Since the inception of dog registries and the shift from dogs as functional livestock, divisions have occurred. I will not add to the debate that will never end, but will expand on the differences in finding dogs for detection roles in law enforcement. You can train many dogs to perform tasks both simple and complex. […]

When developing a dog for a detection task, we must make behavioral measurements associated with olfactory acuity. To do that you must have an odor source. Without knowing the dog’s final disposition in a working role, a dilemma is created in finding an odor source. The Australian Customs Service (ACS) used towels with Vegemite in […]

I have said it before here on this blog and it is often said in the dog training community that “The only thing two dog trainers can agree upon is what a third dog trainer is doing wrong”. That paradox makes agreement to methodology always under scrutiny and debate. There is only one way to […]

In 2014 the TSA surveyed their detection dog handlers to find out what traits in their canine partners the handlers considered important to their success as detection dogs. The goal of the study was to determine whether the traits assessed by the staff of the breeding program during the dogs’ development (using standardized assessment tools […]

In 2014 the TSA surveyed their detection dog handlers to find out what traits in their canine partners the handlers considered important to their success as detection dogs. The goal of the study was to determine whether the traits assessed by the staff of the breeding program during the dogs’ development (using standardized assessment tools […]

The City of Aurora, Colorado, continues to move forward on amending its dangerous dog laws, and is asking for public input prior to the vote on Monday, August 17. Two items will be discussed: The city’s current breed ban - Current city law bans American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and American pit bull terriers, […]

The Denver City Council will soon consider whether to allow voters to decide the future of the city’s long-standing breed ban. The new proposal would allow “pit bulls” in the city, so long as owners obtain an annual “breed-restricted” permit and keep no more than two “pit bulls” in a residence at any time.  Animal […]

In June, staff of the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission recommended that the state’s Licensed Breeders Program should be eliminated due to fundamental flaws with the law that created it, the program’s ineffectiveness, and significant operational costs.  The Sunset Advisory Commission will meet on Thursday, August 20, to accept testimony on recommendations to eliminate 15 regulatory […]

Local/Other: Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in U.S. Territories The AKC Government Relations Department is pleased to assist dog owners with canine legislation issues in their local communities, but we can't help unless we are aware of the proposal. Please contact us at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org when new laws are discussed or […]

State Issues: News from the State Capitols  Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. California – Senate Bill 573 would require all shelters to scan a dog for a microchip and would require all shelters and rescues to not release a dog – even back to its owner – without […]