The Wanderer

When Stay at Home orders were first issued, it was like your dog's dream come true. You and him were home together, all day, every day, to play, cuddle, and spend quality time with each other. Unfortunately, as the weeks drag on, you're both finding it's not as great as advertised.

Of course, dog moms should be spoiled every day, but Mother’s Day is a special time to show them just how much they’re loved and appreciated. If you want to give a dog-related gift that’s perfect for her and her pup, here are 10 of our favorite suggestions.

Humane societies across the country are urging people to give pets a new home during the COVID-19 outbreak. Animal shelters everywhere are being deeply affected, cutting hours, discontinuing some services, and coping with taking in new animals while trying to adopt others out.

The good news is that for the most part, shelters are considered essential services. They intend to keep saving animals for as long as they’re able.

While there might be those rare pups out there who actually enjoy alone time, most pets are thrilled to have their humans around as often as possible. At a time when many people across the country are on lockdown or self-isolating due to COVID-19, dogs everywhere are enjoying the extra hours their pet parents are spending with them.

Every pet parent believes their dog is show-worthy, but does your beauty have what it takes to be in the Westminster Dog Show? This year’s show takes place on February 10th and 11th and only 3,200 dogs will be included. Competition is intense, and if you’ve ever dreamed of wrangling an invite for your pup or want him to compete in one of the non-invited events, here’s what you need to know.  

The holidays are here, and there are probably still a few people you need to buy gifts for. Fighting crowds in stores and figuring out what to get that person who already has everything – it can be a headache.  

The end of a year and a decade is a great time to throw out the old and bring in the new. It’s a popular belief, but the idea that you can calculate a dog’s age in human years simply by multiplying their age by seven is a myth. Scientists have known this to be true for quite a while but now have better science to back it up.  

The holidays are here - not just for people, but for pets too. There's no reason why dogs and cats shouldn't have a happy Thanksgiving. Even the ones in shelters deserve to be happy during the holidays. Here are a few ways you can spread good cheer this holiday season by helping out some furry friends other than your own. 

It looks like daytime television hosts have heard the word that Link is pawesome! The three queens of talk shows have given Link their stamp of approval. If you’re looking for the perfect pet parent present this holiday, look no further than the Link Plus featured:
 

Sharon’s Halloween was as perfect as a Halloween night could be.

She and her husband Tod, alongside their Husky, Luna, walked through the neighborhood dawning Toy Story costumes she worked hard to put together for months. Luna’s Buzz Lightyear costume was a hit and got so many compliments, and she felt clever as a gender-swapping Woody. Tod was a little hesitant to walk around as Little Bo-Peep, but when their neighbor, Jake, choked on a Jolly Rancher from laughing so hard, Tod gained some confidence. 

What better time than Halloween to learn how to take frighteningly good photos of your dog. Whichever side of the pet costume debate you fall on, there’s no denying that autumn lends itself to gorgeous shots filled with brilliantly-colored foliage, pumpkins, and fall flowers. 

Halloween is almost here! There's nothing more fun than dressing up in a cool costume - except maybe dressing your dog up in one too! You can buy pet costumes ready-made, or, with a little ingenuity, you can make one yourself. Here are a few ideas for what your dog can be this Halloween.

Who doesn’t love free stuff? Why not take advantage of these freebies for your pup. They make great doggie stocking stuffers, birthday presents, and even gifts for your pet parent friends! 

There are few things better than curling up on the couch with your dog and watching a good movie. And what better movie to watch than one about dogs? Here are 10 of our favorites: 

Everyone knows a dog is human’s best friend. But who is a dog's best friend? Well, almost anyone, really. Dogs have been known to run in all sorts of different crowds, that can be both unusual and adorable. Here are a few unlikely friendships that dogs have formed with other animals:

Labor Day is coming up, and many people get a long weekend off to spend time with their family, including their pets. It’s summer’s last big weekend, so take the time to include your dog in your special plans. Here are 7 fun ideas of activities to do with your dog over the Labor Day weekend.

Brutus and Lexi

Hailing all the way from Texas Dana More shows off her adorable her all American beauties Brutus and Lexie.

June 22nd is Dog Party Day! What better way to show your canine companion how much you appreciate them, than with a celebration? You can throw a party for your dog's birthday, to celebrate a milestone, like their graduation from obedience school, or have one just because. But regardless of the theme, any good party takes planning. How do you throw a party that will be fun for both dogs and humans alike? Start by following this checklist:

Father's Day. Depending on how much effort you put into holidays, you either have a big day ahead of you or your only plan is to pick up a card and send it to your pops. But there's one more thing. You're a pet parent, so don't forget that your dog is your baby too. You probably won't get any presents (and no, Fido, dead squirrels don't count), but you can still have fun! Here are a few ways to celebrate Father's Day with your dog.

June 8th is National Best Friend’s Day, and it’s the perfect day to take some time to celebrate the best friendship in the world. Who is always there for you, no matter the circumstance? Who can you rely on to always give you a smile? Who is seriously the best when it comes to hanging out at the park or just chilling at home? It’s none other than that furry little pup of yours. So, here are some ways to show your best best friend how much you care.

Dog Mom’s Day is almost here! This special holiday is celebrated each year on the second Saturday of May. Our friends Casey and Leigh Isaacson of Dig Dates actually submitted Dog Mom’s Day to The National Day Calendar last year and were approved, so you know it’s legit!

Here at LINK AKC we love Dog Mom's Day! It's day where we get to celebrate the amazing dog moms and furbabies all over the country. Since its inception last year (approved with The National Day Calendar), National Dog Mom's Day is "a time celebrate and thank the dog moms who dedicate their love and support every day to their dogs. It’s a different, special and visceral love that deserves its own day to be recognized and appreciated."

Easter activities are fun for the entire family, even our four-legged members can participate. Believe it or not, dog-friendly Easter egg hunts are growing in popularity around the country. We treat our dogs like our children, and have found plenty of ways to make this holiday inclusive for everyone (so our furry friends don’t feel left out).

Have you heard? April 11th is National Pet Day. It's a holiday that even some of the most engaged dog owners are unaware of — much to the disappointment of dogs worldwide. But we know you love any excuse to celebrate and have a little fun with your pooch, so let's talk about a few ways you can do just that.

A Beagle Named Bagel?

It's been said, never take a dog named Shark to the beach. There are a lot of factors that can go into deciding what to name your dog and a lot of implications that you might not have considered. The name you give them is what you're going to be calling them for years to come, so the decision deserves some serious consideration.

Oh, puppyhood! What could be better than those bright eyes, soft paws, and awkward gait? You would be hard pressed to find anyone who doesn’t crack a smile at the sight of a puppy galloping towards them. At LINK AKC we get to see our fair share of puppies, but what’s even better is getting to watch them grow up into adorable adult dogs. We love puppies so much we even created a Size Guarantee for when you order a smart collar from us. If your pup outgrows the original size collar that you ordered, we will send you another size!

Ah, St. Patrick's day. A chance to dress in green from head to toe — oh, and an excuse to drink green beer! Unfortunately, your furry friend can't enjoy a pint of Guinness. That doesn't mean you can't celebrate St. Patrick's day with your dog -- you'll just have to find some activities you can do together! Here are a few pet-friendly activities that you and your pup can enjoy together on St. Patrick's day. 

Yes, we know you have found your soul-mate. He or she greets you every day when you come home, never complains (too much), and acknowledges you for being the absolute best person who has ever lived.

The love of dogs knows no boundaries, and the rich and famous definitely aren’t immune. You used to have to comb through gossip magazines to get your fill of celebrities and their pets, but now it’s easy to melt over pictures of your favorite star’s pup. Many celebrities even have an Instagram account just to show off their cute puppy pics. Take a look at a few of our favorite celebrity dogs!

From George Washington's parrot to Calvin Coolidge’s Rebecca the raccoon, there is a long and curious history of animals in the White House. Unsurprisingly, dogs have made the most popular presidential companions. Here are just a few of the interesting and memorable pups who have held a place of honor with the commander in chief.

Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity to show some extra love to your four-legged best friend. Spoil them rotten with our top picks of treats, toys, and more!

Who doesn't melt over a good love story? And one that involves a slobbery, furry dog...forget about it! From inspiring service dogs, to marriage proposals and weddings, check out some of our favorite heartwarming love stories featuring some pretty special pups. 

What's better than a date night in with your pup? Skip dinner at an overcrowded restaurant and have a fun date night with your partner in crime ...your dog! Here are our top picks for the best pup-centric movies of all time. 

Just like humans can be either left-handed, right-handed or ambidextrous, dogs have similar attributes. Well, left-pawed, right-pawed or ambi-pawed, that is! Humans measure their dexterity by which hand they use most for normal tasks like writing, holding their utensils to eat, or throwing a ball. Dogs are measured by which paw they use for motor tasks, meaning tasks that involved them using their muscles.

We're counting down the days until the BIG GAME this Sunday. Yes, we’re talking about none other than the Puppy Bowl. This is the 15th Annual Puppy Bowl, an event featuring adorable puppies from amazing animal rescue organizations all over the world. The puppy players are cuter than ever and are ready to take the field.

It’s no secret that being around dogs can help lift your mood and almost instantaneously bring a smile to our face. Some people, however, channel their love of dogs by choosing a career where they are able to be around dogs every single day. If the thought of going to work and being greeted by tailing wagging coworkers sounds exciting to you, take a look at this list of dog-focused jobs!

Everywhere we go, people are talking about Marie Kondo's new Netflix show, Tidying Up. After her book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing became a huge success worldwide, Kondo's ideas of how to declutter your space and live a more stressfree, peaceful life have become the topic of much conversation.

Welcoming a new furry friend into your home comes with its challenges, but one of the most fun to tackle is deciding what to call your pup.

As Winter continues to roll along and the temperature outside drops, it’s time to start bundling up your best friend for walks. Why not get creative with their wardrobe choices? Here’s a quick and easy tutorial on how to make unique sweaters for your pup, using nothing but your hand-me-downs. When you're finished with your masterpiece, here's how to take the best photo to show off your work.

Whether it's hot yoga or the diet du jour, you love setting out to conquer the New Year with a list of exciting resolutions. Meanwhile, I'm stuck in a rut, eating the usual kibble and chasing the same old tennis ball. This year's going to be different. Here are my five New Year's resolutions for 2019!

Stop chasing your tail trying to find the perfect gift for the dog and dog lover in your life. Here are 9 creative gift choices for pup people this holiday season:

In 2018, the Link pack grew!

Tis the season for holiday shopping! This year we called in a pair of experts to help pick the top holiday gifts for the dogs and dog lovers in your life.

Holiday shopping is already underway and you might find yourself leaving your dog at home more than usual to shop for everyone on your list. If this leaves you feeling guilty, consider taking your dog shopping with you. Did you know that many large retailers have policies that allow well-behaved dogs in stores? Before you go, make sure your dog will be at ease around crowds and children. Be prepared for accidents, and keep your dog's physical needs in mind. If she's getting tired and stressed, it's time to go.

Football season is in full swing and tailgating might be almost as much fun as the game. With all the delicious food and festivities prior to kick-off, it’s no wonder that your pup wants to join in the fun. If you want to make your dog part of the party, here are some helpful tips to keep your dog safe and happy while tailgating.

As mentioned in our article, Ultimate Guide to Safe & Unsafe Produce for Dogs, there are some fruits and veggies that are safe for your dog to eat. Some even have health benefits that can positively affect your dog in a number of ways. In honor of Thanksgiving, we’ve compiled some of our favorite recipes (for humans) that include some tasty produce (for your pup). Remember, do not feed your dog these completed recipes. Take the ingredients that we mark as PUP-APPROVED and set some aside to feed your dog as a treat this Thanksgiving.

On Veteran's Day we honor the service and sacrifice of those who have served their country. Often their sacrifice doesn't end when their enlisted service is over. Many soldiers return with physical disabilities forever altering the way they live. But others have invisible wounds that are just as serious. Veterans often suffer from depression, anxiety and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) when they come home. If left untreated, these mental health issues can become a heavy burden for veterans and their families. 

Fall is the perfect time to go beyond daily walks and add a Frisbee to the mix! In no time you and your pup will both be working out without even thinking about it. Wouldn't you rather enjoy the outdoors with your canine best friend than toil away in a gym full of sweaty, huffing people? It's also a sport you can share in all but the most inclement weather. Playing dog Frisbee doesn't offer the same amount of exercise as Ultimate Frisbee, since Fido does the jumping and running and not you. But between walking and throwing, you achieve a decent workout while having fun and strengthening the bond with your pet. 

In addition to looking for matching costumes, you and your canine bestie can get ready for Halloween by working on new tricks she can use to earn her treats. You should also plan ahead to keep her feeling safe and secure when the ghosts and goblins come knocking on your door so it's a howling good time for everyone.

Dogs are an incredibly important part of our lives, and as such, dog myths - long-held nuggets of so-called truth about our canine pals - have been passed along for generations.

Right now the LINK AKC Classic Leather and Sport Smart Collars is available to try and buy at b8ta. If you don’t know b8ta yet, you should get to know how it works as b8ta is not like other retailers.

If you have a dog you probably know that one simple snuggle from him can help you feel at ease. While you may be conflicted on whether or not sleeping with your dog is good for you in the long term, there's no denying your pup is a vital member of your daily life. For some pawrents, that unspoken connection and bond stems even further into their mental and emotional well-being.

Over the past 10 years or so the practice of Mindfulness has invaded our lives like few other health trends. Mindfulness is the ability to live each moment as it comes without judgement and various research studies showing can help reduce stress significantly.

Loving your dog comes naturally. Sometimes, however, love makes us do some pretty interesting things. Read through these “have you ever” statements and figure out how much of a crazy dog person you really are.

Everyone loves a good deal, but free stuff is even better. We rounded up our top picks for free items for your dog and where you can snag yours!

School’s out, summer’s here…anyone bored yet? If you find your child and fur-baby sitting around without much to do it’s time to get them up and moving. Here are 5 creative ways to keep all of the babies in your house entertained this summer:

Summer has begun! That means more dogs out in the neighborhood and more dog-friendly events. From yappy hours to group hikes, when people get together with their dogs it's bound to be a good time.

The weather is warming up and we are excited for longer days and the bright summer sun. Now is the perfect time to plan a Yappy Hour for your friends, both two-legged and four-legged.

Dating is a game of compatibility. First, you have to meet someone that you’re actually interested in getting to know, and then comes the process of actually getting to know them.You begin to learn about each other’s likes and dislikes. Wouldn’t it be great to have one thing that you can agree with right off the bat? How about your shared love for dogs!

It’s no secret, dogs love getting new toys. Even when their toy basket is overflowing with fluffy, squeaky, bouncy toys, they still cannot contain their excitement when you rip the tag off a brand new toy you brought home for them. You may wonder, has your dog lost interest in all their other toys or is there merely something special about receiving a new one?

By now you’re probably aware, at Link AKC we take celebrating with our dogs very seriously. We will use any excuse to host a pup-friendly pawty. With Cinco de Mayo coming up, we’ve gathered some fun ideas to help you throw a fiesta that your furry friend will be begging to attend!

It’s official. Millennials are different. Yes, we know you know this already. Millennials are marrying later, having kids later, less likely to be home or car owners. Basically Millennials are living the anti-American Dream with one surprising difference - pet ownership.

When we first heard about Doga, the term for dog yoga, we were skeptical, to say the least. Sure, yoga is a great way to practice mindfulness and stretch your body, but how can you incorporate your dog into this? Your dog probably isn’t going to be crawling into leg twisting positions. What we discovered is that incorporating your dog into human yoga poses can have a calming effect on your dog, as you breathe and take time to reflect having them close by. It has the added benefit of being a great way to spend some extra time with your furry friend.

Each member of our armed forces can route their journey back to a specific place where they began their military career. This place will always be special to them, as it is where they set out on a path that will shape their entire future. The same is true for our Military Working Dogs (MWDs). Their special starting place is none other than Lackland Base in San Antonio Texas, the home of the Defense Military Working Dog Program. This is where dogs arrive to begin their training in what will be a career of great importance. The first dogs were trained at Lackland in 1958. Currently there are 62 training areas with more than 1,000 dogs at various levels of advancement. The staff there is a mix of 125 men and women from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force. While a majority of the dogs are brought into the facility, nearly 15% are now bred on site. The dogs are constantly training for any types of calls and deployments and live in the kennels there until their official call to active duty.

Air Force Dog Handler Ethan took a different path to becoming a dog handler than many others. He began his military career as a regular Security Force member, but his dream was always to become a K9 handler. He learned at a young age that working on a team with a K9 can be a rewarding yet unpredictable job. He first learned about K9 teams when he was a teenager and his stepfather became a police officer. On September 28, 2006 his stepfather’s job forever changed the trajectory of Ethan’s future career choices. Polk County Sheriff’s Office Dog Handler, Deputy Matthew Williams and K9 DiOGi, colleagues of his stepfather, were tragically killed on the job. Their stories of courage and perseverance inspired Ethan that one day he too would become a dog handler in order to protect and serve his country.

For the past 75 years, working dogs have been officially serving alongside our servicemen and women. The stories of K9 handlers and their military working dogs are each unique. Behind each story is a team of human and dog who rely on each other in the best and worst of times. Learning about how these servicemen and women join the military and ultimately choose to work with animals, is nothing short of inspiring. The process to become a dog handler in the military is not easy, but is a rewarding one.

Veteran’s Day is a holiday that all Americans recognize, celebrating the end of World War I and honoring all veterans who have served our country during all wars. However, a less known holiday is coming up on March 13th and that is K9 Veterans Day. It is on this day that we celebrate and commemorate the Military Working Dogs (MWDs) that have stood by our soldiers throughout history.

The results are in; more than half of American dog owners admit they flake out on social events to hang out with their pet. We recently surveyed 2,000 American dog owners and confirmed what most people already know - owning a dog makes us better humans and improve our mental, physical and emotional health every single day. The most surprising thing we learned is that almost ¾ of the people surveyed admitted they tell their dog secrets they don't tell anyone else. 

Chinese New Year is almost upon us, this year it just happens to be Year of the Dog! We're all familiar with the zodiac calendar where your sign is based on the month you were born. However, did you know your Chinese zodiac sign is one of the 12 animal signs and is determined by the year of your birth? If you're wondering how to join in celebrating Year of the Dog, we've put together some ideas for you. Traditional Chinese New Year celebrations are generally noisy affairs that often include fireworks, which will likely not be enjoyable for your dog as we know from Fourth of July.  However here are some other dog-friendly ways to enjoy the celebration.

In case you haven't heard or seen the adorable swag at Starbucks, 2018 is the Year of the Dog in the Chinese zodiac calendar. The calendar itself dates back to the Shang Dynasty (14th century BC) and is a cycle of twelve years that are each represented by an animal. Each of the animals has an associated list of attributes, fortunes, compatibility metrics and more. Here's our quick guide to the Year of the Dog and what it might mean to you.

When the weather outside is frightful, no one, including your dog, really wants to go outside for exercise. We've got five suggestions on how you can successfully entertain your dog in the comfort of your home and build the bond you share.

Mail your loved ones special dog Christmas cards this year. With planning and a little imagination, you can make an unforgettable holiday memory to share with friends and family. 

Before you bite the bullet and toss our holiday leftovers, we've got a tasty way to let your dog in on the fun. Throughout the holiday season, there's one ingredient that's a staple in most households and a key protein in dog food. You guessed it, turkey! Turn this holiday trademark dish into healthy treats your pup will absolutely love. Here are three mouthwatering meaty treats to try out:  

Thanksgiving is the perfect time for reflection. Even with the ups and downs of every day life, there's always a lot to be grateful for. As you sit around your tables full of loved ones, take a moment to give thanks for the special canine companion in your life who makes every day a little bit brighter.

Social media and pets are a feel-good combination for people across all demographics. So when a feisty Shiba Inu or crazy-cute Cardigan Welsh Corgi suddenly joins that exclusive group of the most famous pets online, many owners turn to The Dog Agency to help them deal with the business offers arising from sudden celebrity. Because when each post by a famous pet can earn thousands of dollars, smart paw-rents know they need expert help. Founded by New York entrepreneur Loni Edwards, The Dog Agency represents this novel category of influencers, a select group of captivating canines sought out by companies for their voracious audiences. 

With the trio of Hurricanes having recently ripped through the Caribbean and coast of the United States, we want to recognize and celebrate the humans and canines who have pitched in to help others during tragedy and despair. 

Did you catch Astro-fever as we rode the Great American Eclipse Wave? Well, we're here to help you find your star-sign companion. We've matched you to a breed with the same characteristics and personality, zodiac-ly speaking! From Aries to Pisces, ram to fish, this is the place where the planets align and you find your new best friend.

Wearable Tech For Man's Best Friend

Dogs have the power to calm us, to protect us but do they have the power to heal us? Studies and experts offer new ideas about the additional benefits of Man's Best Friend.

Each day with your pup is precious, but your dog's birthday deserves its own fanfare. From subdued celebrations to a birthday bash with doggie pals, there are plenty of ways to make it a special occasion. We've got five tips to keep in mind when you plann your dog's next birthday party:

From it's inception in 1987 South By Southwest® (SXSW®) has been an annual celebration of cutting-edge technology, digital creativity and incredible global innovators. Each March, thousands of visitors make the trip to Austin, Texas to enjoy its unique and diverse blend of music, film, workshops and discussion sessions. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together and this year proves no different.

From decreasing stress, to encouraging openness among employees, dogs in the workplace can make people happier, healthier, and more productive. But getting your office to open its doors to dogs is not always easy. Here are some talking points and tips that may help you get the powers at be on board.

Here are just a few of the Search and Rescue dogs that worked alongside our nation’s bravest first responders 16 years ago.