Stepping onto the big stage at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show will assume an entirely new meaning—and challenge—Tuesday, June 21 for Travis Torsak. Gaining the coveted initiation will be his first handling endeavor ever with Jack, a Grand Champion West Highland White Terrier he co-owns. Torsak has always hired professionals to handle his Westies […]

The Massachusetts Senate could soon consider a bill with negative impacts on owning, breeding, and training dogs.  Massachusetts residents are strongly encouraged to use the information below to contact your State Senator TODAY and ask them to oppose Senate Bill 1322, as written. Summary: The Massachusetts Senate is being strongly encouraged to favorably pass SB […]

AKC continues to monitor several bills impacting dog owners in California.   AKC is currently neutral on these bills and several contain AKC’s amendments. Below is information on bills with upcoming hearings and/or votes, along with information on how to contact the appropriate lawmakers.  AKC GR will continue to provide individual updates and alerts when necessary. […]

Although consistency is key when training dogs, naturally there will be training breaks that happen. Work schedules, family commitments, and vacations can all result in even the most serious dog sport competitors needing to take some time off from training or reduce the amount of time they have to train. Similarly, injuries to the dog or handler […]

The Major League Baseball season has officially begun and stadiums are pretty much at full capacity. What better way to celebrate than by planning to take your pup to the park to catch a game? Believe it or not, many of the MLB teams sponsor dog-friendly nights so that you can enjoy watching your favorite […]

The epitome of summer comes just after the summer solstice, on July 4. This holiday weekend is often full of patriotism, barbecues, pool parties, and fireworks. Though the celebrations are jam-packed with entertainment, it can be an anxious weekend for your pet. In fact, more pets go missing during the July 4th weekend than any […]

There's so much to do and see at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina® Pro Plan® that even longtime attendees may not know the ins and outs of the event. There are the breed sessions, competitions in agility and obedience, and of course, the big events of group judging and best in show. […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) learned today that an ordinance that seeks to significantly amend Metro Nashville/Davidson County (TN) animal law will receive a second vote tomorrow, June 7, 2022. What you can do:  Animal owners are urged to contact their council members IMMEDIATELY to express concerns and ask them to not approve the ordinance […]

Does your dog have a fitness routine? When I started training in dog agility in the 1990s most competitors didn't know very much about canine sports medicine. It wasn't uncommon to take dogs directly from being crated at a show to quickly go run a full course—no warm-up whatsoever. Thankfully, over the last two decades, […]

Do you enjoy teaching your dog commands and tricks? Then the sport of AKC Rally might be for you. In Rally, a dog and their handler move together through a course made up of 10-20 signs. Each sign displays a skill to perform such as turns or behaviors like sit, down, or stay. The dog […]