The American Kennel Club is pleased to announce that GoodPup, a dog training over video chat service, is the official sponsor of the new Virtual Home Manners (VHM) Program. The program is designed to help teach dogs proper manners at home. Teaching their dogs to behave at home is important for owners, mentally stimulating for dogs, and home-based training can take place any time that fits into the schedule of the dog owner. The program will include two levels allowing puppies and dogs of all ages to participate.
As the official sponsor of the Virtual Home Manners Program, the GoodPup app offers participants:
- A chance to work with a dog trainer one-on-one using live video calls
- Access to some of the best trainers across the country – no matter where you are
- Realtime help from your trainer and the entire GoodPup Training and Medical Team anytime day or night
- Training on your schedule with one-on-one training at a price similar to the cost of group lessons
- The opportunity to train and test for the Virtual Home Manners Title with your GoodPup trainer.
This sponsorship allows you to experience one of today’s most effective training programs without leaving the comfort of your home. The program is currently trusted by over 25,000 dog owners nationwide.
“The Virtual Home Manners Program is a perfect lead-in to AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy and AKC’s popular Canine Good Citizen programs, which require in-person testing,” said Dr. Mary Burch, AKC Family Dog Director. “The ability to earn titles virtually is especially important during these times. AKC remains committed to finding creative ways to encourage dogs and their owners to become involved in training that results in well-behaved family companions.”
All dogs (purebred and mixed breeds) can earn Virtual Home Manners titles provided the dog is AKC-registered, enrolled in the Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) program, or enrolled with AKC Canine Partners. The tests include manners related to food, walking on a leash, petting, and following commands like sit, stay, down and more. Virtual Home Manners titles will be listed on the dog’s AKC record and will appear on pedigrees. The two levels of Virtual Home Manners titles are Puppy and Adult. The titles can be awarded by AKC-approved Canine Good Citizen Evaluators who will review videos of dogs performing the VHM skills.
“Training over video chat has numerous benefits, and we are excited to partner with the AKC on the Virtual Home Manners program. This is a very effective way for your dog to become a well-behaved member of your household. Training improves the communication between you and your dog and helps create a strong bond that will last a lifetime,” said Micah Adler, CEO of GoodPup.
AKC began accepting title applications on October 19, 2020 and began processing titles on November 2.
For learn more about the Virtual Home Manners Program, see: http://akc.org/virtual-home-manners/
For questions, contact cgc@akc.org.