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Coronavirus COVID-19 Outbreak: Resources for Dog Lovers

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Coping With Coronavirus COVID-19

Resources, ideas, advice, and fun to help dog owners deal with the crisis

Can Dogs Get Coronavirus?

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FAQ on AKC Event Impacts

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AKC Event Cancellations

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Train Your Dog at Home

Daily Dose of Puppies

Beyond the Basics

Explore Every Breed

Protecting Your Pets in a Crisis

AKC Government Relations Resources

State-by-State Pet Service Exemptions

How to Visit the Vet Safely in the COVID-19 Era

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Live Telephone Advice From Trainers

Keep the Kids Busy

Girl on laptop with Dalmatian

Kids Earn a Virtual Patch Online

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Do These At-Home Activities for Dogs and Kids

Dalmatian reading a book wearing glasses

Read Some Good Dog-Themed Books

Follow a Daily Dog Schedule for Kids

Step-By-Step CGC Training in Your Home & Backyard

The AKC Canine Good Citizen™ (CGC) program provides a perfect framework for training your dog to become a polite member of society. CGC classes will help you and your dog learn the 10 skills in the program. You can polish off these skills at home or in the backyard, and when you’re ready, you can take the […]

Dalmatian licking a treat off a stick.

Best DIY Frozen Dog Treats

When I was a child, I never ate an ice cream cone without giving the final bite to my dog. He loved sharing my cold treats, but I didn’t realize it wasn’t the best choice for his health. Ice cream can be hard for dogs to digest because milk and cream are the base of most ice […]

Indoor Scent Games for Dogs

Dogs experience much of the world around them through their sense of smell. On walks, and at home, our dogs constantly take in information with their noses that humans never even notice. Scent games allow dogs to channel their love of sniffing while enriching their minds. The aim of these games is to teach our […]

AKC Titles & Programs You Can Do From Home

So many parts of our daily lives have changed in the past few years. While our favorite dog activities — from classes and seminars to shows — have resumed safely, there are now some permanent virtual training options that you can do from the comfort of your home or on vacation. You and your dog […]

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How to Create an Egg Hunt for Your Dog

Egg hunts are a memorable springtime tradition for kids, but children aren’t the only ones who like hunting for treats. Setting up a dog-friendly “egg hunt” is a great way to test your pup’s sense of smell and scent game skills. Best of all, egg hunts can be assembled in your own yard, or even […]

Keep Up with Your Dog's Training While Stuck Inside

Stuck indoors? 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 you may be confined, your dog still needs the physical and mental stimulation that comes from learning new skills. Here are some ideas for […]

How to Keep Your Dog Entertained Indoors

Keeping your dog mentally and physically stimulated while stuck indoors is important. Training games, toys, and treats are all useful ways to keep your dog entertained in your home. Dog sports like scent work or agility offer great options for exercising your dog indoors. Even when you and your dog find yourselves stuck inside the […]

Easy Exercises for Canine Conditioning

Just like us, dogs can benefit from a stretching and strengthening program. It can build and maintain muscle mass, improve body awareness and balance, and provide a physical and mental workout. Canine athletes definitely gain an advantage from this type of conditioning, but senior dogs also need to stay limber. Couch potatoes and bored dogs […]

playroom

Create an Indoor Playroom for Your Dog

As many pet owners know, a bored dog with energy to burn can be a handful. One secret to a well-behaved pup is making sure they have enough appropriate mental and physical stimulation every day. Otherwise, they may find their own forms of entertainment, such as figuring out how the cupboard door works or shredding […]

Use Your Treadmill to Exercise Your Dog

At this time of year, many of us make resolutions to get fit. Maybe you’re even thinking of getting back on that neglected treadmill that you bought for last year’s resolution. If you’re having trouble getting excited about the idea, here’s something to do with it that might be more fun: Teach your dog to […]

DIY Cognitive Dog Toys for When You Are Stuck at Home

Dogs are incredibly smart, and they need mental exercise just as much as physical. This is particularly true in times of the year when dogs find themselves stuck indoors. Boredom in dogs leads to frustration and destructive behavior. But giving your dog a cognitive workout burns off excess energy, provides entertainment, and prevents problem behavior. […]

Bichon Frise puppy chewing on a rug.

How to Recognize Doggy Boredom

Originally, different dog breeds were bred to have different jobs. Even companion breeds were meant to spend all day with their humans. But these days, most dogs get everything they want for free with no work involved. Plus, they spend hours alone while we go off to work or to run errands. So, do dogs […]

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Grab and Hold Your Dog's Attention With the Watch Me Cue

Getting a dog’s attention, particularly when they are new to training, is the first step to teaching any behavior. If your dog isn’t looking at you, chances are they aren’t listening to you either. But how do you get your dog to look at you when you want, especially when you are dealing with distractions nearby? Simply teach […]

Brain Games for Dogs: When Can a Puzzle Be the Solution?

There’s no debating the power of play in a dog’s life. Beyond building the canine-human bond, it serves as a way to mentally and physically stimulate the dog. (In other words, it tires them out!) What can you do when you can’t be around to entertain your canine pal all day? How can you provide […]

Poodle standing wet in the bathtub.

How to Groom a Dog at Home

Good grooming will help your dog look and feel his best. Routine grooming sessions also allow you to examine your dog’s coat, teeth, eyes, ears, and nails for signs of problems. How often you need to groom your dog depends on his size, breed, and type of coat. While good hygiene habits are essential for […]

How to Trim Your Dog's Nails Safely

Nail trimming is an essential part of dog grooming, and trim nails are one clear sign of your dog’s good health and hygiene. Professional groomers will perform the task for squeamish owners, but dog nail trimming is a simple procedure if done correctly. Since nail trimming can be an anxiety-laden experience for many dogs, start […]

English Bulldog having its ear wiped by its owner.

How to Clean a Dog's Ears

As pet owners, we know that keeping our dogs’ ears clean is an important part of their care. But cleaning those ears can challenging if our dogs aren’t conditioned to accept ear cleaning, or we don’t feel comfortable doing it. Some dogs naturally have healthy, clean ears and may almost never need to have their […]

dog grooming

The Dos and Don’ts of Home Dog Grooming and Hygiene

While good hygiene habits are essential for a healthy dog, unlike humans, most dogs do not require daily hygiene and grooming habits. What is required, and how often, depends on the breed. The Afghan Hound, Poodle, and Komondor — just to name a few — require regular grooming (but are certainly worth the effort), whereas […]

images of puppies

Bathing Your Puppy: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cute, cuddly, and full of personality, puppies might just be the key to happiness. But that happiness comes with a little bit of work, especially when it comes to bathing. Fortunately, there’s a way to make bath-time enjoyable for both you and your dog. Jennifer Bishop-Jenkins, an international certified master groomer and owner of Love […]

Irish Setter panting on a hot summer day, water and drool dripping down.

How to Get Rid of Stinky Dog Breath

There are many reasons your dog may have bad breath, including diet and disease Talk to your vet to see if your dog is a candidate for a dental cleaning Get rid of bad dog breath with our top product picks Few smells are as unpleasant as a dog with bad breath. Your dog might […]

Best Dog Toothpaste According to Pet Owners

As humans, we brush our teeth thoroughly every day, but many of us don’t do the same for our dogs. Periodontal disease is the most common clinical condition in adult dogs according to the AKC Canine Health Foundation. To prevent illness and keep your dog healthy, it’s important to clean your pup’s teeth. Although many dogs […]

Is Now the Right Time to Get a Puppy? How to Prepare During COVID-19

Bringing home a new puppy is incredibly exciting. During the COVID-19 pandemic, more people than ever are looking to add a dog to their lives as they self isolate. Many puppy seekers wonder: is now the right time to get a puppy? The answer to that question differs from person to person. Were you prepared […]

Ibizan Hound puppy playing outdoors.

How to Socialize Your Dog From Home

Puppies have a short time window for optimal socialization, and that requires exposure to multiple different surfaces, people of all backgrounds, and various new situations. But what about the puppies who happen to be within that window now, during this time of necessary social distancing due to COVID-19? How can they be socialized so they […]

Basic Obedience Training for Puppies: Where to Start

Treats play a vital role in the lives of happy and healthy dogs. We’re highlighting an “AKC Treat of the Month” all year long in partnership with Whitebridge Pet Brands. March is all about puppies, including National Puppy Day on March 23. Train your puppy with a range of wholesome treats from Dogswell®. In the […]

How to Crate Train Your Dog in Nine Easy Steps

We all want a well-behaved dog that doesn’t tear things up and goes to the bathroom outside — and dog crate training is an important part of that. A crate creates a safe environment for your dog and a space that belongs to them. While many people view crates through the human lens of being […]

How to Potty Train a Dog When You Live in an Apartment

When you get a new puppy, potty training is often at the top of the to-do list. If you have a yard or outdoor space, it can be a little easier, but when you live in an apartment or high-rise, the logistics of getting a puppy outside when they have to go right now gets […]

American Staffordshire Terrier puppy yawning, sitting outdoors on wood floorboards.

How to Stop Puppy Biting and Train Bite Inhibition

Puppies who learn bite inhibition are less likely to grow into adult dogs who bite. Offering puppy chew toys can help teach your puppy what is acceptable to bite or chew on. Sometimes, it’s a good idea to gently put your puppy in their crate to calm them down. Puppies’ mouths are filled with about […]

What It’s Really Like to Get a Puppy During COVID-19

More people than ever before are opening their hearts and homes to puppies during the coronavirus pandemic. For those who are self-isolating, puppies provide welcome wagging tails and comforting cuddles. Plus, many puppy seekers are discovering they now have the crucial element needed to raise a good dog: time. So, is now the right time to […]

Protecting Puppies From Common Household Poisons

Good puppy owners are well-educated in the future needs of their puppies. This includes being prepared to protect puppies against the most common dog poisons located in and around every home. Breeders are often the most knowledgeable resources puppy owners have, and they should always be prepared to answer questions about common household poisons and how to keep a new puppy safe. […]

images of puppies

Bathing Your Puppy: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cute, cuddly, and full of personality, puppies might just be the key to happiness. But that happiness comes with a little bit of work, especially when it comes to bathing. Fortunately, there’s a way to make bath-time enjoyable for both you and your dog. Jennifer Bishop-Jenkins, an international certified master groomer and owner of Love […]

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Healthy Weight Gain for Puppies

You’ve welcomed a new puppy into your home. Congratulations! Now what? In addition to enjoying snuggles, playtime and the challenges and rewards of puppy training, it’s up to you to make sure your dog gets the right amount of food and exercise. Keeping healthy weight gain on track helps ensure a smooth transition from puppyhood […]

Is It Safe for Puppies to Jump?

Do you have a jumping puppy on your hands? While most dogs are capable of jumping several times their own height, it doesn’t mean they always should. Puppies shouldn’t be asked to jump in extreme or competitive situations until they’re at least 12-15 months old (or older for giant/slow-maturing breeds). This is because puppy growth […]

Puppy Potty Training Timeline

Puppy Potty Training Timeline And Tips

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 […]

Lend a Paw: Sled Dogs Deliver Medicine, Therapy Dogs Go Virtual, & More

It’s well known that dogs increase happiness, reduce stress levels, and improve overall health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, dogs have been a source of relief: whether they’re cuddling on the couch beside us, in cute online videos, or in refreshingly positive news headlines. We’ve rounded up the most positive dog-related stories from the week of March 30-April […]

The Best Dog Movies On Disney Plus

Disney Plus (stylized as Disney+) is finally here and it is overwhelmingly full of content. There are so many shows and movies to choose from that it seems almost impossible to choose what to watch. First, Disney is known for its wholesome content, both animated and live-action, which often involves animals. Where do you go […]

20 Books for Dog Lovers of All Ages

There are so many books about dogs that a dog-loving reader could spend years engrossed in them. Here are the ones you won’t want to miss and some worth trying. Such a short list is bound to omit someone’s favorite. What are some of the books you would recommend to other dog lovers? Classics for […]

Which Dog Breed Is Which?

Do you consider yourself a dog breed expert? In this quiz, we’ll show you four pictures and it’s up to you to identify which breed we’re talking about. Sound simple? It might not be as easy as you think. In fact, you might find yourself going around in circles as you try to decide which […]

Can You Guess the Dog Breed by Its Nose?

Dogs like to sniff. Just ask any dog owner. And why shouldn’t they?! They have a super sense of smell, around 225 million scent receptors in their noses, depending on the breed, compared to our 5 million. The dog’s nose is one of his most refined assets, and it also happens to as unique as […]

Do Dogs Have a Sense of Humor?

We all know dogs we describe as amusing, entertaining, or downright hilarious. Dogs can make us laugh. But do the dogs, themselves, have a sense of humor? Do they know they’re being funny? Do canines find things amusing? Do dogs laugh, and if so, what makes them laugh? Is playfulness the same as a sense […]

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Can You Guess The Breeds From Their Puppy Pictures?

Just like humans, a dog's appearance can change throughout their lives. Some breeds look very different as puppies than they do all grown up. Can you guess the breeds of these 10 dogs based on their puppy pictures?

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Vizsla, Belgian Malinois, Cocker Spaniel, Basset Hound, Yorkshire Terrier, Dachshund, German Wirehaired Pointer

Free Meet the Breeds Online Course

Akita standing in the grass and sunshine.

Helen Keller Was a True Dog Lover

The True Story of Togo: Siberian Husky Sled Dog Hero

Webinar: At-Home Puppy Training Tips