Two bills will be considered in Illinois on Tuesday, April 10, that would allow private citizens to remove animals from locked vehicles if they have a good faith belief the animal is in imminent danger. The AKC agrees that no person or animal should ever be left in a situation where their health or safety […]

The Onondaga County Legislature had been considering two proposals that would impact a dog owner’s ability to keep their dog outside. The AKC Government Relations department urged residents and those who participate in events in Onondaga County to share concerns with Legislator Ryan’s proposal, which would prohibit anyone from tethering a dog outdoors for more […]

Does your dog drive you crazy with problem behavior? Perhaps they're jumping on your guests or begging at the table — issues you can tackle with a skilled trainer. But maybe things are more serious, and you’re not sure where to turn. It might be time to hire a behavior consultant or animal behaviorist. These professionals work with clients […]

Ironically, the most compelling passages from “The Dog: A Natural History,” by Ádám Miklósi, focus on our best friend’s future rather than his past. But the bulk of this scholarly, yet highly readable, 224-page volume — published by the Princeton University Press ($27.95) and scheduled for wide release on April 11 — explores the history […]

April is National Heartworm Awareness month, but not every dog owner is well versed in the potentially deadly parasite. It's only transmitted by mosquitos, which pick up larval heartworms — called microfilaria — circulating in the bloodstream of an infected animal. Dogs with heartworm can be treated, but the best approach to the parasite is prevention. […]

New Hampshire Senate Bill 569, which seeks to expand those considered “commercial kennels” by the state and create bond for care requirements, is scheduled for consideration by the House Environment and Agriculture Committee on Wednesday, April 4, 2018.  This may be residents’ last chance to personally express concerns with SB 569.  All concerned dog owners […]

Susan S. wrote to ask what is the best way to teach her Field Spaniel puppy to stay. To teach your puppy “stay,” the most important thing to remember is to take it in baby steps. Too many owners make the mistake of turning it into an endurance contest: how long can the puppy stay […]

Breeding and showing dogs is a roller-coaster ride, with exhilarating highs and great disappointments in equal measure. You must make difficult decisions, and when they impact friends, saying "no" can be especially hard. If you own a stud dog, one of those difficult decisions will be turning down a bitch owner who wishes to breed […]

March came in like a lion and continues to roar for the American Kennel Club’s Government Relations department. The GR department is currently tracking over 1,860 pieces of legislation to ensure that your rights as a dog owner, breeder, and fancier are not infringed upon. As always, if you are aware of a new local […]

State Issues: News from the State Capitols 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.  Alabama – SB 232, among numerous other provisions, establishes procedures by which a dog can […]