Training
Your Dog Has the AKC Elite Performer Title. Here's How to Enter the 2024 Virtual Competition
From the 6-minute routine limit to the October 1 deadline, these are the rules that govern the 2024 AKC Virtual Trick Dog National Competition.
Need
Dog Training
15 guides filed under this need, newest first.
Training
Your Dog Has the AKC Elite Performer Title. Here's How to Enter the 2024 Virtual Competition
From the 6-minute routine limit to the October 1 deadline, these are the rules that govern the 2024 AKC Virtual Trick Dog National Competition.
Rescue
Why is Gucci, an 8-year-old terrier mix, still waiting after 465 days?
Gucci, an 8-year-old terrier mix, has spent more than 465 days in a shelter after his previous owner surrendered him, and his story raises practical questions about senior dog adoption.
Behavior
The Ritual of the Beloved Object: What Winnie and Mia Reveal About Deep Pet Bonds
From a Labrador's plush 'baby' to a cat's chosen human, the rituals pets build around attachment reveal a lot about their instincts and needs.
Training
The Redneck Girls' Agility Triumph: 7 Factors Behind Their Championship Win
Gloria Krueger's all-female Border Collie squad outpaced 25 teams and 128 dogs in the Fall 2023 Agility League's toughest division, showcasing the strategy and skill behind their success.
Rescue
Beyond the Shelter Stigma: How Scrutinized Dogs Can Forge Deepest Trusts
The journey of repeatedly returned shelter animals like Savannah challenges quick judgments, revealing how medical clarity, structured patience, and environmental stability transform apparent problems into profound, resilient bonds.
Training
Muzzle Training: The Safety Skill Every Dog Owner Overlooks
A $15 first-aid tool can prevent bites and reduce panic during emergencies, vet visits, or unexpected stress.
Behavior
Cesar Millan's Training: A Behaviorist Answers Your Questions
Certified dog behavior consultant breaks down the reality behind The Dog Whisperer's methods, from dominance theory to safer alternatives.
Behavior
Predators in Pajamas: The Wild Instincts Still Driving Your Pet's Behavior
That squeaky toy and that midnight zoomie are echoes of ancient survival — and understanding them makes you a sharper pet owner.
Behavior
The Bathroom Door Isn't Even Closed Yet: Why Your Dog Won't Let You Pee Alone
From velcro dog syndrome to hardwired pack instincts, your pup's obsession with bathroom company has roots worth understanding.
Training
Six Minutes to Shine: Inside the 2024 AKC Trick Dog National Competition
The country's best trick-performing dogs will compete virtually this fall — and any Elite Performer titleholder can throw a hat in the ring.
Behavior
Tether Training Done Right: How a Short Line Can Build a Calmer Dog
Forget the rusty chain in the yard — modern tethering is a structured, humane method that teaches puppies and adult dogs to settle on their own.
Behavior
Those Shifty Eyes: What Your Dog's Side Eye Is Really Trying to Tell You
That sideways glance isn't just Instagram fodder — it's one of the clearest windows into what your dog is actually feeling.
Training
That Doorbell Trick For Dogs Can Backfire In Three Ugly Ways
A bell on the door sounds like a genius housetraining shortcut — but veterinarians and trainers flag problems that can set your pup's progress back months.
Living
City Dogs, Small Spaces: A No-Nonsense Guide to Apartment Living Done Right
The difference between a miserable apartment dog and a content one usually comes down to flooring, light control, and how you schedule their walks.
Health
Your Backyard Is an Enrichment Goldmine — Most Dogs Never Get to Dig In
A few deliberate turns of the yard can transform routine outside time into a full-body, full-mind workout your dog actually craves.