What is a Therapy Dog? Therapy dogs are dogs who go with their owners to volunteer in settings such as schools, hospitals, and nursing homes. From working with a child who is learning to read to visiting a senior in assisted living, therapy dogs and their owners work together as a team to improve the […]

Getting Started in Training Before AKC Community Canine℠ The AKC's Canine Good Citizen program trains dogs "from puppies to the community." With the introduction of AKC Community Canine, the Canine Good Citizen Program now provides a comprehensive 3 level training program for you and your dog. AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy The First Step in Training You […]

Watch and learn what the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program can offer you and your pup. Welcome to the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program! At the American Kennel Club®, we're not just champion dogs. We're the dogs' champion -- all dogs. We believe that all dogs deserve training and a responsible owner and our goal is to […]

A well-behaved dog is a joy to live with, and proper dog training helps ensure that your pup can participate in almost everything you do together. Puppies can begin very simple training starting as soon as they come home, usually around 8 weeks old. Whether your goal is puppy socialization and or participating in dog sports, […]

ENTRY FORMS FOR 2023 TRICKS COMPETITION Adult Junior ***NEW*** AKC now offers a quick and easy way to submit your Trick Dog Title Application! Try the new - Title Application Portal (TAP) System.  Check out 2022's Competition Winner and Outstanding Performances  CGC Evaluators Can Now Evaluate For AKC Trick Dog Titles Via Video CGC AND […]

***NEW*** AKC now offers a quick and easy way to submit your Trick Dog Title Application! Try the new - Title Application Portal (TAP) System.  From the 1920’s and 1940’s when trick dogs such as Rin Tin Tin and Lassie won peoples’ hearts, trick dog training has become one of the most exciting new areas […]

NEW Online Trick Dog Title Application Portal New Trick Dog Order Form Tips: Writing Elite Performer Scripts Participant and Evaluator Guide Training Book Collection Canine Good Citizen

July 1, 2013 Pre-Open and Pre-Utility Classes *The jump height is to be set at ½ the height of the dog at the withers, rounded to the nearest multiple of 2 inches. The Broad Jump will cover a distance equal to twice the height of the High Jump setting for each dog. For example: In […]

Obedience training may just be the best gift you can give yourself, your family, and your pet. It teaches your dog appropriate social behavior with both people and animals; helps correct annoying behaviors like jumping, digging, barking, and chewing; and keeps your dog entertained and happy. A win-win all around! When to Start Training The […]

The AKC realizes that there may be various conditions that led to your dog's disqualification. Some dogs may qualify to return to competition if they meet the criteria set forth in the reinstatement procedure. This instruction sheet explains the process of reinstatement and what you, the dog's owner must do should you apply to have […]