STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) has become a hot topic in education. Schools all over the country are finding ways to enrich students in these key subject areas. Why is STEM important? The U.S. Department of Commerce claims that STEM careers are growing at a rate of 17%, which is almost double the growth […]

AKC Public Education offers brochures and other resources that contain a wealth of information for current and prospective dog owners. Volunteer Insurance for your club Equisure [accordion] [accordion_panel title="PEC Kits"] AKC Public Education provides the following resources in a kit that can be ordered for your next event. The following resources are included: Welcome to […]

Beth Kirven of West Columbia, South Carolina, has always had Sporting dogs — her first dog as an adult was an English Cocker. But once she married and had children, she decided to ditch the grooming and go for some smooth operators: namely, Pointers, acquiring her first from the late Susan Thompson of Solivia Pointers […]

Teach Your Dog to Turn Right and Left This issue’s training tip is brought to you by AKC Canine Partners Program Manager Penny Leigh, who competes with her All American Dogs in numerous sports.  Teaching directionals to your dog can be very beneficial for many sports, plus it is a cute trick and great way […]

By AKC GoodDog! Helpline Trainer Breanne Long For your sake - and that of your canine companions, teaching self-control, also called impulse control, is an important aspect of dog ownership. Not only will it make your life easier, it makes for a calmer and more focused dog. If your dog dashes through doorways, starts into […]

AKC GoodDog! Helpline Trainer Elizabeth Sandling teaches therapy dog classes and is a long-time therapy team volunteer with her Shetland Sheepdogs, Sandy and Nivy. Here she gives owners some helpful tips on becoming a therapy dog team with their canine partner. Why Volunteer As a Therapy Dog Team: Therapy dogs provide affection, support, and comfort […]

Buster’s owners did not want him because he kept running away. Rather than provide secure fencing or a kennel, they dumped him at the shelter. Today, the 3-year-old Labrador mix still specializes in escaping without jumping over a single gait or slipping through any open doors. Buster helps a war veteran escape from his bad […]

with Family's Devotion   While her daughter took a tennis lesson, jogger Vicky Kaseorg put her wait time to good use with a run around the neighborhood. A lifelong animal lover, Vicky forced herself to look away when she spotted a skinny mud-covered dog lying in a parking lot. Surely some kind-hearted person would help, […]

Technology helps people live longer and better lives, and the same is true for our dogs. Mobility devices for dogs can help a variety of dogs live and move more comfortably.

Making friends in a new city can be challenging. But dogs often make that transition easier by sparking conversations, encouraging shared routines, and helping owners feel more connected. Research and real-life experiences show that dogs can boost confidence, improve mental well-being, and open doors to friendships and even romance. In This Article How Dogs Expand […]

Walking your dog is essential for daily exercise and stimulation, but how long and how often do you need to walk a dog each day?

In a world that's filled with noise from cars and electronic devices, music can be a welcome reprieve for you and your dog.

Have a puppy at home who you hope will grow up to be a canine athlete? Here's how to safely get them started across different sports.

If your dog spends their entire on-leash walk choking against their collar, you might be considering using a harness. Maybe your dog already wears a harness, but it's rubbing their skin or they don't like putting it on. Although there are many potential benefits to using a harness, it can do more harm than good […]

When you're making your New Year's resolutions, consider your dog's goals, too. Here are five easy ways to make this year wonderful for you and your dog.

Although your senior dog might not be chasing the ball as fast or as far as they used to, there are many ways to engage with them in safe physical activity.

Clinic by Lori Herbel "My dog has become really pushy lately. We seem to be in constant battle all the time. I can't figure out why!" "I've never started a dog in herding before. I have no clue what to do. Help!!" "Why does my dog quit when I try to teach him new things? […]

By: Zach Simpson Zach Simpson is a16-year-old from Wadsworth, IL, who knows exactly what he wants for his future. An All Honors or Advanced Placement student, this Junior is heavily involved in competitive shooting as well as his Hunting Test activities with his Vizsla, Otis, who Zach trained and handled to his Master Hunter title. […]

For the last 12 years I had the privilege of being involved in the AKC Juniors Program. My life would be very different if I had not been given this opportunity. Initially I was shy, introverted, and lacked confidence. Fast forward through a dozen years of training and showing dogs in tracking, obedience, rally, agility, […]

By Penny Leigh This article originally appeared in AKC Family Dog magazine. Friday nights about 20 miles outside of Chicago, people and dogs file into For Your K9 dog training school. They gather to train in the sport of agility, but they may be met with a red carpet; heart stickers to wear; or given […]