Why might you want to teach your dog to wear a backpack? There are a few reasons that it might be good for them to be comfortable with.

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.

The benefits of having a dog are rooted in scientific facts. Learn about how dog ownership can benefit your health and social life.

Ginger is well-known for its health benefits and tastiness to humans, but can your dog eat it? Learn how and when to offer a bit of ginger to them.

When it comes to dogs, the future is now. In the film Back to the Future II, Marty McFly, his girlfriend, and Doc used a time machine to send themselves to October 21, 2015—30 years ahead of the year they live in, 1985. The future, as imagined in the ’80s, didn’t get it all quite […]

Regular exercise and keeping your dog in good physical condition is important for all canines, and essential if you are thinking about participating in any dog sports together. Human athletes prepare their bodies before hitting the court or field, and it's the same for canine athletes. Well-conditioned dogs are less likely to be injured than […]

Dog ownership comes with many benefits, but there are drawbacks too. It's important to consider the pros and cons of dog ownership before getting a dog.

Does your dog have diarrhea? Here are the health benefits of feeding pumpkin to dogs with diarrhea, so that you can help get your dog back on track.

CBD to calm anxiety. Mushrooms to boost immunity. Probiotics and plant-based diets. No, this isn't a rundown of advice from your favorite Instagram wellness coach, it's a list of rising wellness trends for dogs. Are these new trends truly beneficial for your dog, or are they merely passing fads? Get to know each trend and […]

Many dogs are uncertain or sensitive about walking on ground that moves or is a texture they aren't used to, but you can help them adjust by practicing.

If you're the owner of an energetic or hyper dog, here are some tips to help calm them down and get to the root of the hyperactive behavior.

If you own a dog, you have probably found yourself wondering how much exercise a dog needs daily. Depending on your schedule, that question might sometimes sound more like “How much exercise does a dog really need every day?” In This Article Daily Exercise Needs for Puppies Exercise Guidelines for Adult Dogs Exercise Guidelines for […]

Can dogs eat dates? Learn about the benefits and drawbacks of dates and how to safely feed small amounts of this fruit to your dog.

  Since the first issue of AKC Family Dog in 2003, we have been telling the stories of service dogs who guide the blind, hear for deaf, perform household tasks for wheelchair users, indicate on impending seizures and diabetic trauma, and perform many other jobs for disabled owners. During our 13-plus years of interviewing service-dog […]

Learn how to identify arthritis in dogs, obtain a diagnosis from a veterinarian, and explore the various techniques to manage and treat the disease.

Metronidazole (also known by the brand names Flagyl, Metizol, Protostat, Metrogel) is a strong antibiotic sometimes used to treat dogs.

Dogs give us unconditional love. Learn how to return the favor with activities and habits that support your dog's health and happiness.

Training Your Dog to Be a Therapy Dog The AKC GoodDog! Helpline receives frequent inquiries about how to train dogs for therapy work. GDH Trainer Christie Canfield conducts therapy visits with her dog and also teaches therapy dog classes. She tells us the “who, what, when and how” of making a therapy dog. Because of […]

Whether you’re breeding your first litter or next Best in Show winner, we offer invaluable resources for dog breeders, including up-to-date information, ongoing educational programs and more: Litter Registration Show you are a responsible breeder and that your puppies meet breed standards! When you register your litters with the AKC, you get a Registration Certificate […]

Use the following resources as a guide to responsible dog breeding. You may also want to watch the AKC webinar on Planning Breedings: Are you ready to breed a litter of puppies? Prepare Yourself for Breeding a Litter of Puppies Breed to Improve Understand the Commitment Choose A Suitable Mate Know Your Genetics Finalize Stud […]