AKC Rally: Teaching the Right Finish This month’s training tip walks you through training the Right Finish exercise for AKC Rally or Competition Obedience. It is contributed by AKC staffer Paisley Lunchick KPA-CPT RVT, a registered veterinary technician, professional dog trainer and member of the AKC GoodDog! Helpline. Paisley and her mixed-breed Eyre have earned […]

Fitness Training Basics This month’s tip is contributed by Courtney Holscher, a rehabilitation and acupuncture veterinarian in South Carolina. Courtney is also an agility competitor, who started in the sport in 2003 at the age of 11 with her Cocker Spaniel. She has also run an Australian Shepherd and currently competes with her All American […]

In its endless pursuit to recognize outstanding members of the fancy, The American Kennel Club Lifetime Achievement Awards were created and first awarded in 1999 to honor our best. The purpose of the awards is to celebrate those individuals whose many years of dedication have led to significant contributions to our sport on a national […]

About the Breeder of Merit Program The AKC Breeder of Merit program celebrates breeders who go above and beyond to prioritize the health, temperament, and well-being of their puppies. This program recognizes those dedicated to maintaining breed standards and ensuring their AKC-registerable puppies find loving homes.  As a Breeder of Merit, you’ll show your commitment […]

Competition/Titles Update We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles in Agility, Coursing Ability, Rally, Obedience and Tracking. This past quarter delivered the first Agility Grand Champion and the first Rally Master title holders! There is also a new Champion Tracker and lots of exciting news about All […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="K9 Bruno - Anaheim Police Department, CA"] K9 Bruno, a seven-year-old German Shepherd Dog, served with the Anaheim Police Department for six years at the time of his injury. He was given an AKC Humane Fund Award for Canine Excellence (ACE) by the American Kennel Club in 2014 after being shot while assisting the SWAT team with a search. […]

This issue’s training tip is contributed by Courtney Holscher, a rehabilitation and acupuncture veterinarian in South Carolina. Courtney is also an agility competitor, who competes on AKC Agility League teams with the Palmetto Agility Club of the Upstate in South Carolina. Courtney currently competes with her All American Dog, Ella; Border Collie, Zinnia; and Miniature […]

I have two AKC dogs, a Sheltie named Tui and a Eurohound (English Pointer/German Shorthair Pointer/Alaskan Husky) named Nessie. I love agility, and I know my dogs love it as much as I do! Where I live, there are four distinct seasons; rainy Spring, hot Summer, blustery Fall, and snowy Winter; because of this, I […]

September 2025 The American Kennel Club is pleased to announce that the 2026 AKC National Obedience Championship (NOC) and the AKC Rally®️ National Championship (RNC) will be held at the Roberts Centre in Wilmington, Ohio, on July 16–19, 2026. National Obedience Championship (NOC): July 16–17 Rally National Championship (RNC): July 18–19 The Roberts Centre offers a convenient central location, excellent facilities, and accommodations […]

Callahan’s Christmas Bliss OA OAJ NF owned by Lori Callahan of Clearwater, FL Callahan’s Christmas Bliss had an early life that was anything but merry.  Rescued from a Puerto Rican shelter with 278 other dogs, Bliss barely survived distemper and a bad case of mange.  The spaniel-retriever mix’s first six months of life were spent […]