Agility: Similar to and obstacle course or steeplechase, this owner-dog event is fun for you and your dog even if you don't compete.

AKC: The American Kennel Club. A registration for purebred dogs.

ASPCA: The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Located in New York.

Conformation: Judging a dog according to its breed standard.

Dam: The Mamma Dog.

Dewclaw: The extra digit on a dog's inner leg that is above the actual paw, think the thumb.

Litter: The mamma dog's puppies.

Obedience Training: Obedience refers to classes that teach dog's manners, how to carry out commands, and sometimes show routines.

Puppy Zoomies: A sudden rush of energy most commonly in puppies where the puppy just runs everywhere to burn all that energy off. No one can stop these zoomies after they start so you might as well have fun and "zoom" around with your pup.

Sire: The daddy dog.

Standard: A description of the physical and mental ideal of the breed.

Therapy Dog: A dog who's been certified to visit patients and retirement homes.