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Expert Advice: Basic Training
What Never To Do If You See a Dogfight (and How to Break it Up Safely)
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 […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/dogfights-the-dos-and-donts/
| January 1, 2009
Expert Advice: General Health
5 Surprising Signs Your Pet Might Need to See a Vet
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 […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/5-surprising-signs-your-pet-might-need-to-see-a-vet/
| January 1, 2009
Expert Advice: News
Why I Sold a Puppy to Miley Cyrus
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, […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/why-i-sold-a-puppy-to-miley-cyrus/
| January 1, 2009
Expert Advice: Cute & Funny
Touching Photo Shows Service Dog Assisting Bride on Wedding Day
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 […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/touching-photo-shows-service-dog-assisting-bride-on-wedding-day/
| January 27, 2014
Expert Advice: Fun Facts
How the Sounds Dogs Make Reveal Their Emotions
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 […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/how-the-sounds-dogs-make-reveal-their-emotions/
| August 28, 2014
Expert Advice: Fun With Your Dog
7 Reasons Why You Should Run With Your Dog
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 […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/reasons-why-you-should-run-with-your-dog/
| September 22, 2014
Expert Advice: News
Independence Day Special: Revolutionary Hound Dogs
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 […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/independence-day-special-george-washington/
| October 14, 2014
Expert Advice: Basic Training
7 Items Pet Owners Need for Training
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 […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/7-items-pet-owners-need-for-training/
| December 17, 2014
Expert Advice: Fun Facts
Do Dogs Like Hugs?
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 […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/do-dogs-like-hugs/
| January 20, 2015
Expert Advice: Travel & Adventure
The 7 Most Pet-Friendly Vehicles
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 […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/travel/the-7-most-pet-friendly-vehicles/
| February 2, 2015
Expert Advice: Lifestyle
10 Winter Safety Steps for Dog Owners
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 […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/10-winter-safety-steps-for-dog-owners/
| March 12, 2015
Legislative Alerts
NJ ACTION NEEDED: Unintended Consequences of SCS 1640 Could Hurt Responsible Dog Owners, Dog Shows
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 […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/nj-action-needed-unintended-consequences-of-scs-1640-could-hurt-responsible-dog-owners-dog-shows/
| January 27, 2017
Legislative Alerts
Hawaii Action Needed: Committee to Hear Multiple Problematic Dog-Related Bills Tomorrow, Feb. 3
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.
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/hawaii-action-needed-committee-to-hear-multiple-problematic-dog-related-bills-tomorrow-feb-3/
| February 2, 2017
Legislative Alerts
Neptune Beach (FL) Proposed Animal Ordinance Contains Problematic Sections
A proposed ordinance that contains provisions of concern to dog owners has passed first reading in Neptune Beach, Florida.
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/neptune-beach-fl-proposed-animal-ordinance-contains-problematic-sections/
| February 3, 2017
Legislative Alerts
ND: Committee to Hear Bill Regulating Owners of 5 Female Dogs as ‘Commercial Breeders’ on 2/9
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.
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/nd-committee-to-hear-bill-regulating-owners-of-5-female-dogs-as-commercial-breeders-on-2-9/
| February 7, 2017
Legislative Alerts
HAWAII ALERT: TROUBLESOME LEGISLATION TO BE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE TOMORROW, FEB. 23
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.
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/hawaii-alert-troublesome-legislation-to-be-considered-in-committee-tomorrow-feb-23/
| February 22, 2017
Legislative Alerts
Rhode Island Legislation Seeks to Require Licensing of ‘Breeders’
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'.
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/rhode-island-legislation-seeks-to-require-licensing-of-breeders/
| February 27, 2017
Legislative Alerts
Illinois Bill Creating Animal Legal Advocates Harms Dogs, Responsible Owners
An Illinois House committee is scheduled to consider a bill on Tuesday, March 7, that would allow the court to appoint a 'special advocate' to represent the interests of animals during cases that involve the animal's health, safety, or an injury.
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/illinois-bill-creating-animal-legal-advocates-harms-dogs-responsible-owners/
| March 1, 2017
Legislative Alerts
Florida: Hearing 3/14 on Troublesome Bill Allowing Damages for Loss of Pet Companionship
An emotionally-driven, but problematic bill in Florida seeks to provide for compensatory damages for the injury or death of a pet. The bill will be heard by Senate Committee on Judiciary tomorrow, March 14, 2017.
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/florida-hearing-3-14-on-troublesome-bill-allowing-damages-for-loss-of-pet-companionship/
| March 13, 2017
Legislative Alerts
NEW JERSEY URGENT ALERT: Call Your State Assemblyman TONIGHT to Vote NO on A.2338/S.3041/S.63
New Jersey Assembly Bill 2338 is scheduled for a vote by the full New Jersey Assembly tomorrow, March 16, 2017. This measure defines as a 'pet dealer' every person in New Jersey who breeds and sells/transfers more than 10 dogs and/or cats.
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/new-jersey-urgent-alert-call-your-state-assemblyman-tonight-to-vote-no-on-a-2338-s-3041-s-63/
| March 15, 2017
Legislative Alerts
NEW JERSEY ALERT: Assembly Now Scheduled to Vote on S.3041
The American Kennel Club has learned that New Jersey Senate Bill 3041 is scheduled for a vote by the full New Jersey Assembly at 10PM tonight, March 16, 2017.
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/new-jersey-alert-assembly-now-scheduled-to-vote-on-s-3041/
| March 16, 2017
Legislative Alerts
New Jersey: Take Action Now! Call Gov. Christie to Veto Anti-breeder Bill S.3041
The American Kennel Club (AKC) remains deeply concerned with the impacts that will likely result if New Jersey Senate Bill 3041 is signed into law as currently written. We urge all concerned New Jersey residents to contact Governor Christie's office and urge him to veto S.3041.
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/new-jersey-take-action-now-call-gov-christie-to-veto-anti-breeder-bill-s-3041/
| March 20, 2017
Legislative Alerts
HI: Bill Seeks to Allow Groups to Sue for Animal Forfeiture Before Criminal Charges Are Even Filed
Hawaii House Bill 1516 seeks to allow 'any duly incorporated humane society or any duly incorporated society for the prevention of cruelty to animals' holding an animal to ask a court to order the forfeiture of a person's animal even before criminal charges are filed. The American Kennel Club believes that, as currently written, HB […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/hi-bill-seeks-to-allow-groups-to-sue-for-animal-forfeiture-before-criminal-charges-are-even-filed/
| March 28, 2017
Legislative Alerts
New Jersey Action Update: Call Gov. Christie to Veto Anti-breeder Bill S. 3041
Earlier this week, representatives of the AKC and the NJ Federation of Dog Clubs met with Governor Christie's staff to share our strong concerns about Senate Bill 3041. Although the bill has been improved since first introduced (as S. 63) in January 2016, the American Kennel Club (AKC) remains deeply concerned with harmful impacts on […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/new-jersey-action-update-call-gov-christie-to-veto-anti-breeder-bill-s-3041/
| March 30, 2017
Legislative Alerts
California Action Alert: Bill Banning Leases for Breeding To Be Considered Tomorrow, 4/4
California Assembly Bill 1491, which will be heard by the Assembly Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, April 4, would prohibit all leasing of dogs or cats.
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/california-action-alert-bill-banning-leases-for-breeding-to-be-considered-tomorrow-4-4/
| April 3, 2017
Legislative Alerts
CA Considering Limits to Pet Choice, Require Pet Shops to Sell Only Pets from Shelter/Rescues
A radical nationwide campaign continues to seek government-sanctioned restrictions on retails sales of pets. The latest threat emerges from the California State Legislature.
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/ca-considering-limits-to-pet-choice-require-pet-shops-to-sell-only-pets-from-shelter-rescues/
| April 5, 2017
Legislative Alerts
Riverside, California, Developing Breeder Regulations
The City of Riverside's Planning Commission held a workshop on March 9, 2017, to seek input on changes to the city's animal control laws as part of new land use regulations.
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/riverside-california-developing-breeder-regulations/
| April 11, 2017
Legislative Alerts
Texas: Support Bill to Make False Representation of a Pet as An Assistance Animal a Misdemeanor
Because HB 2992 is in line with the Misuse of Service Dogs position statement, AKC supports HB 2992.
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/texas-support-bill-to-make-false-representation-of-a-pet-as-an-assistance-animal-a-misdemeanor/
| April 13, 2017
Legislative Alerts
Alabama: Take Action TODAY Against a Bill that Could Regulate Every Person Who Sells a Dog or Cat
An overreaching bill that seeks to regulate dog and cat breeders in Alabama'and possible unpublished amendments that could regulate an individual who offers to sell a dog or cat'could be voted on by the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs early next week.
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/alabama-take-action-today-against-a-bill-that-could-regulate-every-person-who-sells-a-dog-or-cat/
| April 14, 2017
Legislative Alerts
Alabama Committee Votes Tomorrow on Bill to Regulate Every Person Who Offers to Sell a Dog or Cat
An overreaching bill that seeks to regulate dog and cat breeders and sellers in Alabama is scheduled to be voted on by the Senate Government Affairs Committee tomorrow, April 20, at 8:45 a.m.
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/alabama-committee-votes-tomorrow-on-bill-to-regulate-every-person-who-offers-to-sell-a-dog-or-cat/
| April 19, 2017