Trick Dog Training (AKC & Do More With Your Dog!®)

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Trick Dog training is a fun, confidence-building sport that strengthens communication, creativity, and teamwork between dogs and their handlers. Using positive reinforcement methods, dogs learn a wide variety of skills ranging from simple tricks to complex, performance-level behaviors.

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Trick Dog training is suitable for dogs of all breeds, ages, and experience levels and is an excellent option for enrichment, sport foundations, or performance-style training. Titles may be earned through AKC Trick Dog and Do More With Your Dog!® (DMWYD) programs.

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Trick Dog Levels & Class Descriptions

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Novice Trick Dog

AKC TKN | DMWYD Novice

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This entry-level class introduces dogs to trick training and helps build confidence through simple, achievable behaviors.

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Skills may include:

• Sit, down, stand on cue

• Shake, high five, or wave

• Spin or turn

• Hand or object targeting

• Low jumps or simple body awareness exercises

 

Ideal for beginners, puppies, and dogs new to training.

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Intermediate Trick Dog

AKC TKI | DMWYD Intermediate

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Intermediate Trick Dog builds on basic skills by adding complexity, duration, and combinations.

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Skills may include:

• Trick chains and sequences

• Directional cues

• Backing up or side stepping

• Object interaction (carry, retrieve, push)

• Increased focus and independence

 

Great for teams ready to expand problem-solving and precision.

 

Advanced Trick Dog

AKC TKA | DMWYD Advanced

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Advanced Trick Dog focuses on precision, creativity, and reliability. Dogs perform more challenging behaviors with increased independence and fluency.

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Skills may include:

• Complex trick chains

• Distance work

• Discrimination between cues or objects

• Advanced balance, pivots, or positioning

• Performance-style behaviors

 

Suitable for sport, freestyle, and performance foundations.

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Elite / Performer Trick Dog

AKC TKE | DMWYD Performer

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At this level, teams focus on polished routines, creativity, and presentation. Dogs perform advanced tricks in themed or structured sequences.

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Focus areas include:

• Routine design and flow

• Handler presentation and timing

• Smooth transitions between behaviors

• Performing with reliability in distracting environments

 

Well-suited for demonstrations, freestyle, and performance goals.

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Champion Trick Dog

DMWYD Champion (CH)

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The Champion level represents a significant achievement in Trick Dog training. Teams demonstrate advanced skill, creativity, and consistency across multiple performances or routines.

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Training emphasizes:

• Highly polished routines

• Advanced chaining and complexity

• Strong engagement and teamwork

• Reliable performance under distraction

 

This level is designed for teams committed to continued growth and performance excellence.

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Grand Champion Trick Dog

DMWYD Grand Champion (GCH)

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The Grand Champion level is the highest achievement in Do More With Your Dog!®. Teams demonstrate exceptional creativity, difficulty, and precision through multiple advanced routines.

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Focus areas include:

• Original, high-level performances

• Advanced technical difficulty

• Seamless handler-dog communication

• Professional-level presentation

 

This level is ideal for experienced teams seeking mastery and long-term progression in Trick Dog sports.