This training tip is supplied by dog trainer Julie Norman Jenkins, training director at Paws4Ever in Mebane, N.C., and captain of top-winning flyball team, Fur Fun. In addition to flyball, Jenkins is an accomplished competitor in agility, freestyle, and disc dog. “Go to place” is an extremely useful behavior for the family dog to learn.  […]

When we lose one of our beloved companions, sometimes a person will say, “Hey, it’s just a dog.” Those of us who have had dogs in our lives look at that person as if they’ve lost their mind. How can you say this is just a dog? He was a part of my life, and […]

Celebrating the breed’s 40th-anniversary national specialty was something I never dreamed possible when I sat on the bench with my entry at the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America’s first national specialty on March 13, 1976, at the Harrisburg Kennel Club’s benched show at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Building. The catalog cover boasted the event […]

A Few Puppy Don’tsHaving a new puppy is a lot like parenting. We need to find the line between being overprotective and providing the puppy with a safe environment to let his personality develop. A few of the don’ts about puppy rearing: Puppies love to play, but don’t get too rough. Be careful playing games […]

Ask AKC  Dear AKC: I have two Siberian Huskies. We got our female at 14-weeks-old about a year ago and recently we added a 3-year-old male. We would like to have her in the house more but she absolutely will not settle down even with toys and our undivided attention. Outside, she digs, chews, and […]

The definition of a stay requires that the dog remain in the designated place and position, with no resistance such as moving, whining, or barking, until you either release him or give another command. This is a fairly easy exercise to train, as it requires that the dog do nothing except remain doing nothing and […]

Ask AKC   Dear AKC: I have a 14-month old pug who eats earthworms every chance he gets. He eats the same amount dry dog food as his brother but eats the earthworms as snacks during his outside time. His brother does not eat earthworms. I'm sure hunger isn't the issue. Is he missing something in […]

Training with Treats Just about any dog can learn such basic commands as sit, come, and heel. Some can add a few others to their repertoire. Still others may be able to master surprisingly complex tricks. No matter what level of skill you’re aiming for, training your dog simply requires an investment of time, patience and, […]

Raising a healthy dog takes more thought than just dropping some kibble in a bowl. Good food and sound nutrition habits set your puppy on the path to a long and healthy life Find out the nutritional needs for each stage of a growing pup plus what you should never do (and what you should […]

When the flowers start to bloom and spring fever strikes, you'll want to make sure you and your dog are ready. Luckily, there are steps you can take to ensure that this lovely season is an enjoyable and safe one. Spring Health Preventatives for Dogs Spring checkups are a great time to check to see […]