Is every attempt to "socialize" a puppy really good for him? Sometimes puppies are forced to endure unpleasant, emotionally damaging situations when their owners follow advice that was given with good intentions. To ensure that our pup receives every opportunity for optimal mental and physical development, we often need to stop, take a calming breath, […]

ASK AKC Dear AKC: My Bulldog will soon be having her first litter. What should be included in a puppy kit for the new owners? -- Novice Breeder Needs Dear Novice: A great way to insure a new puppy's continued success with their new family is to provide an abundance of resources for each new owner. As a longtime […]

ASK AKC Dear AKC: I am considering buying a Chihuahua from a breeder who is letting the pups go at 6 weeks old. I have always heard that puppies should not be weaned until they are at least 8 weeks. Should I consider a different breeder? -- Early Arrivals Dear Early: Every breeder has their […]

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 […]

The decision to bring a puppy into your life should be made only after the careful consideration of many factors. But that decision is just the beginning. Now comes the process of finding him. It can be joyous, nerve-wracking, time-consuming, and exhilarating. It can also be a little overwhelming. We’re here to walk you through […]

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 […]

PACH Reggie MXP3 MXPB MJP3 MJPB PAX OFP owned by Lee Sutherland of Columbia Station, OH Reggie was one of 10 puppies left in a box by a burned-out trailer and was lucky enough to be adopted by Lee. “I chose her because of her white back feet.  I wanted an agility dog and, knowing […]

Meet Bosco CDX GN RAE owned by Betty Carlson & Patricia Carlson of Akron, OH In the summer of 2005, Bosco was born somewhere near Tampa, FL  Luckily for him, he was picked up as a puppy from the side of the road by Betty, who is Patricia’s sister-in-law. Betty adopted Bosco and brought him […]

ASK AKC  Dear AKC: We have a 22 month-old Bernese Mountain Dog and we just adopted a 7-month-old Standard Poodle from the shelter. He was not well taken care of by his previous owner since he is 22 inches tall and only weighs 23 pounds. He is not neutered. We have had the puppy for four […]

Many states have some version of a puppy “lemon law” that requires sellers to provide certain guarantees for the puppies they sell. Such a law usually sets forth certain remedial action that the seller must take in particular cases. Usually the law provides for remedies if a puppy is found to be ill or carrying […]