Your mother may not have had an advanced psychology degree, but when she told you to eat your vegetables in order to get dessert, she was on to something. Her advice was based on the Premack Principle, a rule proposed by psychologist David Premack, which states that high-probability behaviors, like eating dessert, will reinforce low-probability […]

If you’re interested in learning as much as possible about dog sports and want to participate in a meaningful, hands-on way, joining your regional breed club is an important connection to make. It is a natural complement to membership in your local all-breed kennel club. The all-breed club will afford you the opportunity to learn […]

A fear of fireworks is common among dogs. In fact, more canine companions get lost during the Fourth of July holiday than any other time of year due, in part, to local firework displays and pet owners getting distracted at family gatherings, among other things. But there are ways to help your pup overcome his fear. Here […]

It’s the time of year when family and friends gather to celebrate Independence Day. Whether you're going to a small, intimate gathering, or a larger party, there is bound to be a variety of foods, drinks, and, of course, fireworks throughout the day. While this sounds like fun to most people, your dog may have […]

It is estimated that over 10 million pets are lost or stolen in the United States each year. One step you can take to minimize the risk of losing your dog forever is microchipping. The tiny transponder that gets inserted between your canine companion's shoulder blades carries a unique ID number that, when scanned, is linked […]

Recently, we have seen a number of successes across the country that will have a positive impact on dogs, dog owners, breeders, and our sport.  These include amendments to bills in Rhode Island (House Bill 7045 and Senate Bill 2055) that will protect humane tethering for hunting, herding, and sled dogs, and the passage of […]

Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Visit the 2018 Legislation Tracking page and click on your state to get the latest updates on state bills monitored by the AKC. California – Assembly Bill 1762 would require State Parks to post on its website details of where dogs are allowed within the […]

The AKC Government Relations team continues to monitor Congress for issues of interest to dog owners. Visit our 2018 Legislation Tracking page and click on “US Fed” on the map to get the latest updates on federal bills currently being monitored by the AKC. Highlights of issues we are currently addressing on the federal level include: U.S. […]

You can thank a poodle aficionado for obedience, one of the AKC’s oldest sporting events. It all began in the early 1930s when a breeder of Standard Poodles, Mrs. Helen Whitehouse Walker, wanted to prove that the breed typically famous for their fancy haircuts is both incredibly smart and highly trainable. To get the job […]

The American Kennel Club Government Relations (AKC GR) department has noticed a recent uptick in anti-dog policies on the local level. One of the most prevalent issues being considered in communities throughout the United States is the regulation of tethering. Supporters of such proposals often recycle appalling photos of neglected dogs that would horrify any […]