On Thursday, April 18, the Vermont House voted favorably on an amended H. 626 relating to animal welfare protections. The American Kennel Club (AKC) first reported on this omnibus bill in February.  The simplified bill lays the groundwork fundamental to achieving H. 626’s initial goals: Establishes a Division of Animal Welfare at the Department of […]

One of a dog owner's worst nightmares is having their dog run away, yet it's an all too common and dangerous scenario. So how do you prevent it?

Twenty-eight state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: Arizona – Senate Bill 1047 seeks to regulate dogs outdoors.  It provides specific exemptions for police and working dogs, hunting, training, “sporting and competitive functions”, and “lawful competitions”.  As introduced, the bill […]

The American Kennel Club - National Core Professional Dog Grooming Educational Standards aims to establish clear expectations that ensure all professional dog groomers have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the dog grooming industry. The American Kennel Club -CoreNational Professional Dog Grooming Educational Standard allows flexibility in the design and method of instruction and recognizes that the standards reflect an […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Professional Grooming Credential (PGC) from the World Pet Association (WPA). The PGC measures foundational knowledge, safety, and technical skills of groomers, and is the only nationwide grooming industry […]

The Professional Grooming Credential (PGC) program assess practices and showcases the wide knowledge base of the working professional groomer. Worldwide, pet owners spend billions on pet services and products. Pets are a valued part of the family, and when it’s time to be groomed, owners expect the top in the industry. Earning the PGC displays […]

Cones are necessary for dogs after surgery, but they can cause a lot of distress. Teach your dog to tolerate wearing a cone in case the need arises.

Thirty-five state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: Arizona – Senate Bill 1047 seeks to regulate dogs outdoors.  It provides specific exemptions for police and working dogs, hunting, training, “sporting and competitive functions”, and “lawful competitions”.  As introduced, the bill […]

Based on American Kennel Club registration statistics, we rank the most popular dog breeds in America each year. The French Bulldog takes the No. 1 spot!

On Tuesday, March 19, 2024, the Connecticut General Assembly’s Public Safety and Security Committee voted unanimous support for SB 339, which requires restitution by anyone that injures or kills a police K-9 or volunteer search and rescue dog by paying the cost of incurred veterinary services and, if the dog is no longer able to […]

March is Red Cross month, the perfect time to refresh your pet first aid skills. As a breeder you probably already have good first aid knowledge, but it’s a good idea to brush up every so often and to review what is in your first aid kit. In the heat of an emergency, even the […]

Best of luck to the 109 All American Dogs going to the 2024 AKC National Agility Championship to be held March 14-17 in Perry, GA. Watch the live coverage on the AKC TV website and on the AKC TV app (available on smartphones and laptops). MACH A And D's Hobgoblin Gustif MXS MJS T2B owned […]

The lone star tick (Amblyomma Americanum) is expanding its territory, and can transmit several deadly diseases to dogs and people.

On Tuesday, March 5, the Washington state Legislature passed House Bill 1012, a bill that would protect owners and pets during extreme weather situations. The final step in House Bill 1012’s two-year journey is a decision by Governor Jay Inslee. Washington state residents are encouraged to support House Bill 1012. Scroll down for ways to […]

On Thursday, March 7, 2024, the Connecticut General Assembly’s Public Safety and Security Committee will accept public testimony on a list of bills, including SB 339, which requires restitution by anyone that injures or kills a police K-9 or volunteer search and rescue dog.  Current law makes anyone intentionally injuring one of these dogs while […]

Minnesota House File 4215 seeks to fund a program that would provide grants to nonprofit organizations that train and place therapy dogs in state and local law enforcement agencies located in Minnesota to aid in treating peace officers suffering from job-related trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder and to assist in responding to calls involving persons […]

Home sweet home may mean peace and quiet to you. But to your dog, the same home could sound like a marching band. Dogs hear many high-frequency noises...

The California legislative session has begun, and AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) is tracking several bills of interest to dog owners.  We also are closely watching for any amendments or other actions, as animal activists have made public comments indicating their desire to regulate breeders. Be sure to be checking the AKC Legislative Action Center […]

On Monday, February 26, a bill that would protect owners and pets during extreme weather situations cleared another hurdle after being voted out of the state Senate Ways and Means Committee. As the bill has already passed the House of Representatives, the last remaining action in the Legislature is a vote by the whole state […]

The world of dog agility is fast-paced and exciting, but the terminology can be intimidating. Learn the language of dog agility so you can jump right in.

The Connecticut Joint Environment Committee’s public hearing agenda for Wednesday, February 28, 2024, includes HB 5223; which would, as part of a handful of provisions under the oversight of the Department of Agriculture, amend the legal definition of “grooming facility” to include those doing business in “any vehicle or trailer”.  As a result, professional handlers […]

This week, the Senate State Government and Elections Committee advanced a bill that would protect owners and pets during extreme weather situations. Next up, the bill is scheduled for a critical hearing in the Senate Ways and Means Committee on Friday, February 23. The bill has already passed the House of Representatives and is nearing […]

There are many reasons why you might take your dog's temperature, so it's good to know the best thermometer to use, how to use it, and what to look for.

The New Hampshire (NH) House Environment and Agriculture Committee will hear public testimony on multiple concerning bills impacting dogs next week. OPPOSE ANIMAL ABUSE OFFENDER REGISTRY: On Tuesday, February 20, 2024, the committee has a public hearing scheduled at 2:45PM for HB 1505, that would establish an online an animal abuser offender registry to be […]

Forty-four state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: Arizona – Senate Bill 1047 seeks to regulate dogs outdoors.  It provides specific exemptions for police and working dogs, hunting, training, “sporting and competitive functions”, and “lawful competitions”.  For dogs that primarily […]

On Thursday, February 15, the Vermont House Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs will consider H. 626, which is an omnibus bill relating to animal welfare protections. The bill, which has been sought by many for the past several years, would: Establish a Division of Animal Welfare at the Department of Public Safety. It […]

On Thursday, February 15, an Arizona committee will consider multiple bills impacting animals, including bills regulating dogs outdoors and amending the laws regarding seizure of animals when the owner is suspected of mistreatment. Those who wish to comment may do so by using the contact information listed below. SB 1047 – New Provisions for Dogs […]

When he was born, he was struggling to survive. Now, Australian Shepherd "Leonidas" is a conformation dog and PTSD service dog.

Clothes like dog coats, jackets, and boots can be important safety measures when it's very hot or very cold outside. But how do you get your dog comfortable with them?

The big, strong dogs of the Working Group always stand out in a crowd. Which dog sports are best to channel their energy, depending on the breed?