We've all heard a story of a whip-smart dog who learned strategic words, like "walk" or "treat." But do those dogs really understand human language, and if so, what are the limits on their language learning? A burgeoning field of scientific research is beginning to find some answers. The Average Dog Doesn't Distinguish the Details […]

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you learn how to put on a dog harness. AKC's dog training experts provide all the information you need.

Competition/Titles Update Fall 2021 We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles and honors in Agility, Coursing Ability, Fast CAT Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog. Many dogs are also having success in AKC’s Virtual Titling programs! AGILITY Agility Grand Champion (AGCH) AGCH MACH3 Day's Katie […]

Training Tip: Send to a Target  This issue’s tip is from Lindsay Clark of LC’s Competitive Edge Dog Training in Reddick, Fla. Lindsay is owner and trainer of “Sooper Cooper,” an All American Dog who has titles in rally, obedience, agility, scent work, barn hunt, coursing and more. The rescue dog won top scoring mixed-breed at the 2020 AKC Rally National Championship. One of the first things I teach my dogs […]

We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles in Agility, Coursing Ability, Rally, Obedience, Tracking and Trick Dog, including the fourth All-American Dog to earn the new AKC Agility Grand Championship, the fifth All American Dog to earn the AKC Champion Tracker title, and another CAX for the […]

Age Doesn’t Stop Rescue Dog from Launching Agility Career When you watch Lizzie running an agility course, she looks like an old pro as she navigates the jumps, tunnels and weaves. But the 10-year-old is actually a newbie, who only started training in the sport two years ago. Her owner Catherine Kist of Illinois tells […]

A Canine Good Citizen is a dog that passes the 10-step CGC test, and is accordingly recognized for meeting the gold standard for dog behavior. AKC sends a certificate suitable for framing to the owners of those dogs. Dogs with the CGC title are also listed in AKC records with the "CGC" suffix after their […]

Twenty-six state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country:  Connecticut – S.B.166 would impose penalties to prevent fraud and abuse by persons claiming to have service animals.  It has been referred to the Joint Committee on Human Services.  Connecticut - S.B.182 […]

  Coppertone was near death when California residents Heather & Lori Sims rescued her as a young puppy. They spent nights feeding the Miniature Dachshund with an eye dropper because she was too weak to eat on her own. The veterinarian gave her little chance of survival, but the puppy pulled through. The Sims say […]

About the AKC Community Canine℠ Title AKC Community Canine℠ is the advanced level of the AKC's Canine Good Citizen Program. Dogs who pass the AKC Community Canine test earn the official AKC Community Canine title that is designated by the letters "CGCA" (Advanced CGC) on the dog's title record. Whereas Canine Good Citizen tests are […]