This is the last week for the Illinois Senate to vote on Senate bills and send them to the House of Representatives.  Among the bills expected to be considered is one that will impose a number of new requirements on anyone who is licensed as a dog breeder in the state – which could include […]

The Illinois Senate now has until May 8 to vote on a bill impacting breeders, after extending the voting deadline on certain bills.  Illinois residents should continue contacting the Senate and express concerns that the breeder requirements in Senate Bill 2990 are not in the best interest of all dogs. Summary: As written,  Senate Bill […]

Two bills will be considered this week impacting Illinois dog owners. Tomorrow (Tuesday, March 10), a bill will be considered amending the laws regarding forfeiture of seized dogs when cruelty is suspected. On Thursday, March 12, the Illinois Senate Agriculture Committee will hear Senate Bill 2990, which would place extensive new requirements on those licensed […]

An overreaching animal ordinance that would criminalize many responsible dog owners in Hollywood, Florida, is on the agenda for Wednesday, February 16, 2022.   Residents are urged to immediately contact their city commissioners and ask them to VOTE NO on the proposed animal ordinance. Respectfully ask them to work with knowledgeable animal owners to develop […]

The Connecticut Joint Planning and Development Committee has scheduled a Friday, February 25, 2022, public hearing.  The committee’s agenda includes numerous bills, including newly-introduced HB 5170.  The bill would amend the state’s current cruelty law to ban tethering a dog: In a manner that places it at adverse risk of injury by another animal, For […]

On Tuesday (March 24), the Illinois House Agriculture and Conservation Committee will consider a bill that would impose extensive new requirements on licensed dog breeders. This bill is identical to SB 2990 considered last week in the Senate and applies “one-size-fits-all” commercial-style standards to all breeders (Under Illinois law, a dog breeder is anyone who […]

SUMMARY Proposed changes to Greenville County, South Carolina’s Animals and Fowl ordinance are currently under consideration by the Greenville County Council.  Among its many changes, the proposal appears to require all “pet breeders”, including fanciers and enthusiasts who breed purebred dogs as a hobby, to register as a business and implement significant changes to their […]

As much you love your dogs' company, it doesn't mean you want them having access to every room in your home. Dog gates are one solution to limiting space!

By Nancy Pemberton, AKC Breeder of Merit Rowan Border Terriers One of the most important things to do for your pregnant bitch when the time for her to whelp approaches is to provide her with a safe place for her puppies. Not only will it make her feel more secure, it might be a matter […]

Whether it's your dog's first birthday or their sweet 16, you'll want to celebrate. This guide can help you plan a great day for your beloved dog.

Make your annual cleaning ritual dog-friendly by adding these dog-specific tasks to your checklist. Remember to always use pet-safe cleaning products!

Whether you have a puppy or a senior dog, the right flooring can make life easier. Explore durable, dog-friendly options for every home.

Is it safe to have dogs and small pets in the same home? Learn more about the risks and training to help them coexist.

Bringing a dog into your life can be deeply rewarding, but it also requires planning, patience, and long-term responsibility. While many people imagine playtime, companionship, and affection, thinking about the realities of what dog ownership actually involves is the best first step you can take. Once the right dog for your family comes along, you […]

So, you have a new puppy and are intending to show it to its championship and then establish a breeding program with that new star! Great idea, but you need to know a lot of tax facts before you decide that you are in the business of breeding future champions. The Differences Between a Business […]

Available all year-round and loaded with more vitamin C than an orange, kiwi provides an abundance of nutritious benefits. But can dogs eat kiwi?

Communal water bowls at the dog park or coffee shop can come with some hidden risks. Your dog may be lapping up bacteria, viruses, or parasites.

  Why Does My Dog Hoard? Hoarding behavior in dogs is an instinctive behavior that originated during the time when their ancestors did not have regular meals appear magically, at least twice a day. They were lucky if they ate every few days, and if there was a jackpot of more food than could be […]

Can dogs eat edamame? Find out how and why to safely give your dog a bit of this nutritious snack as an occasional treat in their diet.

Early socialization is important. But it's also important to keep your puppy safe. Here's when to have your puppy meet other dogs.

The dog community is a big place, but so is the LGBTQ+ community! Make an effort to be kind to others, and stand up for others when you can.

Dogs are like people: sometimes they need a break. For many reasons, some dogs need space and time to themselves. Learn to recognize when and how to give dogs space.

Adding a new puppy to the family can be a fun and memorable experience. But not all members of your household might share your enthusiasm. Perhaps you have a senior dog at home with different needs from a younger dog. Plus, some dogs are considered a senior at 6 years old, while smaller breeds, like […]

Help your dog or puppy learn to love their crate with this expert guide to crate training, including steps, tips, and common mistakes to avoid.

Is your dog scared of thunder and storms? Learn why your dog is frightened and how you can help soothe your dog's thunderstorm anxiety.

How do you know what your dog is thinking? Give him an MRI, of course. While this isn’t practical for the majority of dog owners, for the past five years Dr. Gregory Berns and his colleagues at Emory University have been training dogs to lie still while awake in an MRI scanner, so that they […]

Although most puppies are dog social, in adulthood most dogs become dog selective or dog tolerant. Some may even become dog reactive.

Begging is a full-time job for many dogs; there are ways to stop your dog from begging. These ideas will help your dog break the habit for Thanksgiving.

Local/Other: Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in US 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 […]

Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in US 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 introduced […]