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Legislative Alerts
Illinois Update: Breeder Bill Held in House, Still Pending in Senate
The American Kennel Club (AKC) continues to monitor legislation in Illinois that would impose problematic new requirements on licensed dog breeders. House Bill 4778, which mirrors Senate Bill 2990, was scheduled for consideration by the House Agriculture and Conservation Committee on March 24, 2026. The measure would apply “one-size-fits-all” commercial-style standards to all breeders, defined […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/illinois-update-breeder-bill-held-in-house-still-pending-in-senate/
| March 31, 2026
Expert Advice: Home & Living
What Is a GPS Dog Fence and How Do They Work?
SpotOn Wireless GPS dog fencing changes the way we keep dogs safe to run, play, and roam. Create and customize a boundary with just a collar and an app!
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/gps-dog-fence/
| April 19, 2023
Expert Advice: Senior Dog Health
How to Make Your Home More Accessible for Your Senior Dog
Taking care of a senior dog can come with some challenges that go along with the normal aging process. Your dog may be moving more slowly, their coordination and senses aren't as sharp as they used to be, and their joints may be feeling the impacts of arthritis. To help your best friend stay active […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/making-home-accessible-for-senior-dog/
| March 8, 2022
Expert Advice: Lifestyle
How to Inflation-Proof Your Dog’s Care
All it takes is a trip to the grocery store or gas pump to feel the sting of inflation. Inflation impacts every aspect of our lives, and dog care costs are no exception. Meeting your dog's physical, mental, and emotional needs are key elements of responsible dog ownership, and some elements become more costly as […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/inflation-dog-ownership-cost/
| October 31, 2022
Expert Advice: Puppy Training
How to Raise a Confident Puppy
Raising a confident puppy helps deal with possible behavioral issues in the future. Here's how you can help your puppy grow into a self-assured young dog.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/how-do-you-raise-a-confident-puppy/
| February 25, 2022
Expert Advice: Advanced Training
How to Teach Your Dog to Stand on Cue
Although you won't use it as often as "sit," teaching your dog to stand on cue is more useful than you'd think. Here's how to teach your dog to “stand.”
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/teach-dog-stand-cue/
| August 27, 2021
Expert Advice: Health
How Hot Is Too Hot for a Dog’s Paws?
Scorching pavement is damaging to dog paws, and especially puppies. So how hot is too hot for a dog's sensitive paw pads?
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-paws-hot-pavement/
| August 4, 2021
Expert Advice: Basic Training
How to Train Your Dog to Come When Called: Step-by-Step Recall
In case of an emergency, you need to know your dog will come to you no matter what. Read on to learn how to train a reliable recall.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/reliable-recalls-how-to-train-your-dog-to-come-when-called/
| July 7, 2021
Expert Advice: Training
Fun, Cognitive Training Games to Make Your Dog Smarter
These enriching brain games for dogs will help engage your pet's brain and make your training sessions even more fun.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/fun-cognitive-training-games-for-dogs/
| September 1, 2021
Expert Advice: Common Conditions
Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatment
Pet owners should know the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for elbow dysplasia in dogs. Here's what to look for in your dog.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/elbow-dysplasia-in-dogs/
| April 20, 2022
Expert Advice: Nutrition
Can Dogs Eat Bones?
We’ve all heard the phrase “give a dog a bone,” but you might want to consider alternative treats to dog bones. Bones can be a good source of minerals and other nutrients and help satisfy your dog’s appetite. Chewing stimulates saliva enzymes and helps prevent plaque buildup on teeth and gum disease. And a dog […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-bones/
| August 23, 2022
Expert Advice: Nutrition
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 at the time, 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 […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/diy-frozen-dog-treats/
| June 29, 2021
Expert Advice: Why does my dog...
Why Does My Dog Stare At Me?
Dogs spend lots of time staring at us owners, but why do dogs stare so much? Communication, expectation, and understanding are some reasons why dogs stare.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/why-does-my-dog-stare-at-me/
| November 19, 2019
Expert Advice: Training
Why Does My Dog Bark at the Mail Carrier?
Even the most mild-mannered of dogs may turn into a fierce barker with the mail carrier or other delivery workers come around. Here's why.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/why-does-my-dog-bark-at-the-mail-carrier/
| January 20, 2021
Expert Advice: Training
Urine Marking vs. Peeing: How to Tell These Dog Behaviors Apart
Dogs pee in the house for many reasons, but they also urine mark. Learn to tell the difference between these behaviors and how to reduce marking.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/marking-vs-peeing/
| July 3, 2023
Expert Advice: Grooming
Why It’s Worth Having Your Dog Groomed Professionally
Although many dog owners prefer to groom their dogs at home, having your dog professionally groomed can save you time and energy.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-its-worth-having-your-dog-groomed-professionally/
| June 4, 2021
Expert Advice: Health
6 Tips for Giving Your Dog Pills
Struggling to give your dog medication? These six tips will make the process of giving your pup their pills a more pleasant experience for both of you.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-to-give-a-dog-a-pill/
| July 22, 2021
Expert Advice: Training
How to Stop Your Dog From Pulling on the Leash
Pulling on the leash is a common yet frustrating dog behavior. These 10 tips will help you teach your dog leash manners so you can both enjoy your walks.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/expert-tips-dog-leash-issues/
| December 8, 2023
Expert Advice: Grooming
Is It OK to Shave Your Dog’s Coat in Summer?
Don't shave your dog, as it might make them hotter in summer and creates health risks. Instead, try these grooming and safety tips to keep them cool.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/is-it-ok-to-shave-your-dog/
| June 10, 2020
Expert Advice: General Health
How to Keep Your Dog Healthy
It's important to know how to keep your dog healthy. Here are some of the key ways to maintain your dog's health, inside and out.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-to-keep-your-dog-healthy/
| June 16, 2019
Expert Advice: Lifestyle
Dogs and I Dos: How to Incorporate Your Dog in Your Wedding
When planning your wedding as a dog owner, you might want your dog involved in the festivities. Here's how to make it work for your wedding.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/tips-to-include-dog-in-wedding/
| March 30, 2018
Expert Advice: Grooming
10 Grooming Secrets From Show Dog Experts
From sporting dogs to toy breeds, show dogs must look the part. “Miss America does not just sit on the couch eating potato chips before a pageant,” says Susan Hamil, a veteran of the dog show world. “It’s the same for show dogs.” Hamil, a judge and fancier of Bloodhounds, is one of the four […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/10-grooming-tips-dog-show-experts/
| February 27, 2023
Expert Advice: Home & Living
What To Do When Your Partner Doesn’t Want a Dog
Dr. Joel Gavriele-Gold, author of When Pets Come Between Partners, says that compromising on dog ownership is often easier than partners would believe.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/when-your-partner-doesnt-want-a-dog/
| October 17, 2019
Expert Advice: Training
The Three Ds of Dog Training: Duration, Distance, and Distraction
Incorporate duration, distance, and distraction into your training to ensure your dog understands what you’re asking them to do.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/dog-training-duration-distance-distraction/
| May 3, 2018
Expert Advice: Senior Dog Health
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy for Dogs: Uses, Side Effects, and Alternatives
Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) can help ease the discomfort of arthritis and promotes wound healing. Learn when PRP might be worth trying for your dog.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/platelet-rich-plasma-therapy-for-dogs/
| May 10, 2024
Expert Advice: Basic Training
Tips for Step-By-Step CGC Training at Home
Even if you're taking CGC classes, It's important to work on training with your dog at home. Here are step-by-step instructions to prepare for the CGC test.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/step-step-cgc-training/
| August 20, 2022
Expert Advice: Senior Dog Health
How to Improve Your Senior Dog’s Quality of Life
Senior dogs can still have a wonderful quality of life. There are also lots of ways owners can promote movement, health, cognitive function, and comfort.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-to-improve-your-senior-dogs-quality-of-life/
| May 4, 2021
Expert Advice: Basic Training
How to Fit Dog Training Into Your Busy Life
Life gets busy sometimes. Follow these tips from AKC's dog training experts to ensure you're making the most of your time to train your dog efficiently.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/fit-dog-training-busy-life/
| December 6, 2017
Expert Advice: Dog Sports
Bikejoring: Is This Sport Right for You and Your Dog?
If you and your dog are adventurous and fit, and your dog loves to run, then bikejoring might be a good fit for you. Already well-established in Europe, dog-powered mountain biking is growing in popularity in the U.S too. In its infancy, sled dog racers created bikejoring. It was an ideal way to train and […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/is-bikejoring-right-for-you/
| May 13, 2020
Expert Advice: Dog Behavior
Expert Tips to Help Curb Excessive Dog Barking
Barking is a natural dog behavior, but excessive barking is a nuisance. Learn to curb your dog's barking and teach them better ways to behave.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/curb-excessive-dog-barking/
| October 9, 2023