To earn the AKC Trick Dog Novice title, your dog must perform 10 of the following tricks, which demonstrate basic commands, obedience, and some playful skills. Here’s a breakdown of each trick included on the checklist:
How to Use the AKC Trick Dog Novice Checklist
You only need to complete 10 out of these 20 tricks for the AKC Trick Dog Novice title. Choose the tricks that best suit your dog’s personality, physical ability, and interests. With consistent practice and positive reinforcement, your dog can master these skills and be ready for evaluation.
- Sit
- Description: The dog sits on command.
- Training Tip: Use a treat as a lure, moving it from the dog’s nose up and back to encourage them to sit.
- Down
- Description: The dog lies down on command.
- Training Tip: Move a treat from the dog’s nose down toward the ground, encouraging them to lie down.
- Stay in Place
- Description: The dog remains in a sitting or lying position until released.
- Training Tip: Start with short durations, gradually increasing the length as the dog holds their position.
- Come When Called
- Description: The dog responds by coming to you when called.
- Training Tip: Practice in a low-distraction environment, rewarding your dog each time they come to you.
- Shake Hands
- Description: The dog offers a paw when prompted.
- Training Tip: Gently lift your dog’s paw while saying “shake,” then reward them. Repeat until they begin to offer their paw on command.
- Spin in a Circle
- Description: The dog performs a 360-degree turn in either direction.
- Training Tip: Use a treat to guide your dog in a circular motion. Start with one direction, then add the other as they become comfortable.
- Balance on a Wobble Board
- Description: The dog stands on a balance or wobble board for a few seconds.
- Training Tip: Introduce your dog slowly to the wobble board, rewarding any interaction with it, then encourage them to stand on it.
- Fetch a Toy
- Description: The dog retrieves a toy and brings it back to you.
- Training Tip: Start with a short distance, encouraging the dog to return with the toy using treats or praise.
- Jump Over a Low Bar or Object
- Description: The dog jumps over a small obstacle.
- Training Tip: Begin with a low height and use a treat to encourage your dog to jump over. Gradually increase the height if they’re comfortable.Go Through
- Tunnel
- Description: The dog moves through a simple tunnel.
- Training Tip: Use treats or toys to coax your dog through the tunnel. Start with a short tunnel and gradually progress to longer ones.
- Roll Over
- Description: The dog rolls onto their back and over to the other side.
- Training Tip: With the dog in a down position, use a treat to guide them over, rewarding them for each partial roll until they complete a full roll.
- Play Dead
- Description: The dog falls over and stays in a “dead” position.
- Training Tip: Teach your dog to lie on their side, using a cue like “bang” or “play dead.” Reward them for staying in position briefly, then increase duration over time.
- High Five
- Description: The dog raises a paw to “high five” your hand.
- Training Tip: Use similar training as “shake,” but raise your hand slightly higher, encouraging them to lift their paw to your hand.
- Jump Through a Hoop
- Description: The dog jumps through a hoop held or positioned low.
- Training Tip: Start with the hoop on the ground, gradually raising it as the dog gains confidence.
- Place on a Mat or Bed
- Description: The dog moves to a designated spot, such as a mat or bed, on command.
- Training Tip: Use a command like “place” and lead your dog to the mat. Reward them for staying there briefly, then release them.
- Paw Target
- Description: The dog touches a designated spot or object with their paw.
- Training Tip: Use a sticky note or target pad and reward your dog each time they touch it with their paw.
- Bow
- Description: The dog lowers their front end while keeping their back end raised, as if “bowing.”
- Training Tip: Use a treat to lure their head down and forward while they stay on their back legs.
- Speak
- Description: The dog barks on command.
- Training Tip: Encourage barking with prompts, and reward immediately after they bark. Introduce a cue like “speak” once they respond consistently.
- Touch Target with Nose
- Description: The dog touches an object, like your hand or a target stick, with their nose.
- Training Tip: Present the target, rewarding any touch from their nose, and introduce the cue “touch” as they get used to it.
- Carry a Toy in Mouth
- Description: The dog picks up and holds a toy in their mouth while walking alongside you.
Getting Ready for Evaluation
After practicing each trick on the checklist, you can schedule an evaluation through an AKC evaluator, either in person or virtually by submitting video recordings of each trick. Remember to document the tricks your dog has mastered and complete the AKC Trick Dog title application for submission.
