SORT BY
Sports & Events
Dog Breaking Livestock
One of the most important elements of a trial revolves around the quality of the livestock. The AKC rulebook is very specific as to the suitability of stock and provides an in-depth description of the proper type of livestock for tests and trials. Livestock should be comfortable in the presence of both dogs and people, […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/herding/articles/dog-breaking-livestock/
| October 26, 2017
Sports & Events
Teaching the Stop Command
The Stop will be one of the most important commands a handler can teach their dog. The dog stopping in an exact spot can make the difference in accomplishing a chore correctly, winning or losing in a trial situation, or even saving a dog's life. Introduce the stop command to a dog away from stock. […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/herding/articles/teaching-the-stop-command/
| October 26, 2017
Sports & Events
The Art of Penning
It looks so innocent. Three sides...a swinging gate....a quiet, empty, beckoning space... and a six foot rope. Why is it then, that sheep often hit an invisible barrier as they approach this inanimate object we call the free-standing pen? Why do they stop, lean back, then shy away and hesitate to enter? Could it be […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/herding/articles/the-art-of-penning/
| October 26, 2017
Sports & Events
Tips for Teaching Driving
Most herding dogs are naturally fetching dogs. That is, they always want to bring the sheep towards the handler. Some herding dogs are naturally driving dogs. That is, they move sheep in any direction without regard to the location of the handler. A very few herding dogs are both naturally driving and fetching dogs. You'd […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/herding/articles/tips-for-teaching-driving/
| October 26, 2017
Expert Advice: Breeding Tips & Best Practices
Spring Cleaning for Your Kennel
As an AKC Senior Breeder Field Representative, I have had the privilege of visiting many “state of the art” beautifully planned and designed functional kennels and/or homes. Regardless of the type of kennel, I have never been to a kennel that is “finished.” If the kennel was completed yesterday, today the breeder or kennel owner/operator […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/spring-cleaning-for-your-kennel/
| April 10, 2017
Expert Advice: Feature
When It Comes to Doggy Dynamics, Sizzle Is Your Ultimate Prototype
Make no mistake about it, dog sport competitors are no different than finely tuned human athletes. These dogs long to get in the ring and give it their best, while performing in concert with their handlers. In the process, doggy dynamics are accented with plenty of psychological gymnastics. If ever there was a prototype for […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/sizzle-doggy-dynamics/
| April 4, 2017
Expert Advice: Fun Facts
5 Ways Dogs Help Humans Be Healthier and Happier
The old saying “dogs are man’s best friend” is just as accurate as it is cliché. Various studies have proven the effects dogs have on our health and well-being. For instance, in 2011, the American Psychological Association found that pet owners had “greater self esteem, were more conscientious, were more extraverted, tended to be less fearful, […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/5-ways-dogs-help-humans-be-healthier-and-happier/
| September 21, 2016
Expert Advice: Fun Facts
7 Small Dog Breeds With BIG Personalities
When most people think of boisterous, outdoorsy dogs, they think of the larger working and sporting breeds. Dogs like Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers are popular choices for those looking for an outgoing, extroverted dog. But there are a lot of small breeds with some pretty big personalities. Not all small breeds are satisfied being […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/small-breeds-big-personalities/
| January 3, 2017
Expert Advice: Fun Facts
7 Things You Didn’t Know About the Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is physically imposing, but incredibly patient and loving. Here are seven things you probably didn't know about this gentle giant: 1. They Were Bred To Be Guard Dogs The Bullmastiff was created in England in the 1860s by crossing a Mastiff with a Bulldog. The goal was to create a guard dog that […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/7-bullmastiff-facts/
| December 5, 2016
Expert Advice: Fun Facts
7 Reasons to Love a Collie
While Lassie made the Collie breed famous, Collies have been treasured for over a century for their legendary herding and guarding talents. Working in the Scottish Highlands and Northern England, this herding breed is fast, strong, and smart. Queen Victoria made the breed fashionable, and the unique traits of the Collie have made him a […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/7-reasons-to-love-the-collie/
| February 11, 2017