When working with our dogs, we want to teach them new skills, build their confidence, and have fun together. Dogs aren't robots, and even if we think we're going into a regular training session, sometimes they can get nervous or spooked. But why does your dog get scared while you're training?

If you have a fearful or anxious dog, you might think competitive dog sports are out of the question. After all, if unfamiliar people, dogs, and/or environments overwhelm your dog, how can you train him to participate, let alone compete, successfully? However, when it comes to agility, the very process of training might be just […]

Every dog is different, even when it comes to training. What works for one might not work for another. Thankfully, there are many ways to teach a new behavior. For example, you might try lure and reward training where you lead your dog into the desired behavior with a treat lure. Or you can capture a behavior by rewarding […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="2020"] May Trying to simplify Impacts of Anthropomorphism April What is a working dog? Theory and practicality (a short review) How training frequency impacts learning March Clickers, Verbal Markers, and Treats January Citizen Science Understanding operant conditioning without physical control [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] [accordion] [accordion_panel title="2019"] December Understanding reinforcement in detection dogs October Resilience […]

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 a live telephone subscription service […]

Indoor dog training helps keep your dog engaged and active if you're stuck inside. Here are ways to make indoor dog training work for you and your dog.

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 a live telephone subscription service that offers training advice to new puppy owners. The helpline trainers have been giving helpful advice to new puppy owners for more […]

Housebreaking, house-training, or potty training-- no matter what you call it, all new dog owners want to teach their new puppy not to mess inside their new home. The best way to achieve this goal is by establishing a timeline to follow, and sticking to it. While you're adhering to your timeline, it helps to firmly establish […]

Put Your Dog’s Nose to Work in the Fun Sport of Tracking This issue’s training tip is brought to us by Sue Kotlarek of Romulus, Michigan. Sue has had great success in a variety of dog sports with her two rescue mixed-breeds, including the sport of AKC Tracking. Her All-American, Rodger Rowbinawitz UD GO VER […]

Did you know your dog can earn titles for showing off fun tricks? In fact, at the top level of AKC Trick Dog — AKC Trick Dog Elite Performer — you and your dog are required to perform a routine of tricks strung together into a story or script using at least five props. But do the […]

Bonnet started as Horton's Novice A dog. The pair competed successfully all the way to a UDX title. The Norwegian Elkhound survived a stroke and was "truly a hero," showing her owner "what was important in life that I did not already know" he says. While he doesn’t have an iconic Superman "S" on his […]

AKC Canine Good Citizen Becomes a Title Have Fun With Your Dog - Teach a Simple Trick Preventing Separation Anxiety – Supervised Separation Reading to Children with a Therapy Dog Three Steps to Making Your Dog a Therapy Dog Treating Aggression: Are You Exceeding Your Boundaries of Competence Trick Dog Titles Where Are CGC Training […]

For most people, life is incredibly busy, and the time you have to spare for your beloved dog is limited. You want to spend that time playing with him, not training basic obedience. But without proper training, your dog isn't happy, and his inevitable bad behavior means you aren't either. So how do you squeeze […]

Brrr, it's cold outside! But that doesn't mean all of the great training momentum you and your pup have built up over the past months has to come to a screeching halt. Even though it's winter, your dog still needs the physical and mental stimulation that come from learning new skills. Here are some ideas […]

Is Your Dog a Champion Earthdog? Earthdog 101: Tap Into Your Small Terrier's or Dachshund's Instincts Building Den Instinct + Training = Success Announcing AKC’s First Endurance Earthdog Title Second EE Title

Has your senior dog developed health problems that make a trip outside to the toilet area challenging? Perhaps stairs are too difficult for his arthritic joints or he can no longer hold it through the night. There are many health conditions that can interfere with your older dog's bathroom routine, and in some cases, indoor […]

There are so many good reasons to teach your puppy to go to the bathroom outside, but that is not always the most practical option. Particularly during the first few months with a young puppy, the constant trips outside during potty training may be too much of a challenge. Elderly or mobility-challenged owners may find […]

You’ve brought your new puppy home, purchased the right food, a leash and collar, and all other the essentials you’ve been told you need. But what’s next? You’ve heard that it’s important to get your new dog off to a good start, but you’re not exactly sure what that means. Experienced dog owners can tell […]

Samantha Van Buren is no ordinary teenager. Like most kids her age, she goes to high school and hangs out with friends... but unlike others, she shows her dogs, participates in agility, and is an Instagram superstar. Van Buren details her experiences with her dogs on the account @sunnyandjudy showing everything from incredible tricks to […]

1. Understand that a puppy is an infant dog – not a miniature adult. Adjust your expectations accordingly, considering his physical and mental limitations. Before you know it, he will be grown up! 2. Puppy-proof your house with baby gates, a crate, and/or a pen. Any time the puppy is not directly supervised, he should […]