The spotlight shines on a special senior, who is one of the oldest dogs running in League, if not the oldest! Winner is a 14-year-old Chinese Crested who still puts in great runs as a Veteran on his League team at Bayshore Companion Dog Club in New Jersey. His handler, Paul Mount, is an AKC [...]

The Spotlight shines on a dog representing Coonhounds – breeds not often seen in the agility ring. Barley is a handsome Treeing Walker Coonhound who not only holds his Novice Agility titles and runs agility on his League team in Ohio – he is the top TWC in AKC Fast CAT in the nation! His owner, Heather [...]

  The spotlight shines on a beautiful young red dog who loves agility. Keavy is an Irish Setter who competes in the 20-Preferred class in the Agility League division of Regulation Sophomore and often is the top scoring Preferred Tall dog when League rankings come out. Her owner, Cheryl, has shared life with Irish Setters [...]

In this issue, we feature the League representatives of the beautiful state of Montana. Captain Deana Sullivan has headed-up teams since the League’s first year of 2022. Her program has grown to four teams, and she says League is beneficial on many levels for her group – including providing more agility opportunities in a state that [...]

The Spotlight shines on one of – if not the – rarest breed competing in League over the Fall Season. Allie is a Stabyhoun – a Dutch breed that is an all-around farm dog, doing any task needed, including hunting birds and small game. They also can run agility – as proven by Allie who has earned a number [...]

The team of She Shed’s SuperSonics won the largest League class of Regulation Senior for the Fall 2025 Agility League season – a honor that they have held for the past three seasons! In addition, they have placed in that class at the AKC Agility League Championships for the past two years. This is a large [...]

By Penny Leigh This article originally appeared in AKC Family Dog magazine. Friday nights about 20 miles outside of Chicago, people and dogs file into For Your K9 dog training school. They gather to train in the sport of agility, but they may be met with a red carpet; heart stickers to wear; or given a [...]

The spotlight shines on a dog representing a breed not seen in agility often – the Cane Corso, a mastiff breed that originated in Italy. Bjorn defies expectations, effortlessly jumping 24-inches and helping his Regulation Freshman win the Winter Season Reserve Championship! He is athletic and loves to please his owner Destanee, who is a Novice [...]

What is a conflict of interest? The Rules, Policies, and Guidelines for Conformation Dog Show Judges provides “A conflict of interest exists when a judge is influenced by any relationship or factor other than the merit of the dogs.” Essentially, a conflict of interest exists when the presence of an exhibitor or their dogs gives [...]

Learning Objectives Through the analysis of a variety of sources, students will learn about the history of guide dogs and how the program has evolved over the years.   Grade Levels 9-12   National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies Theme 2: Time, Continuity, and Change Theme 8: Science, Technology, and Society   ELA/Literacy Standards CCSS.ELA-LITERACY [...]

Learning Objectives Students will tell basic facts gleaned from listening to conversations and stories about dogs. ELL Levels Emerging Materials Needed Two native English speakers (Canine Ambassador can assist) Lesson Introduction Students will listen to a conversation between two native English speakers about one person’s new dog. The Canine Ambassador can come in to [...]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®) honored recipients of the AKC® Lifetime Achievement Awards at the annual Delegates Meeting Luncheon, in conjunction with the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. The winners received an engraved silver Revere bowl. A larger Tiffany and Co. bowl, engraved with the names of all recipients past and present, will remain on permanent [...]

For the happiest, most well-adjusted dogs, learning never ends. The AKC GoodDog! Helpline is here for you and your dog every step of the way. Training your dog during COVID-19 can be difficult without access to normal training classes. That’s why we’re here to help you virtually. The AKC GoodDog! Helpline (GDH) is [...]

Q. Who does an exhibitor call about an event being held or cancelled if it isn't listed on the AKC.org page of cancellations? A. AKC is working diligently to list all cancelled events on the Event Cancellation page as soon as we receive notification of a cancellation or postponement from the club. You may [...]

Graphing and Agility Learning Objectives Students will draw a bar graph to represent a data set with up to four categories.   Grade Levels Grade 2   Common Core Standard CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.MD.D.10 Draw a picture graph and a bar graph (with single-unit scale) to represent a data set with up to four categories [...]

Learning Objectives Students will learn about how the system for returning lost dogs to their owners has been enhanced through technology.  This lesson will dive into the invention of the microchip for dogs and how it has changed society and the lives of dogs.   Grade Levels 3-5   National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies [...]

More Dogs Needed for Project to Improve Canine Lifespan The Dog Aging Project is a national effort to improve dogs’ health and longevity. Meet two owners and their mixed-breeds who participate in the project and learn how you can help. A road trip gave Colleen Sweeney a lot more than souvenirs and photographs of pretty [...]

Learning Objectives Students will use appropriate language skills to identify, inquire and respond to pet needs and problems. ELL Levels Expanding and Bridging Materials Needed Optional: Canine Ambassador can assist with role-playing a vet on the other end of the phone, answering and asking appropriate pet health care questions. Dog Body Parts worksheet. Lesson Introduction [...]

This trick tip is brought to you by AKC GoodDog! Helpline trainer Milena Barreto. Milena and her Standard Poodle, Phoebe, are a therapy dog team and entertain many people with their large repertoire of tricks. Here, Milena tells us how to get your dog to give you a hug on cue! Playing outside with your [...]

Ed K.  I have called twice, and both times was given great ideas to get my picky eater to eat. I also followed their game ideas, given to use up my puppy's energy in a positive way. Both times the helpline trainers were friendly and patient with me and also very encouraging. Sherrie C. I [...]