Fifteen-year-old Reagan Wallace from St. Peters, Missouri got involved with training dogs during the pandemic. Now, she’s an active dog Agility competitor, placing third at the AKC Junior Agility Championship. In addition to Agility, Wallace and her dogs now participate in a variety of AKC sports, including Rally, Fast CAT, and Obedience. Wallace competes with […]

Our dogs are extremely important parts of our daily lives. They follow our commands, work with us in various capacities, and act as faithful companions. Studies have shown that dogs provide health benefits. Service dogs have these abilities, combined with training to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities.  During the last decade, the use of service dogs has rapidly expanded. However, more […]

Luring is a popular and easy way to teach dogs a variety of behaviors. It usually works by a handler using a treat on the dog's nose to steer or lead a dog to move their body in a specific direction, essentially "luring" them. This training technique is often the easiest and quickest way for […]

Are you a canine instructor who works for other training companies? Do you think about working with dogs in a facility that you own and operate? When professional dog trainers imagined running a top-notch canine center, they made a big move.  The result? Two successful, state-of-the-art centers devoted to enriching dogs' relationships with their owners. Here's how […]

Breeders and fanciers generally use the term “balance” to describe a dog’s physical proportions. The Australian Shepherd breed standard, for example, specifies that a perfect Aussie is “well balanced, slightly longer than tall, of medium size and bone.” Similarly, the standard for the Cardigan Welsh Corgi extols the importance of balance, meaning the ratio of […]

Give these summer dog sports a go during the hotter months, as they're perfect for bonding and working with your dog outside.

In 2013, while walking in New York City, Laura Burkart saw a Brussels Griffon who stole her heart. The toy breed oozed personality with big black eyes and a look that said, "I'm your best friend." The chance encounter and a growing obsession with the breed eventually led Burkart to throw a lavish Kentucky Derby-themed party this […]

Like people, dogs need daily movement to feel their best. Dogs need exercise to maintain muscle tone as well as an appropriate weight for their age and breed. But walking your dog isn't about physical activity alone. Walks provide mental stimulation, helping your dog build confidence and avoid potential behavioral issues like anxiety and aggression. How […]

A combination of breed and socialization will help determine how your dog will behave. Here's why breed matters when selecting a pet.

Recently at a show, I chatted with an exhibitor who was new to the sport. She had done a lovely job of grooming and showing her very promising puppy, a European import. Since she seemed really determined to learn all she could about showing her breed successfully, I couldn’t resist asking why she had felt […]