The Burke County Animal Advisory Board has scheduled a public hearing for Wednesday, September 9, 2020, to further discuss proposed county breeder permits.   Local breeders, sportsmen, and dog owners are strongly encouraged to attend the hearing and express your concerns (Scroll down for hearing information).  This hearing is in response to a directive from the […]

Like many Americans whose ancestors arrived in previous centuries, the Australian Shepherd history is a confounding mix of many different cultures.

I smelled the stench before I saw her, sort of like a landfill on a 92-degree day. A mottled gray and once-white shaggy blur ran down the hall into my arms, and I was in love, no matter what my nose told me. This cuter-than-a-teddy-bear puppy had darted into my boyfriend’s office when he opened […]

For most people, being a responsible dog owner takes the form of caring for our dogs. That means socializing them to become good canine citizens, cleaning up after them, and ensuring they have good veterinary care, nutrition, a warm bed — if not the couch — and toys and treats. But for purebred dog breeders, […]

So, you think you want a dog? Before adding a canine companion to your family, you should give careful thought to what it means to be a responsible dog owner. I know I had to. When I was a little kid, my family was not animal-oriented, but I was obsessed with animals, especially dogs. I […]

Kayaks are an increasingly popular way to enjoy the water. Whether it's sit-in or sit-on, kayaks allow you to explore the wilderness and get back to nature. But can you kayak with your dog safely? Yes. With some patient training and simple acclimatization, your dog can learn to love the kayak and be a safe […]

Why not try adding your dog to your training routine? Exercising together not only benefits your health, but your dog's as well. But remember, before beginning any exercise routine with your four-legged friend, consult your veterinarian to ensure your dog is in good physical condition for the exercise you're envisioning. Health Benefits of Exercising With […]

Imagine a mild sedative before leaving home, a bandana sprayed with calming scents, a bunch of bacon snacks, and skipping the hour-long frenzy in the waiting room. From classical music wafting across the sign-in desk to licking peanut butter off the wall to act as a distraction from getting a shot, your dog’s typical freak-out […]

The dog days of summer have been busier than ever for the American Kennel Club Government Relations (AKC GR) team and advocates. This August marks the launch of several new initiatives and resources to better serve dogs, dog owners, and the community at large. AKC has noticed an increase of reports of animal rights activists […]

Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Arkansas –  An executive order signed by Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson extends certain liability protections to businesses that open or remain open during the COVID-19 health emergency.  Among other provisions, persons and their employees, agents, and officers shall be immune from civil liability for damages […]