It’s That Time Again to Get Ready for the 2024 AKC Trick Dog National Competition! It’s Virtual! You could win Best Trick Dog for Your Breed! We are excited to announce the AKC Trick Dog National Competition for 2024. All AKC Trick Dogs who have earned the Elite Performer title can enter the competition. As […]

Attention AKC Trick Dogs! We are pleased to announce the 2024 Virtual AKC Trick Dog National Competition. AKC Elite Performer Trick Dogs everywhere can participate in this exciting annual event. How it works: Submit a video of your dog’s AKC Trick Dog routine. As long as your dog has the Elite Performer Trick Dog title, you […]

Lenore Hedemark, a 14-year-old from North Carolina, is the number-one American Hairless Terrier Junior Handler for the past two years. As an up-and-coming show photographer and active competitor, Lenore began showing dogs at 11 years old. She stepped into the ring for the first time with her aunt's ex-racing Greyhound registered with a Purebred Alternative […]

They’re all elite athletes, but one of the entrants in the 8th Annual Masters Agility Championship at Westminster on June 11 is certain to attract more puzzled looks than the 349 others. That would be Caper (Paradox Capricious), a 5-year-old Danish-Swedish Farmdog owned and handled by Kelly Ansaldo, of Northhampton, Massachusetts. For you just don’t see […]

Preparing the sweet, gentle Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to follow good behavior guidelines isn't tricky. This graceful, fun-loving toy spaniel only wants to please you. With some planning, persistence, and a positive outlook, your puppy quickly takes to training. Sandy Harrison, Recording Secretary of the American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, acquired her first Cavalier […]

Socialization is an important part of puppyhood. Learn advice and tips for setting up a puppy playdate with dogs outside your household.

To some, Kirby may look like a Pug, but he's not: this little Brussels Griffon is a Dog Star who will let you know who's boss. Bringing Home a Brussels Griffon Veterinarian Christina Coudret had never heard of the Brussels Griffon breed until a technician she worked with at a veterinarian clinic was fostering for […]

Training your puppy or adult dog to lie down on command can help to calm down excitable dogs and keep pups out of trouble. Some puppies, however, are hesitant to lie down and stay there, so patience and practice are key. "Down is a fundamental skill for dogs as it serves as the cornerstone for teaching […]

With their chiseled features, muscular bodies, and square jaws, Boxers are the movie stars of the dog world. These handsome pups are known for their loyalty, quick wit, and protective nature, but these charming characteristics also mean Boxer pups have a few special considerations when it comes to training and socialization. We spoke with several […]

Meet Sophie Penson – Trick Trainer Extraordinaire! At age 17, Sophie has achieved more than many dog trainers do in a lifetime. She is already a celebrated trick dog trainer and has achieved many firsts in the field.  Name: Sophie Penson Age: 17 Hometown: Marietta, GA Grade: 11th Family: Parents, Nicole and Jimmy AKC: How old is Ducky and how did she come into […]