Two dogs got into a fight at the dog park yesterday. Afterward, everyone debated the safest way to separate fighting dogs. What do you recommend? Before we talk about the right ways to break up a dogfight, let’s first focus on the wrong ways:Never reach in with your hands to separate fighting dogs. The intense […]

Our pets can't talk so it's difficult to know when they're feeling under the weather. If you're paying attention to your dog and watching for the more obvious signs of illness (not eating, not drinking, lethargy), you're already doing one thing right. But also watch for these five subtle signs of a possible medical issue:He’s got […]

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) and our corporate alliance, Zoetis, are pleased to bring you the seventh installment in a podcast series devoted to canine reproduction education for pet owners, breeders, and veterinarians. In this podcast we discuss pregnancy diagnosis with reproductive specialist Dr. Autumn Davidson. Dr. Davidson obtained her BS and MS at […]

The answer? Why not! If you live in a city or another area that doesn’t have easy access to the outdoors, paper-training is an easy and effective way to housebreak your puppy. Here's how: To start, you’ll need newspapers and an old vinyl shower curtain, or puppy training pads. Choose a room with a floor that is easily wiped clean, […]

From our friends at VetstreetIt’s a tough subject to tackle. After all, veterinarians do plenty of annoying things, too. But this particular post is all about you—well, not you, but the annoying yous among you. Not that most of you deserve this, but some of you just might! So without any further hedging, let me launch […]

A well-socialized and secure puppy is a happy puppy. This means helping him early on to feel that the world is a fun and safe place to be—whether encountering other dogs, children, or strangers on the street. Ideally, your pup will be content in any setting, and even when you’re not home. Give him plenty […]

His name may be Derby—but until recently, he couldn’t run.Those days, however, are now over, thanks to advanced technology by a 3-D printing and imaging company. Derby, who was born with deformed front legs, was living in foster care with Tara Anderson, director of 3D Systems. Wanting to help the high-energy dog become more mobile, Anderson […]

Anyone who follows Miley Cyrus on Twitter or Instagram knows the singer adores her dogs. In fact, the recent death of one of them, an Alaskan Klee Kai named Floyd, broke the young celebrity’s heart so much that a bulk of her social media posts were dedicated to him. (Floyd was also memorialized with a concert tribute, a shrine, […]

It’s common for a bride to get a case of the wedding-day jitters. But this woman had the perfect bridesmaid to help her get through it: her service dog, Bella. Valerie Parrott suffers from anxiety and panic attacks, and Bella, a yellow Lab, is trained to comfort her during an episode.Just before this picture was taken by Maddie […]

Cover these six basics in taking care of your puppy, and you can help him stay happy, healthy, and strong.Proper NutritionYour puppy needs a diet that is right for his age level. Premium brands often have higher-quality ingredients, so it might be worth springing for one. Your vet can help you choose the right food. […]

German Shepherd Dogs are everywhere! As one of the most active dog breeds working today, you see GSDs in airports, subway stations, and even Times Square. These dogs serve as police K-9s, military working dogs, search and rescue dogs, and much more.Have you ever thought about why this particular breed is so suited for this kind […]

Dogs communicate pleasure, happiness, excitement, and affiliation through their vocalizations. The most common sounds of pleasure are moans and sighs, although dogs also use whines and growls to communicate happiness.Low-pitched moans are very common in puppies and are signs of contentment. Puppies moan when they are in close contact to their littermates, their mother, or […]

Polite applause and a smattering of cheers greeted Miss P as she strutted a final lap before the judge who would crown the Best in Show at Westminster.The 15-inch Beagle was clearly an underdog. The Madison Square Garden crowd loudly let it be known that their favorites were Swagger, an Old English Sheepdog, and Charlie, […]

1. It helps your heart.  The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise (or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity) to promote heart health. Sure, a long walk each day after work can do the trick, too, but by increasing the intensity of the […]

George Washington was first President of the United States and the father of our country, but he also had another distinction—America’s first crazy dog man.When Washington wasn’t out leading revolutions and presiding over the birth a nation, the Virginia plantation owner was obsessed with his pack. Fox hunting was one of his greatest pleasures, and […]

Kathy Santo, a dog trainer and AKC Family Dog columnist, offers tips on what to buy for your dog, whether you're training for Canine Good Citizen or just brushing up on the basics. TreatsFind out what treats motivate your dog most, and stock up on 'em. Also, have a mix of "regular" treats and "high-value" treats—the […]

Dogs, really do not like hugs.  While some dogs, especially those trained as therapy dogs, can tolerate it, in general, dogs do not enjoy this interaction. Dogs rely on body language as a method of communication with humans and each other. Putting a limb over another dog is a way of exerting dominance and can be […]

In the market for a station-waggin'?When parents of young children are shopping for a car, their priority is the comfort and safety of their family. Online car marketplace AutoTrader recognized that pet owners would have the same concerns about their animals. The site claims that 55% of its visitors seek cars that are pet-friendly, so to […]

As you look down at the Best in Show judging from your seat in the nosebleed section at Madison Square Garden (or from your own couch), you might be inclined to offer your own take on which dog is worthy of the top honor at Westminster.“That pug is the cutest dog in the ring,” you […]

A few simple measures can keep your dog safe and happy through the winter.   Avoid Thin Ice Too often we hear stories of dogs that had to be rescued from icy waters (and those are the lucky ones). It might look like fun to slide across that frozen pond, but ice can easily crack and your […]

From our friends at Vetstreet:You may think you own a dog, but chances are good that it's the other way around. Here are six ways to know if your pooch has the upper hand in your relationship.1. You spend little on yourself, but with your dog, the sky is the limit.Though you stay in a bargain hotel, […]

In the video above, Warrior Canine Connection's Molly Morelli and canine ophthalmologist Dr. Nancy Bromberg, VMD, MS, DACVO, talk about the importance of examining the eyes of the service dogs used in the organization's breeding program. Warrior Canine Connection uses purpose-bred Labrador and Golden Retriever service dogs in canine connection therapy to help wounded warriors reconnect with […]

Health testing is an important part of responsible dog breeding. We visited the Bethel Village Square Animal Hospital's annual health clinic to learn more about the opportunities they offer breeders. Health testing is an important part of responsible dog breeding.

Dedicated dog lovers tend to be very kind people. We share our hearts and homes (and for some lucky pooches, even the foot of our beds) with our canine pals. Surely there is nothing wrong with sharing our favorite foods with them too, right? Not necessarily. Many of the foods, such as fruits and vegetables, that […]

Cool your pup off with a special, frozen treat. These easy to make fruity, pup popsicles are a healthy option for a hot summer day.   Ingredients 1 cup whole blueberries Blueberries are high in fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals 1/2 cup chopped strawberries Strawberries are high in sugar. Use small amounts if your dog is diabetic […]

These three-ingredient pretzels are an easy-to-make, baked treat that your dog will love.   Ingredients 3 cups almond flour 1 egg 1 cup plain, unsweetened applesauce   Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Beat egg and set aside. Mix applesauce and almond flour in […]