Walk down the dog food aisle of any large pet-supply store, or peruse the shelves at your local pet food shop, and you can quickly become overwhelmed. This is especially true for new puppy owners, and probably even more so for first-time puppy owners. When did it get so complicated? In years past, dog food options […]

How to stop a dog from barking when they're home alone can be a challenge. Here are some ways to distract or redirect this behavior in your dog.

When you let your dog outdoors to take care of business and notice them kicking grass, sand, and dirt behind them, it's easy to think that the behavior is just a way to keep their area clean. In truth, it's actually a safety mechanism and an important part of how dogs communicate as a species. […]

Food-grade lick mats made of natural rubber or silicone aim to soothe, entertain, and enrich dogs. They're also easy to clean and offer many uses.

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, […]

The PETS Act requires that household pets and service animals are included in any emergency preparedness operational plans by state and local authorities.

Like us, dogs need mental enrichment to keep their brains active. Snuffle mats for dogs are a great way to put their sniffing senses to work!

Antidepressants and other behavioral medications are often used to treat anxiety in dogs and can be an important part of a behavior modification program.

If you're away from home most of the day, doggy daycare may be a good option for your dog. Follow these tips to choose the best daycare for your pet.

Dogs are bound to bark, but excessive dog barking can become an annoying problem. Learn tips to help control and curb nuisance barking behavior.

Learn why every dog should be muzzle trained, not just aggressive dogs or dogs with a bite history, and the types of muzzles that are available.

How can you make sure your dog is well cared for if you travel? Here's everything you need to know about preparing for your dog's care when you leave town.

Amitriptyline, which goes by the brand name Elavil, is prescribed as an off-label treatment for generalized anxiety and separation anxiety in dogs.

With wildfires ravaging regions of the U.S., check out these resources to ensure that both the humans and pets in your life can stay safe.

Dogs use their barks to show how they feel and to communicate with other dogs. The reason behind their bark can change depending on the situation.

Sled dog breeds have helped humans survive in the Arctic for millennia. Learn more about the work these breeds have done and the sports they participate in today.

In this era of climate change, you can't take storms too lightly. Hurricanes, in particular, have grown stronger as the oceans have warmed and provided more fuel for them. As Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, and Helene have demonstrated, dog owners have many reasons to thoroughly prepare for hurricane season. Here's what you need to know. What […]

Should you let your dog sleep with you? There are historical precedents, and while there may be potential issues, there are plenty of benefits, too.

Your dog loves you unconditionally. It's one of the best parts of their companionship. But that doesn't mean your dog loves everything you do. In fact, a lot of dog owners irritate their pet every day without even realizing it. Do you think you might be guilty? Here are some ways you might be annoying […]

Why do dogs pee on beds? Learn about the possible reasons your dog might be peeing on your bed and how to prevent this behavior in the future.

Dogs pee in the house for many reasons, but they also urine mark. Learn to tell the difference between these behaviors and how to reduce marking.

Even the most mild-mannered of dogs may turn into a fierce barker with the mail carrier or other delivery workers come around. Here's why.

Raising a confident puppy helps deal with possible behavioral issues in the future. Here's how you can help your puppy grow into a self-assured young dog.

Why do dogs lick their paws? Find out potential health or behavioral issues that might cause your pet to be licking or gnawing at their paws, as well as what you can do about it.

Adding a new puppy to the family can be a fun and memorable experience. But not all members of your household might share your enthusiasm. Perhaps you have a senior dog at home with different needs from a younger dog. Plus, some dogs are considered a senior at 6 years old, while smaller breeds, like […]

Ozzy had tough beginnings at a shelter, but owner Kelly Halloran saw potential. The now-senior dog is an accomplished agility dog.

We all love our dogs. In fact, many of us probably love all dogs. The bond between human and canine can be so close that it might seem we can read each other’s thoughts and feelings. While this is true to some extent, the fact is that dogs aren't people; they don’t behave, react, or […]

It's best to limit your dog's exposure to essential oils. Even indirect contact can cause respiratory distress and other ailments.

41 legislatures and the District of Columbia are in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: Arizona – SB 1462 mandates comprehensive, standardized training for Arizona animal control officers, focusing on legal and animal welfare topics. The bill missed legislative deadlines and will not advance this year. AKC monitored this […]

37 legislatures and the District of Columbia are in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: California – AB 2344 standardizes and strengthens due process protections for dog owners in California facing proceedings to declare their dogs potentially dangerous or vicious, raising the evidentiary standard and mandating uniform notification and […]