SORT BY
Sports & Events
Harnessing Your Dog’s Instinct To Chase
By: Stephanie Kennerley “Just how fast is my dog?” Many owners have found themselves wondering that at one time or another. The FAST CAT®, one of AKC’s newest events, offers an answer. Launched in March of 2016, the FAST CAT® is a variation on the Coursing Ability Test. In the FAST CAT®, dogs chase […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/coursing/fast-cat/news/harnessing-dogs-instinct-chase/
| November 16, 2017
Sports & Events
Having a WONDERFUL Time With Their Dogs
Dear Performance Events: I have been doing both AKC and ASFA lure coursing for a number of years, with several sighthound breeds. But my husband and I have also run non-sanctioned lure coursing fun days at our farm for as many years as well. We initially confined them to the sighthound breeds but started allowing […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/coursing/coursing-ability-test/articles/wonderful-time/
| October 26, 2017
Sports & Events
Pocatello Kennel Club Holds Successful Coursing Ability Test
By Joyce Hughes -- Event Secretary and PKC Treasurer The Coursing Ability Test (CAT) is a new AKC coursing event for all dogs -- purebreds and mixed breeds. It's an event filled with amusement, entertainment and comical antics from our beloved canines. Pocatello Kennel Club, Inc. in Southeast Idaho, held its first CAT Event in […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/coursing/coursing-ability-test/articles/pocatello-2011/
| October 26, 2017
Sports & Events
New AKC Event Allows ALL Dogs to Discover Fun of Lure Coursing
"After the event, they were having practices, and one of the people running the event suggested I bring out Dino and see if he would chase the lure. I had absolutely no idea what Dino would do so I brought him out and he chased the lure partially around the big field." Phillips began seeking […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/coursing/coursing-ability-test/articles/new-event/
| October 26, 2017
Sports & Events
CAT – Dogue De Bordeaux
New Event for the Wrinkled Sight Hounds -- Dogue de Bordeaux by Gale Bandsma The C.A.T. is an introductory event similar to the sport of lure coursing. AKC describes it as a healthy and fun activity for all dogs (at least 12 months old and registered as an AKC, FSS, or Canine Partners dog). The […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/coursing/coursing-ability-test/articles/cat-dogue-de-bordeaux/
| October 26, 2017
Sports & Events
Cascade 2011: The Joy of the Chase
By Carol Chittum AKC's newest dog sport offering, Coursing Ability, more than proved its validity to the fancy at the recent Tests hosted by Cascade Coursing Club (all-breed AKC lic. Lure Coursing club) in conjunction with Olympic Kennel Club's all-breed shows. OKC has as a goal, to provide as many performance events as possible so […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/coursing/coursing-ability-test/articles/cascade-2011/
| October 26, 2017
Sports & Events
Building Your Handling Skills
Good dog handling isn't an accident. It is a learned skill. It requires a good working relationship with the dog, proper training, clear and consistent commands and the ability to read the livestock. You must know what the stock are doing and what they are about to do. There is only one way to know […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/herding/articles/building-your-handling-skills/
| October 26, 2017
Sports & Events
From the Judges Stand
The phrase "written standard" is a familiar one to those who are affiliated with the breed ring. In conformation, it is well known that a judge must be extremely knowledgeable about each breed standard before becoming approved to judge that breed. It is the judge's duty to compare each entry with the written breed standard, […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/herding/articles/from-the-judges-stand/
| October 26, 2017
Sports & Events
Dog Breaking Livestock
One of the most important elements of a trial revolves around the quality of the livestock. The AKC rulebook is very specific as to the suitability of stock and provides an in-depth description of the proper type of livestock for tests and trials. Livestock should be comfortable in the presence of both dogs and people, […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/herding/articles/dog-breaking-livestock/
| October 26, 2017
Sports & Events
On Whistles and Whistling
I remember the first time I put a shepherd's whistle in my mouth--a silent little bubble dribbled out one side while my eyes nearly popped from the unreleased pressure behind the instrument. By day two, a reedy pitiful note would moistly eek out on occasion if I held my mouth just right. A few days […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/herding/articles/on-whistles-and-whistling/
| October 26, 2017
Sports & Events
Use Your Voice
The best dog training tool you have is your voice. Use it to your advantage. Keep emotion and tone flexibility as part of your commands. If you are trialing in arena courses your voice is all you will need. Your dog is in charge of moving the livestock. Helping him understand exactly where and how […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/herding/articles/use-your-voice/
| October 26, 2017
Sports & Events
Taking the Mystery Out of Owning Sheep
Keeping a flock of sheep for stockdog training is an option that many handlers would love to have, but many feel they don't have the facilities or knowledge to maintain a flock of sheep. A little bit of research into this species of animal can take much of the mystery away and open up great […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/herding/articles/taking-the-mystery-out-of-owning-sheep/
| October 26, 2017
Sports & Events
Teaching the Stop Command
The Stop will be one of the most important commands a handler can teach their dog. The dog stopping in an exact spot can make the difference in accomplishing a chore correctly, winning or losing in a trial situation, or even saving a dog's life. Introduce the stop command to a dog away from stock. […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/herding/articles/teaching-the-stop-command/
| October 26, 2017
Sports & Events
Appropriate Gripping?
Gripping can be a very controversial subject. I believe the answer is reflected in the kind of work the handler needs to complete and the urgency of the job. For example, some people may have a small herd or flock that has been trained to respect dogs. If a problem arises, they may have time […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/herding/articles/gripping/
| October 26, 2017
Sports & Events
The Art of Penning
It looks so innocent. Three sides...a swinging gate....a quiet, empty, beckoning space... and a six foot rope. Why is it then, that sheep often hit an invisible barrier as they approach this inanimate object we call the free-standing pen? Why do they stop, lean back, then shy away and hesitate to enter? Could it be […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/herding/articles/the-art-of-penning/
| October 26, 2017
Sports & Events
Tips for Teaching Driving
Most herding dogs are naturally fetching dogs. That is, they always want to bring the sheep towards the handler. Some herding dogs are naturally driving dogs. That is, they move sheep in any direction without regard to the location of the handler. A very few herding dogs are both naturally driving and fetching dogs. You'd […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/herding/articles/tips-for-teaching-driving/
| October 26, 2017
Sports & Events
The Search for Moderation in the Herding
There is often a difference between the show-type of herding breed dog and the non-show type. In my breed, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, the big winners in the conformation ring are often extreme examples of the breed and their exaggerated features lead me to believe they wouldn't be capable of doing a day's work. This […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/herding/articles/the-search-for-moderation-in-the-herding/
| October 26, 2017
Sports & Events
Livestock and Your Puppy? Not Yet!
by Lacey Herbel "Don't chew on that!" "Bad puppy! We don't potty inside!" "No! No! No! Stop barking!" When buying a new puppy, many people find that they don't come already trained. There are plenty of things that need to be tweaked before beginning training for a herding dog. Many times a new or even […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/herding/articles/livestock-and-your-puppy/
| October 26, 2017
Sports & Events
Creating a Confident Herding Partner
by Tammie Rogers I am amazed at a herding dog's courage. We often ask our dogs to control and pilot animals that can weigh hundreds of pounds more than they do. We ask them to manage ewes with baby lambs and cows with newborn calves. We ask them to move livestock that doesn't want to […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/herding/articles/creating-a-confident-herding-partner/
| October 26, 2017
Sports & Events
Was My Face Red…
by Lori Herbel We've all had those great moments in herding when our own outstanding handling expertise and our dog's natural, God-given talents have put us in awe and made our hearts swell, and given us cause to be proud to be herders. But why, oh why do those moments seem to be much fewer […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/herding/articles/was-my-face-red/
| October 26, 2017
Sports & Events
Judges Speak Out
by Lori Herbel Wouldn't it be nice if you went to a trial and knew what the judge was looking for? Many times exhibitors go to a trial and have no clue what's important to that judge, that day. Of course they all judge by the rules and regulations in the orange book, but […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/herding/articles/judges-speak-out/
| October 26, 2017
Sports & Events
Attitude
by Joy Sebastian-Hall A factor that influences every facet of our daily lives is attitude. How well a thing is accomplished, how quickly it gets done, how a person feels about it, all boils down to attitude. Herding is a dog sport that can have radically different results depending on the attitude of a handler, […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/herding/articles/attitude/
| October 26, 2017
Sports & Events
How to Get the Most out of a Herding Clinic
Clinic by Lori Herbel "My dog has become really pushy lately. We seem to be in constant battle all the time. I can't figure out why!" "I've never started a dog in herding before. I have no clue what to do. Help!!" "Why does my dog quit when I try to teach him new things? […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/herding/articles/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-herding-clinic/
| October 26, 2017
Sports & Events
Raising Ducks for Herding Trials
By Joyce Norris I have been raising and leasing ducks for herding trials for about 6 years. Most judges and exhibitors say "They are the best ducks they have ever seen." This does take some work. My ducks work well in groups of 5. If a duck gets split off by a dog it will […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/herding/articles/raising-ducks/
| October 26, 2017
Apps
Grand Championship Rankings
The AKC Grand Championships application is your online reference for the top dogs in every state, sorted by breed and by the number of points accumulated annually. Dogs are ranked by their points totals, and may appear in the listings for more than one state if their owners of record reside in multiple states. The […]
https://www.apps.akc.org/apps/grand_championship/
| November 7, 2017
Expert Advice: Events
Orlando Dog Training Club Holds Successful RDO Day Event
The Orlando Dog Training Club (ODTC) hosted a successful AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day event at the downtown Orlando public library last month. The club kicked off the seminar with an introduction to selecting a breeder and the right puppy to the more than 145 people in attendance. ODTC also spoke about AKC’s Canine […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/orlando-dog-training-club-holds-rdo-event/
| October 26, 2016
Expert Advice: Government Relations
Two Kentucky Lawmakers Receive AKC Legislator of the Year Awards
Frankfort, KY –The American Kennel Club (AKC) is pleased to announce that Kentucky State Senator Robin Webb and State Representative Tommy Turner are recipients of the AKC Legislator of the Year Award for 2016. “The American Kennel Club is pleased to honor Senator Webb and Representative Turner with our Legislator of the Year Award,” […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/ky-legislator-awards/
| February 9, 2017
Expert Advice: News
Issue Analysis: Dispelling the Myths of Cropped Ears, Docked Tails, Dewclaws, and Debarking
Purebred dogs are purpose-bred dogs and come in all shapes and sizes. The characteristics that make each of these dogs unique also help them perform the function for which they were bred. The physical appearance of the dogs illustrates this, and is also an important part of the breed’s history. For example, the thick […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/issue-analysis-dispelling-myths/
| May 22, 2013
Expert Advice: News
Gracie’s Legacy
Gracie, dog rescued from Michael Vick’s fighting ring, dies She was just a funny-looking little bow-legged black pit bull, but her legacy will be huge. Gracie, who died Monday in her home in Midlothian, Virginia, was one of the 51 dogs seized in the 2007 raid on NFL star Michael Vick’s Bad Newz dogfighting […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/gracies-legacy/
| December 11, 2013
Expert Advice: News
Dying Dog Gets to Experience Life’s Greatest Pleasures
Lauren Watt was heartbroken when her best friend, Gizelle, was diagnosed with terminal bone cancer. She and the 8-year-old 160-pound Mastiff shared so many fond memories. So as a way to create many more in the few months they had left together and to help Gizelle enjoy her last little bit of time on Earth, Watt created a […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/dying-dog-gets-to-experience-lifes-greatest-pleasures/
| March 25, 2014