This is a special story about an incredible therapy dog. Luke passed way in January 2010 at about 14 years of age, but the impact he made on many children continues to last. His owner Debra White shares their story. To protect privacy, Debra has changed the names. This story originally appeared in an issue […]

Not every dog is cut out for the demanding role of a therapy dog. Rachel Shaw shared this story about her rescue Catahoula Leopard Dog and her discovery along the training road that Odette preferred not to do therapy work - except for one special moment that she will never forget. This story originally appeared in […]

Dogs Have Feelings Too – New Book Strives to Improve Child-Dog Relationships We recently spoke with certified dog trainer and behaviorist Michelle Godlevski of Raleigh, NC, about her new book, Dogs Have Feelings Too. Michelle wrote the children’s book to teach youngsters to recognize dog body language and to promote empathy in children on how […]

New Jersey Senate Bill 1013 will be considered by the Senate Economic Growth Committee on Monday, December 12, 2016. As originally introduced, this measure contained numerous prohibitions on the crating, confinement, transportation and keeping of dogs that would have arbitrarily and unnecessarily banned standard, humane temporary care practices utilized at dog shows and events.    AKC […]

A bill is expected to be considered as soon as tomorrow in the Michigan House Appropriations Committee that could result in licensing, inspections, and even requirements on how every person who breeds a dog in Michigan should care for their dogs.  AKC thanks those who have taken the time to contact their State Representative, and asks […]

New Jersey Senate Bill 1013 will be considered by the Senate Economic Growth Committee on Thursday September 29, 2016.  The AKC is concerned with many aspects of the bill, and urges all concerned dog owners in New Jersey, especially purebred dog fanciers and enthusiasts, to request that the members of the committee amend the bill […]

House Bill 403 seeks to define outside confinement requirements and limit tethering for dogs.  As written, this bill could criminalize owners who utilize appropriate and humane kenneling and turn-out options for their dogs. HB 403 has been placed on the agenda for the next meeting of the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee at […]

South Dakota Senate Bill 157 seeks to provide additional regulations for commercial breeding operations.  The bill will be considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday, February 18, 2016.  Concerned breeders are encouraged to contact the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and respectfully express their concerns. South Dakota law already defines a commercial breeding […]

Wednesday, November 11, 2015 On Monday, November 16, 2015, two committees of the New Jersey Assembly will consider bills pertaining to dogs and sales regulations.  The bills include: AB 2524 / SB 1877 – These companion bills provide that any person with disabilities accompanied by a guide or service dog, or any guide or service […]

The Hempstead Town Board is continuing to debate a proposal that would regulate breeders, pet sellers, and mandate the sterilization of dogs prior to sale- even if they are only 8 weeks old.     Residents of the Town of Hempstead are encouraged to contact the Hempstead Town Board as soon as possible and respectfully ask […]

April 28, 2015 Attention Alabama Dog Owners: Alabama House Bill 548 seeks to establish criminal penalties for failure to comply with overreaching, undefined, and arbitrary requirements for the care, feeding, and housing of dogs.  Compliance with the problematic provisions of HB 548 would be required for every person or organization that has “custody or ownership” […]

The American Kennel Club Government Relations Department has just learned that Illinois House Bill 5771, which seeks to impose both government oversight over most responsible dog breeders and litter limits, has been removed from tomorrow’s agenda of the Illinois House Agriculture and Conservation Committee. The Government Relations Department will report new developments regarding HB 5771 […]

The Joint Committee on the Environment will hear Senate Bill 274, this Monday, March 8. As currently written, this bill would prohibit as “unreasonable” the tethering of dogs and the use of primary dog enclosures smaller than 100 square feet. The American Kennel Club is concerned by the strict requirements and the current wording of […]

The Los Angeles County Regional Planning Board unanimously rejected proposed zoning changes affecting dog kennels. AKC congratulates the kennel operators and responsible owners and breeders who worked hard to educate the board members about these important issues.   Los Angeles County Zoning Changes to Hurt Kennels and Breeders [Thursday, October 22, 2009] The Los Angeles […]

The Berkeley Citizens Humane Commission will meet again on Wednesday, May 17th to discuss a proposal to require mandatory spay/neuter of all “pit bulls.” It is vital that responsible dog owners and concerned breeders attend this meeting. Fanciers are also encouraged to contact their representative on the Berkeley City Council to oppose this measure. The […]

Ways to Increase the Chance of TV News Coverage for Your Dog Show TV crews are eager to cover local stories and your hometown dog show easily fits the bill. Even if there may be a bigger dog show, your local show can serve as a lead-up, building anticipation toward larger shows. Luck sometimes plays […]

By Karla Deithorn, Executive Field Representative Before gathering the supplies to build your dens you need to consider a number of things. One of the first things to consider is whether you will be building permanent or temporary dens. If the dens are to be left in the ground for any length of time you […]

This is the Trial Secretary/Superintendents page for Companion Events! We are pleased to offer this page as a resource to all Trial Secretaries, Superintendents, and Trial Committees. Here you can find the most up to date information on new regulations and proper procedures. We will post announcements and other information regarding AKC regulations on this […]

Obedience Trial Process and Procedure Some breeds have fewer obedience exhibitors participating in their trials than others. These clubs want to offer obedience, but may be faced with the problem of considerable expense for a few exhibitors. By combining the obedience entries of several clubs, expenses can be shared and exhibitors have the opportunity to […]

The following dogs have earned VCD titles on the dates listed below: 1/4/2014 VCD1 Nocturne's Gabriel II VCD2 UDX2 OM1  GSD.  Owned by: Timothy A Muldowney of ROCKFORD, IL. 1/5/2014 VCD1 GCH DC Sanyati's Savanna Shasha VCD2 RE MC LCX MX MXJ CGC  RHORIDGE.  Owned by: Michael Miller/Suzanne Miller of HILLSBORO, OR. 1/5/2014 VCD1 MACH Pebblemist's Holiday Garland VCD1 RN MXB MJB CGC  DACH. […]

Stress that livestock experience in handling does affect your trial and livestock workability. There are ways to reduce their stress during a herding event that will give your exhibitors a better chance to qualify. Lessen visual disturbances Livestock have wide-angle vision. Side walls and visual screening will help keep your livestock calm. This keeps livestock […]

First, you have to have a mental image of a perfectly correct "square flank". This involves the relationship between the dog and SHEEP not the handler. Dogs do not square flank off the handler, they square flank off the sheep. As the dog runs in half circle or part of a circle around the sheep […]

It looks so innocent. Three sides...a swinging gate....a quiet, empty, beckoning space... and a six foot rope. Why is it then, that sheep often hit an invisible barrier as they approach this inanimate object we call the free-standing pen? Why do they stop, lean back, then shy away and hesitate to enter? Could it be […]

by Lori Herbel Planning a herding trial involves club members bringing a lot of small details together to form a complete and total package. Planning starts months in advance to hopefully ensure that the event runs smoothly and according to plan. There are, of course, the most obvious items that need to be lined up […]

by Tammie Rogers I am amazed at a herding dog's courage. We often ask our dogs to control and pilot animals that can weigh hundreds of pounds more than they do. We ask them to manage ewes with baby lambs and cows with newborn calves. We ask them to move livestock that doesn't want to […]

by Lori Herbel We've all had those great moments in herding when our own outstanding handling expertise and our dog's natural, God-given talents have put us in awe and made our hearts swell, and given us cause to be proud to be herders. But why, oh why do those moments seem to be much fewer […]

(c) 2007 Ernest Hartnagle and Jeanne Joy Hartnagle-Taylor Some historians propose Basques and their sheepdogs from the Pyrenees played an insignificant role in the history of the Australian Shepherd breed. Secondly, Basques did not to go Australia with their "little blue dogs" and then come to the U.S. with boatloads of sheep. Thirdly, the Basque […]

Frequently Asked Club Questions   Agility Rule Changes 1. What is an "Agility Online Entries System?" An Agility online entry system accepts entries into trial or accepts entries for the random draw. An online program that transmits entries to a trial secretary who makes the entry acceptance determination is NOT an "Agility Online Entries System." […]

He'll love you forever and ever if you do these three things. Give him goodies: By offering your dog yummy treats or toys—especially while introducing him to a new sight, sound, or smell—you'll be helping him make a positive association with you and whatever else he's experiencing. The BFF Box has one of each (a MegaPlush […]

Chapter 3 A. First Meeting: First organizational meeting select/elect Chairperson and each committee's leadership. Determine scope of event and necessary work force. Make a list of preferred judges, possible event facilities, dates and livestock contractors. Timeline 12 to 18 months prior to event: Have organizational meeting B. Chairperson: Communication is important to conducting a successful […]