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Whether your dog is new to trick title competitions or a seasoned competitor, tricks are the perfect sport for keeping your dog engaged. No matter what the weather is or where you are, you and your dog can practice skills anywhere — even in a small area like your living room. While you can buy or make elaborate props, and at the higher titles you do need to include props, most tricks don’t require large or elaborate equipment.
Tricks also help keep your dog’s mind and body conditioned during times of the year when you might otherwise be a little more sedentary and not able to make it to as many of your usual dog-related activities or sports.
How Do You Earn AKC Trick Titles?
AKC Trick Titles, like other sports, become an official part of your dog’s registered name. As you and your dog begin to explore tricks, make sure you understand the rules and procedures for AKC Trick Dog titles. As with any new sport, it’s always a good idea to read the evaluator’s guide so you have a clear understanding of what you and your dog will be scored on and what is and isn’t allowed.
All dogs can earn trick titles — they just need to be AKC-registered or have a Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) or AKC Canine Partners number. Currently, there are five trick dog titles available: Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Trick Dog Performer, and Trick Dog Elite Performer. Any CGC Evaluator can also review and approve trick dog titles through in-person testing. You can also have your tricks tested virtually by an AKC-approved CGC Evaluator.
You’ll also want to make decisions about how you’re going to test your dog. Your dog can earn trick titles at a dog show or in a private session with a CGC Evaluator. Your local dog training club will be an invaluable resource for finding out information about upcoming shows that offer trick titling. Plus, they can help you get connected with CGC Evaluators in your area. You can also search online for CGC evaluators near you.
Playing to Your Dog’s Strengths
Does your dog already know some tricks? You can absolutely use those as you’re earning your titles. Your dog will likely be learning new tricks at each title level. However, there’s no need to teach all new tricks as you begin your competitive trick journey. Review the trick levels and start selecting tricks you think your dog will enjoy learning. You can also select tricks that work well with your longer-term goals for your dog with other sports. For example, your dog knowing how to put toys away is a great early step towards them learning how to play basketball.
The Importance of Setting Goals
Even though you need to start with your dog’s Novice title, it’s a good idea to review all the title levels and the trick options. This will help you can get a better sense of what’s to come at the higher levels. This way, you can start building towards those more complicated tricks even before you’re testing at that level. Like any other sport, the key to success with your dog and tricks is to stay motivated and set challenging yet reasonable goals. The great thing about tricks is that they’re fun to teach and practice. You don’t have to dedicate hours a week to going to classes. You can fit trick training and practicing into your daily life, just a few minutes at a time.
If you’re diving into trick training, it can be helpful to set a schedule of when you want to train, which tricks you want to practice, and how you want to train them. For example, you could set the goal of teaching a new trick each week. Remember that as you teach new tricks, you should always go back and continue to work on previously learned tricks to ensure they stay polished. Additionally, try to work on those new and existing tricks in new environments. Start with the least distracting — like your home — and build up to more distractions, like going to training classes, the park, or other dog-friendly locations.
Soon enough, your dog will be ready to earn their trick titles!