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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has strong concerns about numerous provisions in the current version of SB 1640. As currently written, the bill mischaracterizes "cruel" and bans even temporary tethering in a variety of humane circumstances, including the use of a grooming table for grooming or exhibition or tethering by disabled owners of service dogs […]

The Hawaii House of Representative's Agriculture Committee is scheduled to consider several dog-related proposals on Friday, February 3, that severely restrict the rights of responsible dog owners.

A proposed ordinance that contains provisions of concern to dog owners has passed first reading in Neptune Beach, Florida.

North Dakota Senate Bill 2297, which seeks to require the licensing and oversight of certain dog breeders, is scheduled for consideration by the Senate Agriculture Committee on Thursday, February 9. The American Kennel Club has serious reservations concerning SB 2297.

The Hawaii House of Representative's Judiciary Committee is scheduled to consider dog-related proposals on Thursday, February 23, both of which the American Kennel Club (AKC) is concerned with.

Rhode Island Senate Bill 349, which is scheduled to be considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, February 28, seeks to require the licensure of all 'breeders'.