Dogs can have problems with their anus and rectum just like people can. You might see your dog scooting (dragging their bottom) across the carpet or straining when they squat to defecate. Your first thought might be hemorrhoids, a common ailment in people. But can dogs get hemorrhoids? Or is something else going on under your dog's […]

Your dog's pedigree is essentially the family tree for your dog. Perusing your dog's pedigree, you may notice some names that re-occur, possibly because they were popular sires of their day. Perhaps you will notice certain dogs with a lot of AKC titles, such as Champion (CH), Field Champion (FC), Companion Dog (CD), or one […]

Dogs love to experience the world through their sense of taste. Your dog probably licks their food bowl, their fur, their toys, and of course, your hands and face. But have you ever seen your dog lick the air? Is there something stuck in their mouth or are they tasting the air? In fact, dogs lick the air for all kinds of reasons. Alhough […]

Can dogs have pumpkin spice? This seasoning mix, and foods containing it, aren't safe for dogs, but you can give your dog pure pumpkin or dog treats with pumpkin as an ingredient.

Bred to work in the steep mountains and fertile fields of Switzerland, Bernese Mountain Dogs are hardy dogs. But their tough constitution and large size are matched by their cheerful and loving personalities, which charm owners worldwide. Good with kids and adults, BMDs are a giant dose of fun for the family. Before bringing home […]

Working with dogs can be wonderful, as well as frustrating and stressful. If you find yourself getting overwhelmed and having to deal with training frustrations, it's important to try to shift your perspective. This way, you can manage these challenging emotions in a healthy way and preserve your relationship with your dog. Deciding When to […]

Two new Maryland laws that could impact dog owners are now in effect. The first requires that dogs left unattended in extreme weather have suitable shelter.  The other addresses “Cost of Animal Care” and requires individuals whose animals have been seized due to charges of cruelty or severe neglect to pay the cost of caring […]

Flopdoodle Chloe Bean CGC TKE VHMA owned by Christina & Gary Jones of Stafford, VA was one of two finalists in the 2022 AKC Trick Dog Competition. This fourth annual competition was a virtual event open to Elite Performers, AKC's highest level of trick dogs. There was also a Junior division for people ages 17 […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is pleased to announce the 2022 AKC Trick Dog Competition winners. The overall winners were Muriel McMullen and her Australian Terrier, "Maddie" from Altoona, WI. In their routine, "Dogwarts School of Witchcraft," Maddie used her tricks to become a witch. This fourth annual competition was a virtual event open to […]

Dogs have evolved alongside people to eat a variety of foods including meat, grain, fruits, and vegetables. So, it's not surprising that when people...