Young children and puppies have a lot in common: they're both curious, excitable, impulsive, and, for the most part, endearing. If you follow some sensible guidelines when introducing your children to the new puppy, you can take the first steps toward creating a life-long bond. Your puppy is experiencing many new people and things […]

There is probably nothing more alarming than seeing your dog have a seizure. Legs flailing in the air, lips tightened in a sardonic grin, and the neck arched like it might break — it illustrates the horror the dog is going through. But that classic convulsion is only one of many variations of seizures in […]

To say that dogs are super smellers is an understatement. Whether it’s the ground during a walk, another dog during a meet-and-greet, or your friend when she walks into your house, chances are your dog leads with his nose to get information he can’t get with his eyes alone. That’s because your dog’s sense of […]

Puppies present a variety of challenges as they develop. First, they’re sweet babies, following us around, looking to us for every cue. Then, just when you think you’ve got a handle on house-training, basic obedience commands, and confidence building (in both of you), baby teeth and brains seem to go right out the window, simultaneously. […]

Sorry cat lovers, dogs are simply better snugglers. Here are nine reasons why dogs are the best cuddle buddies: 1. They will be the big spoon or the little spoon.   2. They manage to look cute when stealing your blanket. And because they look SO adorable, you don't even care that you're blanket-less.   […]

To most people, training a dog begins and ends with commands and equipment. They never think that developing a relationship with their dog through training is possible, let alone critical. But by forming a relationship with your dog through an activity like training — rather than only from cuddling on the couch or slipping him […]

I got a new puppy and am constantly being told not to let him do things he likes to do, like tussle with other puppies, play tug-of-war, eat treats, and jump on the furniture. Is this true? I don’t want him to get hurt, but he needs to enjoy life! Puppies roughhoused long before they […]

Teaching your dog tricks is a great way to build upon and reinforce his skills. Learn more from AKC's dog training experts.

Positive reinforcement dog training, also referred to as force-free, reward-based, or clicker training, is a method that focuses on telling your dog when he is correct, instead of only pointing out what is incorrect. This is done through a marker for correctness and timing, paired with a reward that is reinforcing to the dog. The […]

Most dog owners have experienced those frustrating moments when, despite all the training and practice, their dog simply doesn't listen to them. As you and your puppy get to know each other, it's important to remember that listening is a two-way-street: he's learning what you expect just as you're learning to tune into his signals. […]