Do you enjoy teaching your dog commands and tricks? Then the sport of AKC Rally might be for you. In Rally, a dog and their handler move together through a course made up of 10-20 signs. Each sign displays a skill to perform such as turns or behaviors like sit, down, or stay. The dog […]

I have two AKC dogs, a Sheltie named Tui and a Eurohound (English Pointer/German Shorthair Pointer/Alaskan Husky) named Nessie. I love agility, and I know my dogs love it as much as I do! Where I live, there are four distinct seasons; rainy Spring, hot Summer, blustery Fall, and snowy Winter; because of this, I […]

If you’re the owner of a senior dog or have a dog that is losing vision or hearing, you might not think it’s possible to continue doing dog sports. But participating in dog sports can help with both mental stimulation and physical exercise and can help strengthen that human-canine bond. There are plenty of senior dogs who are […]

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 […]

New puppy owners hear a ton of advice from their family, their neighbors, and even the overly-talkative owner at the dog park. Some is spot on, and some is ill-advised. Because those early weeks with a new puppy are critical, it's important to filter that advice and do what's best for your pup and their […]

There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. —Maya Angelou A young vet assistant carried my Lab, Fergus, into a room set aside for euthanasia. While Fergus lay on a large, soft pillow, I lay down beside him. I told him what a good guy he was and how I loved him. […]

During the pandemic, online video meetings have become a common way to communicate. Whether we're conducting business or chatting with friends and family, virtual get-togethers have made our lives easier. But there's nothing more annoying than interruptions during a meeting. And dogs are a common culprit. Don't let your dog be the one to bark […]

During the COVID-19 lockdown, your puppy won the people lottery by enjoying your attention around the clock. Snuggling for hours on the couch, long neighborhood walks, and extra lunchtime treats were all in a day's work. It's a heavenly routine your canine best friend has come to rely on. The downside is that your pup […]

How much of the day should a dog spend snoozing? This perennial question has felt more pressing the past year, with humans locked down at home and able to pay much closer attention to their pooches' sleeping habits. So should your dog really be sleeping for 12 hours a day? Or is there a problem? […]

Senior dogs face many health problems such as arthritis and cognitive decline, but cancer is, unfortunately, one of the most common. Although one in four dogs will develop cancer at some point in their life, this disease will strike almost half of all dogs over the age of 10. According to the Veterinary Cancer Society, it's the leading cause of death in […]