Training Your Dog to Be a Therapy Dog The AKC GoodDog! Helpline receives frequent inquiries about how to train dogs for therapy work. GDH Trainer Christie Canfield conducts therapy visits with her dog and also teaches therapy dog classes. She tells us the “who, what, when and how” of making a therapy dog. Because of […]

When seen floating across the show ring, the long, flowing Shih Tzu coat is dramatic and eye-catching. But maintaining that coat requires consistent care. 

The AKC Board of Directors recently discussed problematic new “pet leasing” schemes in which prospective owners make hefty monthly payments for a pet, but are not given legal ownership of the pet. In response to this concerning trend, the Board has updated the AKC Canine Legislation Position Statement on Protection for Puppy Purchasers to include […]

ASK AKC  All dog owners need expert advice from time to time to meet the challenges of caring for their canines. The American Kennel Club aims to provide you and your purebred dog with the help you asked for. Dear AKC: I'm a 12-year-old-girl and I want to get a dog, but my dad won't […]

Jennifer Clemons of Las Vegas, NV, shared this story of how her first dog, Maddy, led her to dog training classes and then agility competitions. Today, Maddy is MACH Madeline of Pine Banks  MXB  MXS T2B2 OF - a recipient of the AKC's top honor in Agility - the Master Agilty Championship (MACH). Maddy competes […]

Thomas Stancliff of Manvel, TX, shared this story about his Labrador mix, Doll, and his and his wife Jeanne's adventures with her since she showed up at their house three years ago. Doll’s formal AKC name is La Muneca Del Diablo RAE, and she recently earned the highest honor in AKC Rally. Doll competes in […]

I'm Just Little! – Important Reminders for Toy Dog Owners AKC GoodDog! Helpline Trainer Breanne Long, owner of two Papillons, discusses the different needs of toy dogs and important things to keep in mind if you own a small dog. The world of a small dog is a very big place. People and dogs are […]

By AKC GoodDog! Helpline Trainer Breanne Long This is Part 1 of a three-part series on using verbal cues/commands correctly. You may be surprised to learn that the verbal cue is not important when you first start training a new behavior. A common mistake seen among puppy owners is adding cue words too early. If […]

PACH the Mighty Quinlan RE AX AXJ OFP owned by Chris & David Hodges of Wichita Falls, TX Quin was dropped out in the country and wandered up to a farm when he was only around 5 months old.  “A friend of mine went and got him, thinking she might be able to find him a […]

The AKC Board of Directors recently discussed problematic new “pet leasing” schemes in which prospective owners make hefty monthly payments for a pet, but are not given legal ownership of the pet. In response to this concerning trend, the Board has updated the AKC Canine Legislation Position Statement on Protection for Puppy Purchasers to include […]