If you’ve ever watched a dog compete in agility, you can guess the unique bond it creates between a dog and the handler. Even the amateur observer can notice the way the dog looks up at his master for direction and later for approval after soaring through those tunnels, dodging through those weave poles, and […]

Imagine a look of determination on your dog’s face as he runs hard, nimbly making each turn. He keeps his eyes on you while scampering through tunnels, jumping over hurdles, and beaming with pride. The crowds in the stands cheer as you move together in perfect harmony. That’s the sport of Agility. It can be […]

AKC's herding program began June 13, 1989. The program was the largest and most comprehensive to enter the world of herding. With a group of individuals already interested, the program took off with great enthusiasm. AKC's program was created to be a generic program, it allows the owner/handler of the dog choose from a variety […]

It looks so innocent. Three sides...a swinging gate....a quiet, empty, beckoning space... and a six foot rope. Why is it then, that sheep often hit an invisible barrier as they approach this inanimate object we call the free-standing pen? Why do they stop, lean back, then shy away and hesitate to enter? Could it be […]

Graphing and Agility Learning Objectives Students will draw a bar graph to represent a data set with up to four categories.   Grade Levels Grade 2   Common Core Standard CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.MD.D.10 Draw a picture graph and a bar graph (with single-unit scale) to represent a data set with up to four categories. Solve simple put-together, […]

How to tease with a toy/towel Examples of exaggerated animation of the towel as a reward object. If the dog is not enticed or excited about playing with the towel, they will likely ignore it. You must bring it to life and remember "The bunny never jumps in the dog's mouth". DO NOT practice play […]

American Kennel Club Public Education department values educators and the important work they do. We also know that children love dogs! Which is why we have created rigorous, standards-aligned lesson plans, activities, and unit plans for grades kindergarten through twelve in the subjects of math, social studies, language arts, science, and social-emotional learning. These lessons […]

Talcott Mountain Agility Club offered exhibitors a chance to pay their final respects to the chute at the club’s October 1st & 2nd agility trial held at Star Hill Athletic Center, in Tolland, Connecticut. Club members Kristie Hockaday and Andrea Ruzzo created a space for exhibitors to bid farewell to this former piece of equipment. […]

Dogs bark. It's a fact of life that nearly all dog owners must accept. Barking is a self-rewarding behavior. But it is important for breeders and kennel owners to understand the different types of barking, and when it has turned into a problem behavior.  Canine Sounds & What They Mean A bark or vocalization is not just a bark or a vocalization.  A dog owner, breeder, or […]

Since I currently have several senior Akitas, it occurred to me how special they are as they age and how much I enjoy our “oldies.” As with any aging animal, they may have unique needs or adjustments with advancing age, but they are truly as vibrant as ever, with loads of personality, infinite patience for […]