There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. —Maya Angelou A young vet assistant carried my Lab, Fergus, into a room set aside for euthanasia. While Fergus lay on a large, soft pillow, I lay down beside him. I told him what a good guy he was and how I loved him. […]

AKC Earthdog is a dog sport involving a simulated underground hunting scenario. Many Earthdog breeds were bred to hunt subterranean quarry and still possess those instincts. Providing natural opportunities for your dog to dig and explore can help them excel at Earthdog. Do you own a terrier or Dachshund? Have you noticed your dog's love […]

Since the United States is currently in the midst of both tornado and hurricane seasons, it is a good time for breeders to establish or update disaster plans. Summer also brings thunderstorms, which often cause power outages. Having an emergency plan allows you and your staff to act proactively and efficiently to keep dogs and […]

"Use it, or lose it,” so the saying goes, and this applies to dogs as well as people. That’s why regular exercise becomes more important with each passing year, and especially impactful for senior dogs. “Many older dogs often lose strength in their rear limbs, as well as proprioception—essentially the ability to know where their […]

Wondering if spinach is safe for your dog? Discover the health benefits, potential risks, and specific guidance for feeding spinach to dogs.

In the words of Robert Frost, "Good fences make good neighbors." But when it comes to dogs, fences make safe outdoor spaces to run, play, sniff, and...

  One of the greatest frustrations experienced by new puppy owners is housebreaking, but with patience and consistency every dog can learn not to soil their house. The AKC Good Dog! Helpline trainers recommend “S&S” – Scheduling and Supervision – as the most important components when you are “potty training” your infant canine. Feed your […]

If you've spent any time on social media chances are you've come across the phrase "pet all the dogs" or "I just want to pet all the dogs." this memable...

  One of my first memories about breeding dogs is that of my father building a whelping box for our Afghan Hound, Twiggy. I can remember Dad getting two boards 8 feet long by 1 inch thick by 12 inches wide, and 8 “L” brackets. He cut the boards in half and fashioned them together […]

Enjoying some refreshing coconut water or coconut slices, and wondering if you can share it with your dog? Dogs often enjoy eating fruits and vegetables, and many fresh produce items make a great, healthy treat option. In This Article Can Dogs Safely Eat Coconut? Health Benefits of Coconut for Dogs How to Feed Coconut to […]

Dogs can eat cooked, unseasoned potatoes in moderation. Sweet potatoes are the most nutritious; potatoes with green spots should be avoided.

Having people over for the holidays is stressful enough without worrying about your dog's behavior. Here's our tips to set your dog up for success.

Like people, dogs may experience health issues that affect their mobility. Alongside traditional medicine, your vet might suggest a chiropractic.

Left to their own devices, young puppies can get in a lot of trouble, from soiling the carpet to chewing your favorite pair of shoes. That’s why it’s important to start training early and keep a close eye on them, especially when they’re still learning what’s expected of them. And the best way to do […]

Can dogs eat bananas? Here's how to safely feed your dog this fruit.

When I was a child, I never ate an ice cream cone without giving the final bite to my dog. He loved sharing my cold treats, but at the time, I didn't realize it wasn't the best choice for his health. Ice cream can be hard for dogs to digest because milk and cream are the […]

Can dogs eat pork? Find out how to feed pork safely to your dog and why cured, salted, or raw pork could be potentially dangerous to your pet.

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...

I can hardly wait for warm weather to get here and stay here.  This winter in my area has been a long hard one. In my last spring cleaning article, we covered several tasks that are helpful for breeders and kennel owners to do before spring springs! I will cover them again here and add […]

Balconies can provide dogs with exciting sights and smells, but they can be dangerous too. Here are some tips for making a balcony a safe doggy haven.

Can dogs eat avocado? Here's why these fruits aren't safe for dogs to eat.

If you're looking for a perfect mix of guard dog and companion, consider the Great Dane, one of the largest dog breeds.

The Virginia House Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Subcommittee will be considering a number of bills on Monday, January 29, that would impact dog owners, AKC events, and certain out-of-state dog sales. Those who reside or participate in events in Virginia are strongly encouraged to contact the committee prior to the hearing, and if possible […]

On August 2, the City of Stamford’s Board of Representatives met virtually to vote on the proposed tethering ordinance, as amended by the Legislative and Rules Committee on July 20, 2021.  The lengthy discussion before final adoption of text begins 36 minutes into the meeting, which can be viewed on video here. Final text includes […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has just learned that the Minnesota House Commerce Finance Policy Committee will consider House File 2627, which seeks to prohibit pet shops from selling dogs and cats, tomorrow, Tuesday, April 1, 2025.  Pet shops that have been open for at least one year, and under the same ownership, would be […]

In 2017, California passed a law that limited consumer choice in the state by banning the sales of dogs and cats at pet stores, unless they are sourced from a shelter or rescue. Since this went into effect, there have been concerns expressed by supporters of the law that loopholes remain.  As a result, the […]

I have had people ask me about stuff for day yards and at home environmental stability. My advice is junk. I purchase stuff to make presentations visually appealing, but junk works just as well. Most important is to make sure it is safe. I don’t use glass or much metal and thoroughly clean anything that […]

AKC Petcare LLC’s New Grooming and Boarding Space AKC Canine Retreat Grand Opening February 11th Luxury retail pet care space aims to redefine grooming, training and boarding.

Luxury retail pet care space aims to redefine grooming, training and boarding.   The American Kennel Club (AKC®), is pleased to announce that its new pet care space AKC Canine Retreat will have its Grand Opening in New York City on February 11th. Located in the exclusive VIA 57WEST building at 625 West 57th St., […]

Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in US Territories The AKC Government Relations Department is pleased to assist dog owners with canine legislation issues in their local communities, but we can’t help unless we are aware of the proposal. Please contact us at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org when new laws are discussed or […]