To earn the AKC Trick Dog Intermediate title with AKC Trick Dog Intermediate Checklist, your dog must successfully complete 10 of the following tricks. These tricks involve greater skill, control, and coordination than those in the AKC Trick Dog Novice Title, showcasing your dog’s growing obedience and ability.
- Back Up (3 or More Steps)
Description: The dog must take three or more steps backward on command, showing control and coordination.
Purpose: This trick demonstrates your dog’s responsiveness to commands that require spatial awareness.
- Crawl
Description: The dog crawls forward while staying low to the ground, keeping their body in a “down” position.
Purpose: This trick builds core strength and encourages your dog to follow commands in a controlled, low position.
- Go Find It
Description: The dog locates a hidden toy or treat based on a command, such as “find it.”
Purpose: This trick enhances your dog’s scent work and problem-solving skills by using their sense of smell to locate an object.
- Jump Through a Hoop
Description: The dog jumps through a hoop held by the handler or positioned low to the ground.
Purpose: This trick shows your dog’s agility and willingness to follow commands involving props and physical movement.
- Roll Over
Description: The dog performs a complete roll over from one side to the other on command.
Purpose: This classic trick improves flexibility and responsiveness, as the dog must follow through with a full movement.
- Speak
Description: The dog barks on command, responding to cues like “speak” or “talk.”
Purpose: Teaching your dog to “speak” helps reinforce verbal control and allows them to use their voice in a controlled way.
- Go Around an Object
Description: The dog circles around a designated object, such as a cone or chair, on command.
Purpose: This trick promotes focus and the ability to follow directions that involve spatial orientation and movement.
- Weave Through Handler’s Legs
Description: The dog weaves between the handler’s legs as they walk, showing coordination and obedience.
Purpose: This trick demonstrates agility, responsiveness, and the dog’s comfort moving closely with the handler.
- Push a Ball
Description: The dog uses their nose or paws to push a ball forward on command.
Purpose: This trick encourages problem-solving and engagement with a moving object, demonstrating the dog’s control and focus.
- Play Dead
Description: The dog lies down on their side or back and stays motionless as if “dead.”
Purpose: This trick requires the dog to hold a specific position for a brief time, demonstrating impulse control.
- Shake (Alternate Paw)
Description: The dog offers the opposite paw from the one used in the Novice level “shake” trick.
Purpose: This trick shows that your dog can distinguish between left and right commands, adding complexity to a familiar gesture.
- Handstand Against Wall
Description: The dog places their back paws on a wall or other vertical surface and holds the position briefly.
Purpose: This challenging trick builds balance, coordination, and core strength.
- Spin (in Reverse)
Description: The dog performs a 360-degree spin in the opposite direction of the spin taught at the Novice level.
Purpose: This trick demonstrates the dog’s ability to follow directional cues and shows agility.
- Balance on a Low Object
Description: The dog stands with all four paws on a designated low platform or object.
Purpose: Balancing on an object develops body awareness and confidence, encouraging the dog to engage with different surfaces.
- Carry an Item
Description: The dog picks up and carries an item (like a toy or small object) while walking alongside the handler.
Purpose: This trick demonstrates the dog’s ability to follow through with a task over an extended period, maintaining focus.
- Fetch a Specific Item by Name
Description: The dog retrieves a specific item, such as a named toy, from a selection of objects.
Purpose: This trick builds the dog’s recognition skills and shows they can differentiate between objects based on verbal cues.
Tips for Success with the AKC Trick Dog Intermediate Checklist
- Choose Tricks that Fit Your Dog: Some tricks may be more challenging based on your dog’s breed, temperament, or size. Select tricks that best suit your dog’s abilities and interests.
- Break Down Complex Tricks: Many Intermediate tricks involve multiple steps. Break down each trick into smaller parts and use treats to reward progress incrementally.
- Be Patient and Practice Consistently: Advanced tricks can take time to master. Keep sessions short and fun to prevent frustration and burnout.
- Consider Props Carefully: Some tricks, like jumping through a hoop or closing a door, require props. Ensure all props are safe and appropriate for your dog’s size and strength.
Completing 10 of these tricks from the Intermediate checklist will qualify your dog for the AKC Trick Dog Intermediate title, bringing you one step closer to advanced and performer titles in the AKC Trick Dog program.
