The AKC’s Canine Good Citizen program is the gold standard of behavior for dogs in our communities. Almost one million dogs, both purebred and mixed breed, have participated in the program since it began in 1989. Canine Good Citizen is part of the AKC Family Dog Program and many dog owners choose CGC as their […]

A key component of the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program is a responsible owner. Our Canine Good Citizen® Responsible Dog Owner's Pledge is for the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy® Program too. Responsibility should start the moment you decide to add a new dog or puppy to your family. AKC CGC℠ Responsible Dog Owner's Pledge I will be […]

Getting involved in AKC Virtual Sports and Titling opportunities is an easy and exciting way to get started in dog sports! Whether you and your dog are looking to get active in AKC Agility, earn a training title in home manners, or plot a crowd pleasing AKC Trick Dog routine, the opportunities to get started virtually are endless. Virtual programs act as a great steppingstone to further in-person AKC Sports and Events, and participation allows […]

This issue’s training tip addresses foundation training for hind end awareness and is brought to us by Dr. Erin Rakosky DVM, a veterinarian and animal chiropractor who competes in agility and runs on the AKC Agility League team, The Whole Enchilada, in the Extended Ph.D. division. Any dog that is going to have a career […]

In this issue, we feature the League representatives of the beautiful state of Montana. Captain Deana Sullivan has headed-up teams since the League’s first year of 2022. Her program has grown to four teams, and she says League is beneficial on many levels for her group – including providing more agility opportunities in a state […]

Think your dog is an A+ student? Are your friends and family jealous with how well you’ve trained your dog? Then you might want to take things to a new level by participating in Obedience competitions (known as "trials"). Developed in the 1930s, Obedience is one of the AKC’s oldest sporting events, and it's open […]

There are several levels of competition available to you and your dog. If you aren't sure which class is best for you, please see our resources: Class Eligibility Chart Click Here for information on transfers. [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Regular Classes - Regular Titling Path"] NOVICE For the dog just getting started in obedience that can work on- […]

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. […]

AKC’s Leader of the Pack program is designed to get high school students involved in their communities.  The mission of AKC Public Education is to foster and continue to find ways to ever strengthen the human-canine bond.  By participating in this program, students will have an opportunity to give back to their own dog communities […]

While the benefits of pet ownership far outweigh the costs, every responsible dog owner knows that along with love and companionship comes financial responsibility. An online survey of more than 1,000 visitors to www.akc.org determined what responsible owners can expect to pony-up for their pooch:  One-time costs such as a crate, spaying/neutering or emergency vet […]

Teachers have read and heard it in every education publication and professional development seminar in recent years. Everyone in education is talking about the fact that the jobs we are preparing our students for do not yet exist. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that by 2020, there will be one million more computer […]

PROGRAM SUMMARY In March 2014, the AKC Board of Directors approved the development of a program for all breeders. The program’s intent is to improve the health and well-being of purebred dogs by challenging breeders to meet health testing standards and participate in continuing education. The program will provide marketing and other support for those […]

Participating in dog sports is healthy for you and your pet. A bonus is meeting and spending time with people who enjoy the same dog activities you do.

With spring upon us, we're entering the season of renewal. Longer days, fresh air, and more time outside are a welcome change.

Do all dogs need a winter coat? If so, what are the best winter coats for dogs? We break down our favorites for dogs of all sizes and breeds.

If you're looking to improve your fitness, consider getting your dog involved! Getting fit is more fun when you exercise your pet, too.

Have you ever known somebody who chose their pet over their partner when the relationship was on the line? It seems like the plot of a romantic comedy, but a new study shows that most of us would do the same. In fact, 80 percent of people would consider it a deal breaker if their […]

In 2018, when Tanis was 3 years old, the Rapoza family received a text message with a photo from Debby Chaplic of the Animal Rescue League of Boston. They had a coonhound-beagle mix with “their name written all over her.” The Rapoza family went with a leash to the shelter and returned home with Skippy. […]

Adorable Gizmo’s motto is “Cuz we’re frens!” and that is precisely what he does – make friends around the country through his work as a therapy dog. Gizmo is a therapy dog with Paws For Friendship (PFF) Inc., and Jenifer says they "are grateful to share his love" at Eastern CT Health Network Hospitals, Manchester […]

This training tip addresses foundation training for the 2-on-2-off position for agility contact obstacles and is brought to us by Erin Rakosky, who is part of the AKC GoodDog! Helpline training team. The Good Dog Helpline is a telephone training service that provides support to dog owners with questions about basic training and behavior. Erin […]