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Expert Advice: Training for Dog Sports
Tips for Getting Started in Dog Agility
Dog agility is an exciting celebration of canine athleticism and the dog-human bond. Learn if the sport is right for you and how to get started.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/agility-training-tips-competition/
| March 9, 2023
Expert Advice: Conformation
How Do I Get Started in Dog Shows?
Participating in dog shows can undoubtedly feel daunting for newcomers. Follow these tips to help you and your dog to feel comfortable in the ring.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/how-to-get-started-in-dog-show-conformation/
| December 13, 2022
Expert Advice: Responsible Breeding
Signs of a Responsible Dog Breeder
It can be tricky to know how to find a responsible breeder. Here are some considerations to guide you in your search for your next puppy.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/signs-of-a-responsible-breeder/
| April 15, 2021
Expert Advice: Agility
Agility Terms & Lingo: What Common Dog Agility Words Mean
The world of dog agility is fast-paced and exciting, but the terminology can be intimidating. Learn the language of dog agility so you can jump right in.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/dog-agility-terms-lingo/
| February 26, 2024
Expert Advice: Feature
Labrador Retriever ‘Bea’ Wins 2025 Service Dog Award for Canine Excellence
Labrador Retriever "Bea," owned by Buddy Niner, wins the 2025 AKC Award for Canine Excellence in the Service Dog category.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/labrador-retriever-bea-ace-service-dog/
| December 1, 2025
Expert Advice: Feature
Golden Retriever ‘Syd’ Wins 2025 Exemplary Companion Award for Canine Excellence
Golden Retriever "Syd" is the 2025 winner of the AKC Humane Fund Award for Canine excellence in the Exemplary Companion category.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/golden-retriever-syd-ace-exemplary-companion/
| December 1, 2025
Expert Advice: Feature
German Shepherd Dog ‘Flint’ Wins 2025 SAR Award for Canine Excellence in Disaster Response Category
"Flint," a German Shepherd Dog, has won the 2025 Award for Canine Excellence in the Search and Rescue - Disaster Response category with Jen Michelson.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/gsd-flint-ace-search-rescue-disaster-response/
| December 1, 2025
Expert Advice: Health
Activated Charcoal for Dogs: Uses, Side Effects, and Alternatives
Veterinarians often administer activated charcoal for dogs when they ingest a toxin. Learn how this substance works, its benefits, and its limitations.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/activated-charcoal-for-dogs/
| December 1, 2025
Expert Advice: Basic Training
The Right Treats Make the Best Rewards: How to Choose
Here are tips for choosing the right dog training treats. For example, teaching your dog new behaviors often requires small, fast-eating treats.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/dog-training-treats/
| January 27, 2023
Expert Advice: Home & Living
How to Prep Your House for a Pet Sitter
This checklist will help you and your pet sitter work together to keep your dog happy, healthy, and safe while you’re away.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/how-to-prep-house-for-pet-sitter/
| May 21, 2021
Expert Advice: Conformation
Conformation 101: What Is a Conformation Dog Show?
You may have seen dog shows on TV, but what exactly happens at a Conformation event? How are dogs judged, and how do they win?
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/conformation-101/
| February 7, 2024
Expert Advice: Conformation
History of Conformation: The Evolution of Dog Shows
How did modern dogs shows get to where they are today? Learn about the histroy of Conformation shows, that began over 150 years ago.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/history-of-conformation/
| January 19, 2024
Expert Advice: Feature
Meet Junior Handler Sawyer Johnson
Sawyer Johnson, 13, of Texas, shows his Australian Shepherds in Junior Showmanship, conformation, rally, obedience, and agility.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/junior-handler-spotlight-sawyer-johnson/
| November 24, 2025
Expert Advice: Feature
Bonnie Scott and ‘Kiddo’ Bring Freestyle Energy to the AKC UpDog Invitational
Two‑time UpDog Freestyle Champion Bonnie Scott and her dog Kiddo bring high‑energy teamwork and joy to the AKC UpDog Invitational.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/updog-invitational-bonnie-scott-kiddo/
| November 10, 2025
Expert Advice: Agility
How to Get More Involved in the Sport of Dog Agility
Dog agility is incredibly fun and has so many benefits, but how do you get involved in the sport? This guide will have you participating in no time.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/get-more-involved-agility/
| February 26, 2024
Expert Advice: Conformation
How to Attend a Dog Show as a Spectator
Never been to a dog show? Here is everything you need to know about how to go to a dog show, how to behave as a spectator, and how to learn.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/attend-a-dog-show/
| August 2, 2022
Expert Advice: Fun With Your Dog
How to Set Up a Safe and Fun Puppy Playdate
Socialization is an important part of puppyhood. Learn advice and tips for setting up a puppy playdate with dogs outside your household.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/how-to-host-a-puppy-playdate/
| May 26, 2021
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Competition Update Fall 2025
We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles and honors in Agility, Coursing Ability, Fast CAT, Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog! AGILITY Masters Agility Championship (MACH) MACH Racing On Arrows Edge MXB MJB MXF T2B2 owned by Nicole Shaffer of Colorado Springs, CO In 2018, […]
https://www.akc.org/register/information/canine-partners/newsletter/competition-update-fall-2025/
| December 3, 2025
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Canine Partners Spotlight Fall 2025
Senior Rescue Dog Starts Dog Sports Career Roger had a sad life before he was turned into a shelter in southern California. He has gunshot wounds and was suffering from a serious respiratory illness. Shelter staff did not expect him to live long when they sent him home with a foster for a “hospice” stay. […]
https://www.akc.org/register/information/canine-partners/newsletter/canine-partners-spotlight-fall-2025/
| December 3, 2025
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Title Recognition Fall 2025
The AKC works with non-AKC service and sports organizations to recognize the titles that AKC-registered dogs earn in their programs. This includes the AKC Therapy Dog program and the AKC Search & Rescue program. AKC also recognizes titles of the Barn Hunt Association (BHA); North American Diving Dogs (NADD); the North American Flyball Association (NAFA); […]
https://www.akc.org/register/information/canine-partners/newsletter/title-recognition-fall-2025/
| December 3, 2025