Fun stuff to do with your dog:

 

AKC Guide to Performance Events - Did you know that dogs of ANY breed, even mixed breeds and dogs of unknown parentage (yes, that includes shelter and rescue dogs) can enjoy participating in many AKC companion events such as rally-obedience and agility?  Get out and have some fun with your dogs!

Infodog - Here is where you can find AKC events in your area, including conformation (dog shows), rally, obedience, agility, field trials, tracking, and more!

UKC Events Calendar - UKC offers competition in a variety of disciplines, including conformation, rally, hunting, lure coursing, dock jumping, and more.

Canuck Dogs - a resource for dog events for our Canadian friends.

Barn Hunt - A relatively new dog "sport" where your dog gets to sniff out live rats (safely contained in tubes) hidden in hay bales.  This sport is open to ALL dogs, purebred or mixed, registered or unregistered.  You must register your dog with Barn Hunt Association to participate, but it is quick and easy!

 

 

Conformation (Dog Shows):

AKC Grand Champion Points Rankings - note that it takes about two weeks for rankings to update

Canine Chronicle - to see current U.S. rankings in All-Breed Points, go to Statistics

Dog Show Poop - news, results, commentary

Best In Show Daily - daily results from all over the U.S., with commentary and other feature articles of interest to dog lovers

Show Sight - the dog show magazine

Sight & Scent - the agazine of the Hound Groupd

Show Beagle Quarterly - the beagle magazine, also covers beagle achievements in performance events and beagle training, health, and other issues.

 

AKC/Eukanuba National Championship - one of the two biggest dog shows in the U.S.  Held in Decemebr in Florida every year.

Westminster Kennel Club - the other major dog show in the U.S., held in February in New York each year.

Crufts - the largest dog show in the world, held in London each year.

 

Best In Show (the movie) - yes, I do in fact love this movie.  I am mostly a mix between the bloodhound owner and the terrier owners,but there may be hints of the others, too!

 

 

Training:

No Such Thing as Alpha Dogs - Are you a fan of the so-called "Dog Whisperer"?  Think again.  Most reputable trainers will NOT use dominance techniques to train dogs!!  The "Dog Whisperer" is a TV show, and it is out to make money, not improve the lives of dogs and dog owners.  There are many sites such as this that explain why the "pack leader" mindset is silly at best and terribly damaging at worst.

Canine Behavior Myths Busted! - Some more myths about dog behavior you should not fall for!

 

 

Health and Nutrition:

 

Spay/neuter: There is a growing body of evidence that spaying/neutering your pet can have serious consequences.  Although unwanted dogs and cats is a huge problem in the United States, responsible pet owners need to be educated on the pros AND the cons of spaying/neutering and determine what the most responsible choice is for their individual situation.  Overall, for the average pet owner we recommend spay/neuter at/after one year of age.

 

Golden Retriever Study on Effects of Spay/Neuter at Various Ages

Your Dog Needs to Be Spayed Or Neutered...Right?

 

Vaccines: There is also significant evidence that we overvaccinate our pets.  This does NOT mean do not vaccinate - vaccination absolutely has a place in maintaining our pets in their best health.  But you as a pet owner need to know the pros and cons of vaccinations, what is required by law, what is recommended, when, and why, and why so many experts are coming out against overvaccination of pets.  If your vet is not willing to talk to you about vaccinations, switch vets.  Period.

 

Truth4Pets - a great resource to help you make educated choices about vaccinating your pet

   7 Things You Don't Know About Vaccinating Pets - this is from the same Truth4Pets website above, but it is key information.

Dr. Jean Dodds Dog Vaccine Protocol - a clear guide to what vaccinations are needed, when, by a leading expert.

What Everyone Needs to Know About Canine Vaccines and Vaccination Programs (Ron Schultz, PhD)

The Purdue Vaccination Studies

Lifelong Immunity - Why Vets Are Pushing Back

 

Nutrition: The commercial dog food industry is virtually unregulated.  AAFCO dog nutrition standards are insufficient and do not regulate what CANNOT be put in foods, and many popular dog food brands are killing our dogs!  In particular, Ole Roy and Beneful have been directly linked to many sudden deaths and increased risk for disease.  Yes, they are cheap.  The vet bills and heartache won't be.  Invest in your dog's health through better nutrition.  These sites can help you get started.

 

Dog Food Analysis

Dog Food Advisor

Dog Food Reviews (Pet Food Talk)

Dog Food Scoop

What Your Pet Food Label Says About It: Part III - Parts I and II are also good, but Part III is really important so don't skip it!

Commercial Pet Foods - an informative article

 

Copper Sky Beagles uses Orijen brand dog foods.

 

 

Finding a Reputable Breeder:

How to Find a Reputable Breeder

Health Tested Puppies From Conscientious Breeders

The Price of Puppies for Sale

How much does a puppy cost?

What Responsible Breeders Really Do