AKC Will Now Give Titles To Tricksters

Lori Ennis
by Lori Ennis
Dogs and their humans enjoy the fun that comes with learning tricks, and now the American Kennel Club is launching a new titling program just for these talented dogs.


Is there anything better than rubbing the belly of a dog who will give you five and then roll over on command? No, didn’t think so. The American Kennel Club knows that teaching dogs tricks is fun for the dog and their owners, and they are debuting a new titling program for that very thing.


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The new AKC Trick Dog program will include four levels for variations in experience, and both purebreds and mixed breeds will be able to participate. The dog’s AKC record will include the new titles, and will also appear on their pedigrees.


Dr. Mary Burch is the AKC Canine Good Citizen and Trick Director says that the main trait of trick dog training is that participants have fun. She understands why it’s so popular, as the tricks owners teach their pets are entertaining as well as practical. Plus, trick dog training helps owners bond with their dogs, feeling like a team, and Dr. Burch believes the new titling program will encourage more ‘teams’ to be created.


Related: Basic Dog Tricks: Shake A Paw


Dogs can earn Trick Dog titles as long as the dog is AKC-registered and is enrolled with either AKC Canine Partners or the Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) program. The dog’s AKC record and pedigrees will reflect the training titles. AKC approved Canine Good Citizen Evaluators can also earn titles and the AKC is partnering with the Do More With Your Dog (DMWYD) organization and will recognize titles earned through the organization.


DMWYD has been involved with training dogs to do tricks since 2005, and they are excited to join the upcoming tricks they know will be full of fun! The AKC Trick Dog title applications will be processed beginning May 1, 2017.

Lori Ennis
Lori Ennis

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