It's signature dog behavior to roll over and ask for a belly rub. And what owner can resist rewarding their pet with that kind of attention? It's a wonderful way to bond. But why do dogs like belly rubs? And is it truly a universal dog behavior, or do some prefer to be petted elsewhere? […]

If you have a puppy, it's a good idea to educate yourself about their future needs. This includes being prepared to protect puppies against the most common dog poisons located in and around every home.   Human Medications  Consuming prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications for people is a common cause of accidental poisonings in dogs. The OTC medications […]

It’s one of the best ways to deeply bond with your dog. It's great exercise. And it just might be one of the most personally rewarding endeavors of your life. It’s the world of canine sports and events, and many events are open for all dogs to enjoy, including mixed-breed dogs. Something special happens between […]

Dogs' inquisitive nature can sometimes get them into serious trouble around your home. They love to sniff, explore, chew, and eat or lick things that seem tasty or smell pleasant — including items that might be toxic to them. That’s why it’s best to keep all potentially toxic products, especially ones you wouldn’t want a […]

Dogs repeat behaviors that get them what they want. That's why positive reinforcement dog training focuses on rewarding your dog for the behaviors you want to see. If you give your dog a treat for giving you a paw, for example, your dog will be more likely to give you a paw in the future. […]

Teaching your dog tricks is a great way to build upon and reinforce his skills. Learn more from AKC's dog training experts.

If you’re like me, then the sight of your dog vomiting is a cause for immediate concern. I want to know why my dog is vomiting, and what I should do about it. The problem with trying to figure that out, of course, is that vomiting is listed as a possible symptom for a huge […]

If your dog is suffering from ataxia, the most common symptom you might notice is a change in his gait, making him very unsteady.

Your dog's diet should include high-fiber dog food, but it's not always easy to navigate the best ways to include it.

By AKC GoodDog! Helpline Trainer Breanne Long This is Part 1 of a three-part series on using verbal cues/commands correctly. You may be surprised to learn that the verbal cue is not important when you first start training a new behavior. A common mistake seen among puppy owners is adding cue words too early. If […]