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 […]

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 […]

When it comes to communication, dogs are significantly better at interpreting our body language than we are theirs. Humans rely on verbal language more heavily than body language, whereas dogs are just the opposite. Unfortunately, this often means we are left scratching our heads, wondering what our dogs are trying to tell us. Shaking is […]

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 […]

Puppies have a short time window for optimal socialization, and that requires exposure to multiple different surfaces, people of all backgrounds, and various new situations. But what about the puppies who happen to be within that window now, during this time of necessary social distancing due to COVID-19? How can they be socialized so they […]

During the COVID-19 lockdown, your puppy won the people lottery by enjoying your attention around the clock. Snuggling for hours on the couch, long neighborhood walks, and extra lunchtime treats were all in a day's work. It's a heavenly routine your canine best friend has come to rely on. The downside is that your pup […]

There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. —Maya Angelou A young vet assistant carried my Lab, Fergus, into a room set aside for euthanasia. While Fergus lay on a large, soft pillow, I lay down beside him. I told him what a good guy he was and how I loved him. […]

One of the most common questions owners ask veterinarians about their senior dogs is “Can elderly dogs get Alzheimer’s?” You may have noticed that your older dog has started slowing down, or that she seems disoriented and anxious. Some of this is normal aging, but your dog could also have the canine equivalent of Alzheimer’s disease: Cognitive […]

When humans are reunited with their pets, owners might shed more than a few tears. But do dogs do the same? Until now, most evidence has indicated that, while they do exhibit empathic responses to humans in need of comfort, dogs do not cry. But a new study from Japan, published in the journal Current […]

Moving from a house to an apartment, condominium, RV, or tiny home can be challenging for dogs. These tips and skills will make the transition easier.

If you've got the time to provide the training and exercise these smart, high-energy wolf-like dog breeds need, they might be worth researching further.

Paid Advertisement When you get ready to leave your house for work or a quick errand, are you confident that your pooch will settle down for a leisurely snooze until you return? That's what the owner of three black Labrador Retrievers thought. But while she was out, those silly dogs ate the popcorn strung on […]

Paid Advertisement Natural disasters are occurring on an increasing basis due to climate change. Hurricanes, floods, wildfires, earthquakes, tornadoes—wherever you live you may experience one or more of these looming dangers and be forced to evacuate your home. The American Red Cross advises those who must leave their home during a disaster that the best […]

You’re bringing home a new dog. You’ve searched for the right adult dog to become a member of your family. After careful thought and planning, the day has come. It’s important to recognize that, although you had a chance to think this through, your new dog has no idea that an unknown family, strange household, […]

After settling into your comfy chair, you're ready for a movie night at home. Before you can say "Pass the popcorn," your dog approaches, sits on your feet, and leans on your legs. This gesture has precedent, too; historically, aristocratic ladies used some small breeds as foot warmers. Plenty of doggie cushions line the floor, […]

We love spending quality time with our dogs. But there may be days when we wonder, “Why does my dog follow me everywhere?” The answer has to do with their animal instinct,  pack mentality, and a few other variables. Canine companions that follow their humans everywhere are often referred to as “Velcro dogs” because of […]

Search-and-rescue dogs provide valuable assistance in times of crisis. But how do they do their jobs? Learn all about canine SAR and how these dogs work.

Multiple pets can mean more fun and affection, but there are also extra challenges. These 10 tips will help you manage a multi-pet household.

Life can be challenging for anxious dogs. These 10 tips from the GoodDog Helpline will help you manage and treat your dog's anxiety.

Hank, a 3-year-old German Shepherd Dog, has changed the life of 10-year-old Harrison Brimner, who is autistic, and the lives of his family. Hank is the recipient of the 2023 Award for Canine Excellence in the Service Dog category.

Keeping a growing puppy fit can be tricky, but exercise is very important for puppy health. Learn ways to exercise with your puppy and keep them fit.

If you have a busy schedule, you may have to leave your dogs alone more often than you'd like. Here's how to make the time apart as comfortable as possible.

A combination of breed and socialization will help determine how your dog will behave. Here's why breed matters when selecting a pet.

Dog DNA tests can be used for a variety of things, not just to identify mixed-breed dogs' genetic makeup. Learn more about the uses of dog DNA tests.

The AKC Canine Good Citizen test isn't just another title to add to your dog's collection. It also helps build crucial life and obedience skills.

This sleek, silver-gray breed originated in the 19th century, developed to hunt bear, boar, and other large game. Here's what else makes Weimaraners unique.

We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles and honors in Agility, Coursing Ability, Fast CAT, Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog. Many dogs are also having success in AKC’s Virtual Titling programs! AGILITY Congratulations to these dogs who have earned more MACHs: MACH21 Donaldson's Daisy […]

The AKC works with non-AKC service and sports organizations to recognize the titles that AKC-registered dogs earn in their programs. This includes the AKC Therapy Dog program and the AKC Search & Rescue program. AKC also recognizes titles of the Barn Hunt Association (BHA); North American Diving Dogs (NADD); the North American Flyball Association (NAFA); […]