their Merry-Go-Round (MGR) affix for almost half a century. A former American […]

Wiki is an American Kennel Club Grand Champion, but it’s not just his titles that impress everyone. This smart, spirited, and distinctive Australian Shepherd, owned by Elissa and Tim Phillips of San Diego, willingly meets each new challenge with enthusiasm. For instance, he dances, opens doors, turns on lights, poses for selfies, bows, and says his […]

Barbara and David Miller, who live in Gig Harbor, Wash., bought their first Cardigan Welsh Corgis 12 years ago and began breeding them six years ago. "Cardis prefer cool, damp weather, and our home in Washington suits them," Barbara says. "Our motto is 'Cardigan Welsh Corgis for home, work, and play.' We strive to breed […]

No, crate training is not cruel or unusual! In fact, dogs like crates since they mimic the close quarters of a wolf’s den. It is what the pros do. Crating your dog several times a day is an excellent way to housebreak him because dogs will try not to soil their “home.” Here are six […]

Showing dogs is a fun sport where the thrill of competition is combined with the joy of seeing beautiful dogs. Dog shows, or conformation events, originated as a way for breeders to evaluate their breeding stock. While the purpose remains, dog shows are a great opportunity to socialize with people in your breed and develop […]

The AKC Government Relations Department is pleased to assist dog owners with canine legislation issues in their local communities, but we can't help unless we are aware of the proposal. Please contact us at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org when new laws are discussed or introduced in your city or county. We will provide you with resources and […]