Trick Dogs can involve not only speedy smaller breeds, but also large and giant breeds, too. I train and compete with a Newfoundland, and it's always fun to shatter expectations about what tricks a dog of that size can do. If you have a large dog and are interested in getting involved with trick training, here's what […]

The SoCal Shiba Before they became a dynamic duo in sunny Santa Monica, Desi Desario and Dioji the Shiba Inu both spent their days in California's sprawling Inland Empire. Dioji had been living with a family in Riverside who didn't quite know what to do with the young, energetic dog. Desario, meanwhile, had recently moved to the Los Angeles area […]

Sugar Creek's Original CGC TKA CA FM owned by Tammy Bennett of Rock Hill, SC Sugar just celebrated her 18th birthday, on July 4. The above picture was taken last year, a couple of months before her 17th birthday, earning her CA title at a Coursing Ability Test in Charlotte, NC. Sugar was Tammy’s flyball […]

Boone of the Big House BN RE CGC TKE owned by Sandra Muench of Plant City, FL Found wandering in Georgia, Boone, a 14-month-old probable pointer/Catahoula mix, was emaciated with evidence that showed he had been tied outside. He was fostered through a Florida rescue group before adoption. After seeing his online photo and bio Sandra knew […]

Through the tunnel, over the jumps, and around the weave poles – the canine obstacle course known as dog agility is fun to watch and even more fun to do. However, although both pure-bred and mixed breed dogs are welcome, they must be at least 15 months of age to compete. Should you wait until […]

Halloween can be a fun time for children and families. But for dogs, it can be a nightmare. Here's what you can do to prevent a night of frights. Candy is not for dogs. All forms of chocolate—especially baking or dark chocolate—can be dangerous, and even lethal. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, […]

Dogs that live in the big city face different challenges from those that live in the country or suburbs. Heavy traffic, large crowds, and using public transit all require special skills and an unflappable attitude. Not to mention, every walk can hold new surprises, like an encounter with a bike messenger or a passing throng […]

Miss Coco Rochelle CDX PCDX BN GN RAE THDN CGC owned by Jean Schaardt of Manahawkin, NJ Coco had a hard road in life, but is proof you can teach an old dog new tricks.  She spent the first seven years of her life in a Tennessee kennel and then was turned into a shelter, […]

Shaping is a great way to teach your dog how to problem solve. Many dogs get stuck in the trap of waiting to be told what to do or waiting for a cookie to appear in front of their nose and lure them to the correct position. While luring is a great training technique, there's […]

Hailey and her owner New York resident Karen Profenna were a wonderful team and not only were successful  in dog sport competitions, but also brought cheer to thousands through their therapy dog work. Hailey’s achievements included winning the top scoring All-American Dog at this year’s Westminster Master Agility Championship. The Beagle- Boston Terrier mix also […]

It was the first day of a beginner’s dog obedience class. In front of me a woman was standing beside a Golden Retriever, and the dog’s face was showing a considerable amount of gray on it. The woman said to me, in a troubled tone, “I’m not sure that this class is going to do […]

For National Photography Day, we got some advice from professional pet photographer, Sarah Faith Rosencrans. Check out her helpful hints for taking great pictures of your pup! As a proud dog owner and a professional pet photographer I am always searching for ways to get my rambunctious models to sit still and pose for the camera. […]

Teaching your dog tricks is a great way to build upon and reinforce his skills. Learn more from AKC's dog training experts.

January is National Train Your Dog Month and there's no better way to celebrate the bond between you and your canine companion than by introducing some fun into your daily routine. Tricks training is a great way to do that. National Train Your Dog Month was established six years ago by the Association of Professional […]

January is National Train Your Dog Month and there's no better way to celebrate the bond between you and your canine companion than by introducing some fun into your daily routine. Tricks training is a great way to do that. National Train Your Dog Month was established six years ago by the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, […]

January is National Train Your Dog Month and there's no better way to celebrate the bond between you and your canine companion than by introducing some fun into your daily routine. Tricks training is a great way to do that. National Train Your Dog Month was established six years ago by the Association of Professional […]

Gaia is in her Halloween costume, posing with this trick-or-treat loot, but her owner, Bibi McCormick of Cary, NC, does not plan for her to eat any as chocolate and many ingredients found in candy are not good for dogs. Gaia is a 2-year-old mixed breed who is a member of the AKC Canine Partners […]

A great look at early tricks and sports training for this then 15-month-old mixed-breed dog. Mixed-breed dogs can compete in AKC sports through the AKC Canine Partners program for all dogs, including rare breeds and rescues.

This is the talented shelter dog turned inspirational Therapy Dog and International Trick Dog Champion!  Noodles the Wonder Dog, a mixed-breed dog, is also an AKC Canine Good Citizen and entertains around the country to promote rescue. Learn more about Noodles at https://www.facebook.com/NoodlesTheWonderDog Rescue dogs, like Noodles, can be part of AKC events and sports through the […]

Looking for a fun training project for dogs and owners? You might want to try out the “Do More With Your Dog” program created by famous Hollywood trainer and AKC competitor Kyra Sundance. This goal-oriented program creates a solid foundation of obedience in the format of learning simple tricks that owners keep track of and […]