By Margie RuckerReprinted from: The Canine Chronicle Piper is my Service Dog. Piper does not look like the typical service dog. Piper's undeniable charm, stature, and jolly demeanor elicits amused skepticism and, occasionally, unkind comments. Over time I've learned that all responses are opportunities for me to provide accurate information and to advocate for the […]

In today's technological world, you can track your location, activity, and more. So Link AKC asked, why shouldn't we be able to do the same for our dogs? Today the AKC affiliate-company debuted their LINK AKC™ smart collar. The collar and accompanying app were designed by a team of dog-loving fashion, tech, mobile and canine […]

A team of British Special Forces is safe thanks to the efforts of a German Shepherd trained by the U.S. Army. The German Shepherd protected the SAS team when they were ambushed by ISIS fighters in Iraq last month, according to The Sun. The team was returning from a 10-day training program when they were […]

“Love me, love my dog,” is a time-honored saying, but a Japanese study suggests that the inverse—“Love me, love my human”—may be just as valid. That’s the case even when it came to that one offer dogs almost never refuse—food. Canine companions would turn down treats from people who were mean to their owners, said scientists […]

Scenario: You’ve hit it off with a smart, attractive guy you’ve met online, but when you introduce him to your dog, he recoils. Red flag? Pretty much, according to a survey conducted by PetSmart Charities and Match.com. The survey found that 70% of singles believe their date’s reaction to their pet matters to them. So, […]

We all know that exercising is good for humans and dogs, but so much of it is so repetitive and boring that it becomes a chore. It doesn’t have to be that way. Here some alternatives to help you and your four-footed pal reach your fitness goals. Follow the Bouncing Paws Trampolines are not just […]

When we think about the activities of our dogs, usually we picture their play, their “jobs” or their quiet repose on our laps or couch. However, in all animals the ability to stand quietly at rest is critically important for health and soundness. Many dog owners don’t realize that the reason their dogs flop down […]

General ConcernsWinter's cold air brings many concerns for responsible dog owners. Keep the following precautions in mind: Don't leave your dog outside in the cold for long periods of time. Wind chill makes days colder than actual temperature readings. Be attentive to your dog's body temperature, and limit its time outdoors. Adequate shelter is a […]

“My dog comes to me when we’re at home, but at the park, it’s like I’m not even there!” Could you say this about your dog? A reliable recall, or “come when called,” might be the most important thing to teach your dog. It can also be hard to teach, usually because we unwittingly sabotage […]

Sometimes after a marathon house cleaning, I flop down on the couch and holler, “Nobody move.” Try as I might, the floors and furniture only stay clean-clean for about five minutes. That’s life with dogs—especially rough-and-tumble mountain dogs who track all manner of gunk into the house. I may never completely achieve long lasting clean, […]