If you're looking to do more with your sport-prospect puppy, there are games and activities that you can work on to build enthusiasm for learning.

Bringing home a Newfoundland puppy is unlike raising any other puppy. Not only are they physically huge as puppies—which means giant-size fun and big messes—these large pups also take significantly longer to physically and mentally mature than smaller breeds. This means particular training considerations, both when your puppy first comes home, and for the first […]

For a healthy and socialized puppy, it’s important to provide physical exercise and mental stimulation. Here are some activities for training your puppy.

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 […]

Friendly, active, and outgoing, Labrador Retrievers regularly rank among the most popular dog breeds. There's a lot to love, and for first-time Lab owners, there's a lot to get to know — especially over the course of the initial months of your puppy's first year of life. So what are the key milestones and firsts to prepare for […]

Learn more about the symptoms, causes, prevention, and treatment of separation anxiety in dogs and puppies from AKC's dog training experts.

There’s probably only one time in his life when Reas finished last. That’s when he was the final puppy in a litter of five to go to his new home three years ago. That was obviously not his doing. Four other owners passed over him for various reasons. And now the muscular, 51-pound Whippet, owned […]

Moving to a new home is exciting yet stressful, and that stress is particularly strong for dogs. All their familiar sights and smells are upended, and moving day is busy and hectic – not to mention the loss of routine as you stage and show your old home. All that change can be downright traumatic […]

You say you want a dog every time you see a friendly Golden Retriever on the street. But are you actually prepared to bring one into your home? As much as we love the idea of having a canine companion to love unconditionally, being a responsible dog owner is a lot of work. Before getting […]

There's nothing more relaxing and rejuvenating than a good night's sleep. This is true not just for people, but for dogs, too. Dogs sleep between 12 to 18 hours a day, depending on age. They deserve a comfy dog bed to snooze on just like you do. Although you might find your pup snuggled at […]

When Jeff Wells of San Antonio, Texas, came across a listing of a found, injury puppy in 2021, he never could have imagined all that he and "Winston,"...

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.

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.

Owning a dog is a joy, privilege, and responsibility. If you are considering bringing a dog into your life, think seriously about the commitment that being a responsible dog owner entails. The AKC is committed to protecting the health and well-being of all dogs. AKC celebrates Responsible Dog Ownership Day on September 17th each year, […]

Is it your first day at home with a new puppy? Here's what to expect and what to make sure you do to ensure your puppy's future success.

Choosing the right dog for your family can be a challenge. Families looking for a watchful, loyal guard dog should consider the Rottweiler.

The first few weeks with your new puppy are the time to start establishing good behaviors. Here's how from AKC's dog training experts.

When puppies age out of mom’s clean-up, it can be tricky to find a good strategy to deal with the mess pups leave behind. A great way to manage is litter pan training! Tractor Supply Company carries pet crate replacement pans that work well as litter pans for breeds of all sizes. Litter pan training […]

Once upon a time, old newspapers were the go-to material for puppy housetraining. They were readily available and practically free. Everyone had at least one daily paper delivered, and if there were puppies needing more than the usual amount, people were happy to save and share their old papers with breeder friends. But luckily, there […]

Although puppies are little bundles of energy, they usually sleep 18-20 hours a day. Here's how to create the perfect puppy sleep schedule.

If you've ever asked "Why does my dog wake me up?" there are lots of possible answers to that question. Learn about why your dog may wake you up and how to redirect unwanted behaviors to more positive ones.

Dogs that live in the big city face different challenges from those that live in the country or suburbs. Heavy traffic, large crowds, and using public transit all require special skills and an unflappable attitude. Not to mention, every walk can hold new surprises, like an encounter with a bike messenger or a passing throng […]

Potty accidents are common in senior dogs, but there are many potential causes. It's important to see your vet so you can treat the underlying issue.

Puppy biting can become a problem behavior if not nipped in the bud. Teaching bite inhibition, offering chew toys, and training are all ways to curb biting.

Wherever you're traveling, the success of your trip depends on your dog’s behavior. Before you pack your bags, here are five basic skills to teach your dog.

Ask AKC   Dear AKC: We have a 14-month-old German Shepherd. She refuses to bark to be let out or let back in. Instead, she scratches at the door. We've been unable to teach her to "speak". Do you have any suggestions? -- Knock Knock Dear Knock: Since your dog is smart enough to go […]

Have you ever wished you could teach your dog to talk? We know our dogs understand a tremendous amount of language, but what if they could speak directly to us? Can you teach your dog to talk? In short, the answer is yes. Christina Hunger MA, CCC-SLP, a San Diego based speech-language pathologist, has discovered […]

After his 16-year-old son, Joshua Devon Biggles, tragically drowned, Michael Biggles purchased Rambo, a male Rottweiler puppy. Biggles fell head-over-paws with the brawny working breed. So much so, that he went back the next day and bought Retro, the male littermate he didn't select. Six months later, Biggles and his girlfriend, Mariama Myers, added Rascal, […]

This article originally appeared in AKC Family Dog magazine. Alaska wags her tail and wiggles her body every time a person approaches. She has a great grin and calm demeanor but, turned in as a stray to a small rural shelter, her adoption chances were slim. She was an adult. She was black (the least […]

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); […]