The Top Resource for Dog Sports!

Talk to any first-time exhibitor and you’ll hear the same question: “How do I know if my puppy is doing well in the ring?” The answer is hiding in plain sight inside the AKC Puppy of Achievement Points system. Ten tiny points — each one earned in a beginner-friendly conformation class — turn an ordinary show weekend into a crystal-clear progress bar. No majors, no complicated math, just a simple tally that says, “Yes, your pup is on track.” The program’s magic is its speed. A six-month-old puppy can walk into a 4-6 Month Beginner Puppy (BPUP) ring on Saturday morning, wag through two quick laps, and leave the fairgrounds that afternoon with a ribbon worth one, two, or even three AKC Puppy of Achievement Points. Add those numbers together until you reach ten, and the American Kennel Club mails a handsome certificate plus the “POA” suffix for life. Yet

Training your dog doesn’t have to begin with group classes or a trip to the training center. Thanks to the AKC Virtual Home Manners program, you can start teaching essential skills right in your living room—and earn an official AKC title along the way. This program is designed to be practical, accessible, and encouraging for dog owners of all experience levels. But what exactly is Virtual Home Manners AKC, and how does it work? Whether you’re raising a new puppy, working with a recently adopted dog, or simply looking for a fun and productive training goal, this article will walk you through everything you need to know about the program, its benefits, and how to get started. What Is the Virtual Home Manners AKC Title? The AKC Virtual Home Manners title is an introductory-level title that showcases your dog’s ability to behave politely and cooperatively in a home setting. It’s

Dog owners know that keeping their pets active is essential for health and happiness. But is taking daily walks or playing fetch in the backyard enough, or could a structured program like the AKC Fit Dog initiative add extra benefits? Regular Exercise for Dogs: Why It Matters Regular physical activity is vital for dogs of all breeds and ages. “Regular exercise” can include daily walks, jogs, play sessions in the yard, games of fetch, obedience training, swimming, or any activity that gets your dog moving. Here are some key reasons why a consistent exercise routine is so important for dogs: Physical Health: Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, builds muscle tone, and supports cardiovascular health. Active dogs are less likely to become obese, and staying fit can even prolong a dog’s life by reducing health risks.  Mental Stimulation: Physical activity isn’t just about the body—it engages a dog’s mind. A

The AKC Fit Dog Title is an official recognition from the American Kennel Club for dog owners who commit to keeping their dogs (and themselves) physically active. In 2023, the AKC introduced three Fit Dog titles – Bronze, Silver, and Gold – as part of its Fit Dog program to encourage healthy exercise habits. These titles are open to all dogs (purebred or mixed breed) and are earned by completing a series of fitness activities together with your dog. Once earned, the title becomes a suffix to your dog’s AKC name (for example: Fido, FITB for Bronze) and you’ll receive an official certificate. The AKC Fit Dog title program provides a fun, structured way for owners and dogs to get moving, improve their health, and be rewarded for their efforts. It’s a non-competitive program, meaning you’re not competing against anyone else; you simply complete the requirements at your own pace

Dog sports for senior dogs are an excellent way to keep older canine companions active and engaged, helping to maintain their health and happiness. These activities offer a range of benefits, from physical fitness to mental stimulation, and provide opportunities for socialization and bonding. In this article, we’ll explore the numerous advantages of Dog Sports for Senior Dogs and provide tips on how to adapt these activities to suit their needs. Physical Benefits Of Dog Sports For Senior Dogs Participating in dog sports for senior dogs can help maintain muscle strength and joint flexibility. Regular physical activity is crucial for preventing muscle atrophy and reducing the risk of obesity, which can exacerbate joint issues like arthritis. Dog sports that involve gentle exercise, such as agility or rally obedience, can improve cardiovascular health and overall fitness. Agility: Agility courses can be modified for senior dogs by lowering jumps and reducing the

Program Structure and Operation The AKC Fetch Program is structured as a titling test, allowing dogs to earn official AKC Fetch Title by demonstrating their retrieving abilities. Unlike competitive dog sports, this program follows a pass/fail format, focusing on whether a dog successfully meets the specific skills required for each level. Instead of being scored or ranked, each participating dog works alongside its handler to complete a series of retrieving challenges evaluated by an AKC-approved Fetch judge. If a dog successfully completes the required tasks, they receive a passing score and earn a qualifying leg toward their title. If a dog does not pass, they may attempt the test again at a later event. AKC Fetch Title Progression and Test Format The Fetch Program consists of four progressive levels of AKC Fetch Title: Fetch Novice (FTN) Fetch Intermediate (FTI) Fetch Advanced (FTA) Fetch Retriever (FTR) Each AKC Fetch Title introduces