Holistic medicine treats the person (or, in this case, animal) as a whole: mind, body, spirit. It uses several different practices, including acupuncture, massage, herbal remedies, chiropractic treatment, aromatherapy, nutrition, acupressure, and even sound therapy to address a variety of ailments and conditions. Americans spend more than $30 billion a year on alternative treatments for […]

From the Lone Ranger to Zorro, we know good guys can wear masks. But just try convincing your dog of that. As controlling the spread of the coronavirus becomes a paramount concern, the federal government has recommended – and some states have mandated – wearing face masks in public. While we humans have acclimated to […]

Natural Supplements as Treatment of Separation AnxietyMany veterinarians would tell you that separation anxiety is one of the most common behavioral problems they encounter. Holistic vets may suggest natural supplements as the remedy. Separation anxiety is seen in dogs of all breeds, but often in large, high-energy dogs that are confined to a small area […]

General George S. Patton Jr., the brilliant but endlessly controversial bad boy of World War II, was once paid a compliment by a British colleague: You would have made a great marshal for Napoleon, had you lived in the 18th century. Patton replied, But I did, dear boy, I did. Like his ivory-handled pistols and […]

If there was one winner during the past year of social distancing and staying home to stop the spread of COVID-19, it was dogs. Pups across the world relished the constant presence of their people and the extra attention that comes with it. But there's also a flip side to that coin: Once we all […]

Carole Lee Richards got her first Weimaraner in 1978. She was just looking for a pet at the time, but her interest in the breed quickly grew, and eventually she bred her first litter and was competing in dog shows. Since then she has bred many champions, become an AKC judge, and handled Weimaraners in […]

Most dog owners have no doubt heard about the importance of socializing their puppy. Proper socialization means providing positive experiences with as many new people, dogs, and situations as possible. It’s essential for developing a confident and well-adjusted adult dog that is comfortable with all life has to offer. Unfortunately, despite the significance, many people […]

You have just been told that while you are at work, your dog barks all day. At first you don’t want to believe it. But you know that if you were in your neighbor’s shoes, you wouldn’t want to listen to endless barking either. A big part of being a responsible dog owner is ensuring […]

To some, Kirby may look like a Pug, but he's not: this little Brussels Griffon is a Dog Star who will let you know who's boss. Bringing Home a Brussels Griffon Veterinarian Christina Coudret had never heard of the Brussels Griffon breed until a technician she worked with at a veterinarian clinic was fostering for […]

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused changes in our daily routines. Many of us have taken the opportunity to add pets to our families during this time. And our reduced social schedules have allowed for more quality time with our family and pets. Although our cats may have mixed emotions about this change, our dogs […]

Ask AKC  Dear AKC: We have a ten-month-old puppy that we got when he was three-months-old from the local shelter. He has a lot of energy and when he runs around the house he knocks things over and jumps on the kids. I keep him out in the garage most of the day now because he […]

Preparing the sweet, gentle Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to follow good behavior guidelines isn't tricky. This graceful, fun-loving toy spaniel only wants to please you. With some planning, persistence, and a positive outlook, your puppy quickly takes to training. Sandy Harrison, Recording Secretary of the American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, acquired her first Cavalier […]

In 1962 when Marybeth Hearn was 10 years old, she convinced her parents to let her volunteer to raise a puppy for the California-based nonprofit Guide Dogs for the Blind. She wasn’t sure what to expect when they brought home a black Labrador Retriever named Lepta, but she knew one thing for certain. “I do […]

A well-trained German Shepherd Dog (GSD) is a joy to live with, one of many reasons why this is America's second-most popular dog breed. Making sure you bring out the best of this remarkable breed starts with puppy training, when your GSD is most impressionable. Finding a Puppy Who Is the Best Fit for You […]

Paid Advertisement In an ideal world, you could spend all of your time with your dog, but unfortunately, that's not the case for most people. Don't fret, though, because you can always keep an eye on your canine companion to ensure the pup's safety with a pet monitoring camera, whether you're around the block or […]

Nothing about the passing of a loved one is easy. But what is already a painful and stress-filled situation might be made more stressful if you've inherited your loved one's dog, especially if you weren't prepared for the challenge of welcoming a new pet into your life. Here's what you need to know if you're […]

We all love our dogs, but sometimes living with them is frustrating, especially if you have a young puppy or a dog with behavioral challenges. Unfortunately, when people are stressed, they sometimes take their frustration out on their dogs. This manifests in many different ways, whether it's mocking, speaking cruelly, or ignoring their dog upon […]

It's no secret that every owner thinks that their dog is special — especially those dogs that have qualified for the 2022 AKC National Agility Championship (NAC), which is being held in Ocala, Florida on April 1-3 this year.   But one of these dogs has earned a title that bears no acronym or ribbon: Hero. […]

Rescuing a dog is exciting but can also be intimidating. Whether you’re looking at the local shelter or using a private rescue organization, there can be many dogs to choose from. Although you might be tempted to pick the first cute face you see, it’s essential to make an informed choice. Your goal is to […]

Fifteen-year-old Reagan Wallace from St. Peters, Missouri got involved with training dogs during the pandemic. Now, she’s an active dog Agility competitor, placing third at the AKC Junior Agility Championship. In addition to Agility, Wallace and her dogs now participate in a variety of AKC sports, including Rally, Fast CAT, and Obedience. Wallace competes with […]