By Don Paltani, AKC Senior Executive Field Representative Dennis Pierce started in German Shorthaired Pointers in 1993, having no knowledge of formal dog training. Dennis became involved in NAVHDA (North American Versatile Hunting Dog Assn), which has a strong training program for new handlers. Dennis ran his dogs through the NAVHDA programs including natural ability […]

By Lyle Johnson, AKC Executive Field Representative In Pointing Breed Field Trials, the gun dog stake is probably one of the most fun stakes for the judges to choose the winners. While the Open All-Age dog might be the prototypical "big running dog," the Gun Dog should be more in tune with the handler and […]

Hunting Tests for Pointing Breeds were developed so people would have an opportunity to demonstrate a dogs ability to perform under actual hunting conditions. Judges should evaluate a dog's natural abilities as well as those traits obtained through training. Hunting Tests are for people of all ages, male and female and for dogs at least […]

By: Zach Simpson Zach Simpson is a16-year-old from Wadsworth, IL, who knows exactly what he wants for his future. An All Honors or Advanced Placement student, this Junior is heavily involved in competitive shooting as well as his Hunting Test activities with his Vizsla, Otis, who Zach trained and handled to his Master Hunter title. […]

Growing Up In A GSP Family Ten-year-old Brandon Novoa, a 5th grader at Boston Valley Elementary in Boston, NY, has reason to feel proud: He recently put a Junior Hunter title on one of his parents' German Shorthaired Pointers. Active in school extracurricular activities such as the school newspaper, orchestra (playing violin), chorus and various […]

By: Emily Easton For the Eastons of Dallas, PA, dogs are a true family affair. Starting with their first Vizsla, Dallas, in 1996, the Easton family -- Ralph, Diana and daughters Laura, now 20, and Emily -- has participated in conformation, field trials and hunting tests. Emily is a 6th grader with academic goals to […]

In training, many times a student will comment that their dog lacks power. They speak with a conviction that tells me they believe the dog was born that way and will never change. In fact, I have personally witnessed many dogs become much stronger and steadier by simply building their confidence, which can be very […]

Common Resources: Find a Club/Trainer Find an Event Agility Regulations Online Entry System Downloadable Forms Titles and Abbreviations Versatile Companion Dog (VCD) Title News & Updates Agility FAQ [accordion] [accordion_panel title="General"] Agility Field Representatives Participants with Disabilities [/accordion_panel] [accordion_panel title="Getting Started in Agility"] A Beginners Guide to Companion Events (PDF) Agility FAQs What is Agility?  […]

Introduction Dear Student: This resource guide -- -- was created especially for you. Making a career choice that you will be happy with is not easy. There are many things to consider before you can really make the right choice for yourself. Of course there are practical matters, such as educational requirements, that should influence […]

Are you new to the AKC and wish you had someone to guide you through the details of participating in our sports and events? Your wish is our command! Our new Exhibitor Mentoring Program is designed to do just that. It connects experienced breeders and handlers with newcomers to the AKC. Mentors are volunteers who […]