2/23/2022 - The AKC is pleased to announce the expansion of the National Owner-Handled Series by launching the NOHS Levels of Achievement program. Owners and their dogs can obtain Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum recognition by earning a pre-determined number of lifetime NOHS points. Since 2012, the AKC National Owner-Handled Series has highlighted quality dogs […]

My name is Emily Burrier. We may have met at shows, or maybe you haven’t heard of me at all! By occupation, I am a dog trainer, a CGC evaluator, a desk receptionist, a groomer, and a handler. I have participated in AKC Junior Handling events for several years. Though most importantly, like all of […]

Agility is one of the fastest-growing dog sports in the country—and for good reason. It’s incredible exercise for both you and your dog, and it forges an even deeper relationship between you. Plus, it’s exhilarating to watch as your dog nimbly and quickly crawls through tunnels, weaves around poles, and leaps through tires! Here’s everything […]

By Penny Leigh (This article first appeared in the May/June 2024 issue of AKC Family Dog magazine). The purchase of a new puppy and the promise of a new sport had Sarah Kolath excited about the future. She trained dogs for 4H obedience competitions as a teen-ager and was ready to re-launch her dog training […]

Meet Kendall Betz: She Learned That Training Can Build a Dog’s Confidence Name: Kendall Betz Age: 16 Hometown: Richmond, VA Grade: 11th Family: Parents, Brian and Elizabeth, sister Libbie Kendall caught the dog-training bug when she and a friend attended a training camp at the Richmond, VA, SPCA. They learned about canine behavior and how to teach basic tricks. At the end of the session, there […]

Below are some frequently asked questions about finding information on the new AKC.org website. If you have a moment, we encourage you to read the step-by-step instructions or watch the video to familiarize yourself with the structure of the new site to help you during future visits. Select your device: Desktop Instructions Mobile Instructions Please note: Larger […]

If you have a "challenging" dog, it can be easy to feel discouraged, especially if you dream of training and competing in dog sports.

MACH BRADLEY'S BRANDY RN MXG MJS MXP2 MXPB MJP2 OF XFP T2B2 RATM CGCA owned by Kevin & Alison Bradley of Fayetteville, AR Kevin and Alison adopted Brandy from Fayetteville Animal Services on Nov. 22, 2008. They discovered an intelligent, energetic young dog and got her involved in training. Soon, Brandy was competing in agility […]

AKC Scent Work mimics the task of working detection dogs to locate a scent and communicate that the scent has been found. It’s a positive, challenging activity that gives your dog the opportunity to use his strongest natural sense. AKC Scent Work is open to all dogs, including mixed breeds enrolled in the  AKC Canine […]

MACH Dewey MXB MJS OF T2B owned by Elise Strauss of Anchorage, AK Dewey is a 7-year-old Jack Russell Terrier/Chihuahua mix and is Elise’s first agility dog. She never would have discovered the fun sport if it was not for trying desperately to find a way to keep Dewey busy! “I got him when he […]