Ernie Slone - Editor Off Leash

Editor Off Leash

An inside view of the dog world from the editor of DOG FANCY and DogChannel.com.

About the author: Ernie Slone has been immersed in the world of dogs – as an owner, dog-show exhibitor, dog-club officer and active dog rescuer – for more than a decade. He is Editor of DOG FANCY and DogChannel.com, and Group Editor of Dog World, Dogs USA, Puppies USA and Natural Dog. Ernie and his wife, Vicki, volunteer at a rescue shelter every week and along with their certified Therapy Dog, Gordon, visit local hospitals each week.

The main reason I am starting this column is not just to tell you about me and my dogs, and my dog world, but also to get to know you and your dogs. One of my many joys about owning a dog is getting to meet new dogs and dog lovers. So please, I strongly encourage you to join in the conversation. More »

Military K9s, Handlers Get Monument

Posted: Feb. 26, 2013

At the Rose Parade, float features a floral depiction of the first national monument dedicated to military working dogs, handlers.More »

Novel Captures Healing Power of Dogs

Posted: Jan. 30, 2013

The power of the human-animal bond, and the amazing ways that dogs comprehend our world, have never been better portrayed than in best-selling author Robert Crais’ latest fictional crime novel, Suspect.More »

Rescue Dog Makes a Splash at SeaWorld

Posted: Jan. 29, 2013

Chili Pepper, an Australian Cattle Dog mix, stars in the Pets Rule! show along with other rescued animals.More »

Postcards from Bend, DogTown USA 2012

Posted: Aug. 10, 2012

Postcards from Bend, named by DOG FANCY magazine as DogTown USA 2012, the most dog-friendly city in the USA.More »

Zoobiquity: A Push to Energize Human, Animal Medicine

Posted: June 15, 2012

Citing how humans and animals share many of the same afflictions, book argues human doctors and veterinarians should work together. More »

A $75 Million Race To Aid Dogs and Cats

Posted: April 17, 2012

The Michelson Prize aims to make sterilization easy and cheap, to stem overpopulation and euthanasia. More »

Puppies and People Changing Lives

Posted: March 26, 2012

A puppy becomes the newest member of Guide Dogs for the Blind, partnering with dedicated people on a journey to change lives. More »

Hanging 10 With Rose Parade Surf Dogs

Posted: December 22, 2011

Dogs will take to the waves this Rose Parade with another record-breaking float created by Natural Balance Pet Foods. Here is a sneak preview of the fun. More »

Book Hails Life, Legend of Rin Tin Tin

Posted: October 9, 2011

New book celebrates the life and legend of Rin Tin Tin, a German Shepherd Dog, movie and TV star who captured the heart of a nation. More »

New Day For Our Nation's Search Dogs

Posted: September 7, 2011

The 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks marks an important step forward for our nation's search dogs, the beginning of construction on the first-ever permanent training center. More »

Little Known Heroes: The Therapy Dogs of 9/11

Posted: August 31, 2011

After the Sept. 11 attack, an estimated 500 therapy dog teams spent months consoling and comforting survivors, police, firefighters, and relief workers. Their story is told in a newly released book about the role of dogs in the recovery efforts. More »

DogTown USA 2011 Has Plenty to Bark About

Posted: August 24, 2011

What makes Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, special is the spectacular lakeside setting, an abundance of dogs and most important, committed and caring dog lovers. More »

Two New Dog Books Worth Your Time

July 9, 2011

Two books worth the time: A warning of a thyroid epidemic and a nifty, smart guide to making adoptions successful. More »

Click To Help A Vet Get A Service K9

Posted: May 29, 2011 2:30 p.m.

Simply by "Liking'' the Dog Bless You page on Facebook you can help donate a service dog to a military veteran with PTSD. More »

Emblem Of Secret Dog Society Goes On Sale

Posted: May 21, 2011 2:30 p.m.

Rare porcelain snuff box traces back centuries ago to a mysterious organization with peculiar rituals. More »

Facebook Fetches Toto A Forever Home

Posted: May 17, 2011 2:30 p.m.

Televised Dog Shows a Mixed Blessing

Toto's gravesite is lost to history, but one of the world's most famous dogs is finally getting a memorial thanks to an unlikely band of Facebook friends. More »

Highlights of 2011 New Products Showcase

Posted: March 25, 2011 2:30 p.m.

Here is a peek at what is fun, interesting and different at the pet industry's annual Global Pet Expo, where thousands of new pet products are introduced each year. More »

Shelter Dogs, Youths Share 2nd Chance

Posted: March 14, 2011 2:00 p.m.

The success of prison dog programs in rescuing dogs and rehabilitating the trainers is being replicated at juvenile detention centers, thanks to the PAW program. More »

Judging Dogs: A Learning Experience

Posted: March 6, 2011 2:30 p.m.

What is it like to judge a dog show? I get a first-hand experience, and a newfound appreciation for what judges do, and also how they do it. More »

Guide Dogs and GPS Make Perfect Pairing

Posted: February 27, 2011 2:30 p.m.

A simple, affordable new voice-directed GPS device developed by Leader Dogs for the Blind holds promise for the sight-impaired. More »

Rescue Innovator is Rebel at Heart

Posted: February 20, 2011 2:30 p.m.

Stray Rescue of St. Louis started as the mission of one man, Randy Grim, and has evolved into one of the most innovative rescue programs in the land. More »

Former POW Takes the Field at Westminster

Posted: February 14, 2011 5 p.m.

When Rhonda Cornum enters the ring at Westminster, she has an edge few dog owners and handlers could ever boast: the steely nerves of an Army Brigadier General and former Prisoner of War. More »

How Well Do You Know the Top Dog Show?

Posted: February 10, 2011 2:30 p.m.

Want to test your knowledge about the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the most historic of dog events? Try this fun quiz. More »

Going Nose to Nose With K9 Search Teams

Posted: February 6, 2011 2:30 p.m.

See a K9 search and rescue exercise up close, and learn about the important mission to create the first national training center for K9 search teams. More »

Cover Dog Came From Afar

Posted: January 30, 2011 2:30 p.m.

On our March cover, DOG FANCY features Sena, a delightful French Bulldog from Japan. The story of how two French Bulldog brothers from Osaka ended up in DOG FANCY is part serendipity, part testament to the dedication of their owner, Kazumi Yamanaka. More »

Dear Obie: A Letter to a Readerk

Posted: January 23, 2011 2:30 p.m.

A letter to Obie, a young DOG FANCY reader who is working on a Boy Scout badge and learning more about dogs. More »

A Fun, Fascinating Celebration of Dogs

Posted: January 16, 2:30 p.m.

Photo highlights of the always fun and fascinating AKC Meet the Breeds show in Long Beach, Calif. More »

Marc Morrone's Pet Peeve: Unreal Movie, TV Dogs

Posted: January 9, 2:30 p.m.

Computer-generated smart dogs portrayed on TV and in the movies are making life miserable for real dogs, says pet expert Marc Morrone. More »

Exclusive Interview With Dog Trainer Victoria Stilwell<

Posted: January 3, 2011 10:00 a.m.

In an exclusive interview with DogChannel.com, top trainer Victoria Stilwell talks about her new season of her hit TV series, "It's Me or The Dog," why she is so passionate about dogs — and thinks dominance-based training is so dangerous. And she reveals plans to adopt another dog. More »

Dogs Make A Splash At Rose Parade Practice

Posted: December 26, 2:30 p.m.

Nearly a dozen dock-diving and skimboarding dog practice aboard the world's heaviest parade float, preparing for their big splash at the Rose Parade More »

Christmas Surprise Elicits Greyhound Joy

Posted: December 19, 2:30 p.m.

Did you know dogs can enjoy a Christmas surprise? Like a delighted kid opening Christmas presents, an ever-happy Greyhound named Haven goes crazy when he discovers new Santa toys. More »

Champions In More Than Just Looks

Posted: December 12, 2010 2:30 p.m.

What's it like to hang out for one evening with six amazing Westminster Kennel Club champions? Here are some glimpses. More »

Picture Perfect Poodle Photoshoot

Posted: December 5, 2010 2:30 p.m.

For DOG FANCY's February breed profile, and a Dog College video, we recruited two Standard Poodles, Lulu and Roux, for a photoshoot, and thought you would enjoy getting an inside look at the action. More »

In the Season of Giving, a Special Gift

Posted: November 28, 2010 2:30 p.m.

For all the problems of our world, and the things that are ugly and discouraging, there are still shining stars, people who reach out to others just from the goodness of their heart. Recently I had a personal experience with giving that I want to share. More »

A Preview of the National Dog Show

Posted: November 21, 2010 2:30 p.m.

I spoke to cohosts David Frei and Mary Carillo about what viewers can expect at the upcoming National Dog Show, the most-watched TV dog event, which airs on NBC on Thanksgiving Day and this year features six new breeds. More »

New DOG FANCY K9 Award

Posted: November 14, 2010 2:30 p.m.

A special night showcases the amazing work of both police and military K9 dog teams, whose work has inspired a new award to be created in 2011 by DOG FANCY, honoring some of our nation's finest protectors. More »

A Salute to our K9 Soldiers, Veterans

Posted: November 11, 2010 9:45 a.m.

On Veterans Day I want to give a special salute to all the military K9 teams that have served our country, and especially recognize those who are on the battlefield right now keeping us, and our military sons and daughters, safe from harm and saving lives. More »

A Sneak Peek at New Products

Posted: November 7, 2010 2:53 p.m.

At DogChannel.com and DOG FANCY magazine we get a chance to preview new pet products before they reach stores. What's fun and creative and caught my eye at the annual Chicago pet trade show in early October? Here's a sneak peek. More »

Invasion of the Adorable Aussies

Posted: October 31, 2010 2:33 p.m.

One minute the DOG FANCY photo studio is an oasis of calm, lighting gear is carefully positioned, cameras are delicately calibrated and focused. And then, in an instant, chaos: Five squirming, wiggling, garlic-breathed little balls of fluff come charging in. More »

Let's Talk Dogs

Posted: October 22, 2010 p.m.

The main reason I am starting this column is not just to tell you about me and my dogs, and my dog world, but also to get to know you and your dogs. One of my many joys about owning a dog is getting to meet new dogs and dog lovers. So please, I strongly encourage you to join in the conversation. More »

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