Cleo and Gwen Blake practice at Family Dog Training Center in Kent, Wash., a Seattle suburb. “Practice doesn’t make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect,” says Blake. “And we need plenty of that.” Photo courtesy Kathy Lang. For Gwen Blake, it’s back to basics every time she steps into the obedience and rally rings with her […]

Sisters Lian Chase and Jade Chase from Peyton, Colorado, are powerful competitors in the show ring—and they're still teenagers. Lian, who is 18, got involved with showing dogs through 4-H when she was 9 years old, and began with AKC shows when she was 11. Younger sister Jade, 15, also began showing dogs through 4-H […]

Winners of the 2023 AKC Agility Invitational were crowned! The event was broadcast on ESPN2 on December 24. See winners in all divisions here.

Ever wonder how to keep your dog cool in summer? These summer dog grooming tips will keep your pup feeling cool and comfortable in warm weather.

Imagine stepping into the ring but not being able to see the dog at the end of your leash. This is what dog shows are like for Lexie Lanier.

Teach Your Dog to Back Up This issue’s Training Tip is brought to us by Mandy Baker CPDT-KA CBATI CCUI, who has been training and competing with All American Dogs for 16 years in rally, agility, scent work, freestyle and more. She shares her tips for getting a fantastic back-up, an important skill for many […]

Meet Alyssa Lanier: Dogs are a Family Affair Name: Alyssa Lanier Age: 11 Hometown: Ocklawaha, FL Grade: Sixth Family: Parents Chad and Jennifer Lanier; Brother, Zachary; Sisters, Brianne and Skyla Dog training started as a 4H activity for Alyssa’s older siblings. Alyssa tagged along and soon was training her own dogs. Now showing dogs is something the entire family participates in. Alyssa and Wrangler placed third in Novice A at […]

Don’t train for Novice, train for the Final… Jacqueline Soccodato has had an amazing agility career with her rescued All American Dog, Buster, including earning three MACHs and two PACHS; making the finals of the Westminster Kennel Club Master Agility Championship; & being at the top of the rankings for All Americans. She has taken […]

The AKC works with non-AKC service and sports organizations to recognize the titles that AKC-registered dogs earn in their programs. This includes the AKC Therapy Dog program and the AKC Search & Rescue program. AKC also recognizes titles of the Barn Hunt Association (BHA); North American Diving Dogs (NADD); the North American Flyball Association (NAFA); […]

The Recycled Dog: Unlocking One Dog’s Potential Through Play This issue’s training article is contributed by agility competitor & AKC Agility League participant Norah C. Strebel of Utah, who shares her story of working with an “unadoptable” rescue dog. Norah discovered the world of dog sports with the adoption of a flying disc-obsessed mixed-breed dog in 2000. […]