Bulldogs are known for their dedicated demeanor and adorably wrinkled appearance. Unlike other breeds, they require a few special considerations when it comes to exercise, training, and grooming. For tips on navigating your Bulldog's first year and beyond, we've turned to Brenda Fontanos, AKC Bulldog breeder and owner of Font A Nose Bulldog in Lebanon, […]

From the time he was three weeks old, curled up with his littermates in a Minnesota breeder’s whelping box, Nathan made quite the impression on Janis Dibert, who had recently lost her husband Dennis. A Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever owner for 17 years, Dibert says, “Usually puppies are matched to you based on the information you […]

You've chosen a puppy, bought supplies, puppy-proofed your home, and established some household rules. Now it's time to bring your new puppy home. Of course you're excited and eager to start this new bond, but try to imagine what this is like for the puppy. He's just been taken from his mother, siblings, the only […]

Bringing home a new pet is one of life's most exciting experiences and many Americans appear to agree — 68 percent of households in the United States own a furry companion, according to the American Pet Products Association's National Pet Owners Survey. Recognizing that our pets are important to us, some companies are now offering their […]

Sabrina M. writes, "I have run into a problem with my puppy that I have not had before. My 11-week-old female is going into attack mode: growling, grabbing clothes, and biting legs. I have tried multiple techniques to stop it. We are currently using timeouts. Do you have any other techniques that might work? We […]

Kay R. writes, "I have tile throughout the first floor of my house and a few throw rugs. My puppy always wants to pee on those rugs. I have taken them all up, but want to put them back. Any suggestions?" It is very normal for puppies to do this; they naturally prefer to eliminate […]

There are so many good reasons to teach your puppy to go to the bathroom outside, but that is not always the most practical option. Particularly during the first few months with a young puppy, the constant trips outside during potty training may be too much of a challenge. Elderly or mobility-challenged owners may find […]

  Socializing puppies has traditionally been considered the responsibility of the new owner. We instruct new owners to take the puppy to classes and make sure they are exposed to a variety of people and situations. But recent research shows that encouraging a stable temperament can start even before puppies are born. Breeders can do […]

The first moment I met my 8-week-old Leonberger puppy, Miss Emily von Alpensee, she took one look at me and peed on the floor. I used that opportunity to open a conversation with the breeder about housetraining. "Oh, it's easy," the breeder said. "Leonbergers get it very quickly. As soon as you see the puppy […]

Header photo: SheltieBoy/Flickr Your puppy is growing up, and by now you've established the house rules and routines. If all has gone well, you've been consistent and patient while teaching your dog what is and is not acceptable behavior. He's on a feeding schedule, is on his way to being house-trained, is happy in his crate, […]

Your dog has spotted a squirrel and is running after it in the direction of the road as a truck is barreling toward him. You yell, “Come!” as loudly as you can. What happens? Does your dog pivot and run back to you, avoiding a potentially life-ending injury? Or, does he make the ultimate mistake […]

To say that dogs are super smellers is an understatement. Whether it’s the ground during a walk, another dog during a meet-and-greet, or your friend when she walks into your house, chances are your dog leads with his nose to get information he can’t get with his eyes alone. That’s because your dog’s sense of […]

Puppies present a variety of challenges as they develop. First, they’re sweet babies, following us around, looking to us for every cue. Then, just when you think you’ve got a handle on house-training, basic obedience commands, and confidence building (in both of you), baby teeth and brains seem to go right out the window, simultaneously. […]

Imagine, if you can, being a little baby, cared for and safe with your parents and siblings. Then imagine being abruptly removed from everything you know and plopped down in a new place, with new people, new sounds, smells, and sights. Sounds pretty scary, doesn't it? That's how a new puppy feels when you bring […]

By AKC GoodDog! Helpline Trainer Hilarie Erb Many new puppy owners are alarmed when their pup explores the world by tasting every new thing they find. Grass, dirt, sticks, rocks, mulch – nothing is off limits! This is normal behavior. Many animal babies, humans and puppies included, put things in their mouths to find out […]

Every holiday season, our family gathers for a celebration between Christmas and New Year. Several of our young grandchildren are between the ages of 5 and 8. In wintertime in Western Pennsylvania, a fire is often started in the fireplace during the late afternoon or evening hours. The young ones ask how a fire is […]

Over the last few years, several studies have shown the benefits of allowing dogs in the workplace. For example, it reduces stress and encourages communication between co-workers, among other things. But before your canine companion can become a constant presence at your desk, here are a few questions you should ask yourself. Is My Dog Office-Ready? […]

Ask AKC   Dear AKC: I have a 4-month-old German Shepherd Dog. She is wonderful, loving, sweet, and does all that she can to please. However, we have a big problem. She is peeing in her crate every night. I read that by 4 months this should stop - it hasn't. She comes out in the […]

Earlier this year, skier Gus Kenworthy returned to the United States from the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi with a silver medal—and an armful of stray puppies. (Well, the puppies technically came about a month later after they got the care they needed for the transport.) Two of the puppies, named Jake and Mishka, now live with Gus and his […]

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 […]