The American Kennel Club (AKC) has introduced a groundbreaking way for dog owners to earn official titles — AKC Virtual Titles. These programs allow participants to train and showcase their dogs’ skills from the comfort of their homes, making training more accessible and inclusive. With in-person events sometimes being difficult to attend due to location, time, or other constraints, AKC Virtual Titles provide an excellent alternative. This guide explores AKC virtual titles programs, their benefits, and how you can get started.
Overview of AKC Virtual Titles
AKC Virtual Titles provide opportunities for dog owners to train, test, and earn recognition remotely. Instead of attending in-person evaluations, participants record and submit videos demonstrating their dog’s skills.
These videos are then reviewed by AKC-approved evaluators, who determine whether the dog meets the requirements for a title.
Several programs fall under the AKC Virtual Titles umbrella, each catering to different training levels and disciplines:
- Virtual Home Manners (VHM) – Focuses on household obedience and good manners.
- Virtual Obedience – Assesses basic and advanced obedience skills.
- Virtual Rally – A structured obedience-based sport with guided courses.
- Virtual Trick Dog – Allows dogs to earn Trick Dog titles via video submission.
- Virtual Scent Work Test (VSWT) – Tests scent detection abilities.
- Virtual Agility Course Test (ACT) – Introduces agility at the beginner level.
- Virtual Water Test – Helps pointing breeds meet water retrieval requirements.
- AKC FIT DOG – Encourages fitness goals for dogs and owners.
These programs cater to a wide range of breeds, ages, and skill levels, ensuring that every dog has an opportunity to participate.
Virtual Home Manners Title (VHM)
The Virtual Home Manners program evaluates a dog’s everyday obedience and good behavior at home. It serves as an entry-level test before advancing to more structured programs like Canine Good Citizen (CGC).
Eligibility & Requirements
- Available for all breeds and ages.
- Two levels: Puppy (VHMP) for dogs under one year and Adult (VHMA) for dogs over one year.
- Assesses 10 key household skills, including sitting politely, leash walking, staying in place, and responding to basic commands.
- Owners submit a recorded video of their dog performing these tasks to an AKC evaluator.
Titles Awarded to dogs passing the evaluation receive the VHMP (Puppy) or VHMA (Adult) title, which becomes part of their AKC record.
AKC Virtual Obedience Title
For those seeking a structured obedience program, Virtual Obedience offers a way to demonstrate training achievements through video submissions.
Available Classes:
- Virtual Beginner Novice (BN-V) – Includes heel on leash, sit-stay, recall, and more.
Virtual Novice (CD-V) – Adds off-leash heeling and stand-for-exam exercises.
Eligibility & Scoring
Open to AKC-registered, PAL, or Canine Partners dogs over six months old. Exercises are scored out of 200, with 170 required to qualify. Three qualifying scores required to earn these AKC virtual titles.
AKC Virtual Rally
Rally is a dynamic sport that combines obedience and agility in a structured course. AKC Virtual Rally Program enables handlers to submit videos of their dogs completing official Rally courses.
How It Works:
- Participants choose from AKC-provided course maps.
- The dog and handler navigate a series of stations with obedience exercises.
Three qualifying scores earn a Rally Novice (RN-V), Intermediate (RI-V), or Advanced (RA-V) title.
AKC Virtual Trick Dog
The Virtual AKC Trick Dog Program allows handlers to earn Trick Dog titles from the comfort of home. This program provides a flexible way for dogs to showcase their skills by submitting video evaluations instead of attending in-person tests. Whether you’re working toward AKC Novice Trick Dog or aiming for advanced levels, the virtual option makes earning titles accessible to all dogs and handlers. With simple guidelines and a list of approved tricks, this program is a great way to strengthen your bond with your dog while achieving official AKC recognition.
Title Levels:
- Novice (TKN) – 10 beginner-level tricks.
- Intermediate (TKI) – 10 intermediate tricks.
- Advanced (TKA) – 10 advanced tricks.
- Performer (TKP) – A choreographed trick routine.
- Elite Performer (TKE) – A complex routine showcasing creativity and skill.
Virtual Scent Work Test (VSWT)
The Virtual Scent Work Test (VSWT) is part of the AKC Virtual Titles program, offering dog owners an opportunity to showcase their dog’s scent detection abilities from the comfort of their home or any familiar environment. This program allows handlers to submit video evaluations of their dog successfully locating specific target odors, making scent work more accessible for those who may not have local trial opportunities. The VSWT is a fantastic way to introduce dogs to scent detection, refine their skills, and earn AKC recognition. Whether you’re working toward future AKC Scent Work titles or simply want to engage your dog’s natural sniffing instincts, this virtual option provides a structured and rewarding way to participate in the sport.
Virtual Agility Course Test (ACT)
The Virtual Agility Course Test (ACT) provides an excellent opportunity for dogs and handlers to experience agility in a flexible and accessible format. As part of the growing AKC Virtual Titles program, this test allows participants to set up an ACT course in their preferred location, record their runs, and submit them for evaluation. This virtual option is perfect for those new to agility who want to build foundational skills without the pressure of a formal trial setting. By participating in the Virtual ACT, teams can develop confidence, improve handling techniques, and work toward earning official AKC recognition from anywhere.
Virtual Water Test
AKC Fit  Dog
Benefits of AKC Virtual Titles
1. Accessibility & Convenience
- No need to travel to an evaluation site.
- Train and test on your schedule.
- Suitable for dogs who struggle in busy environments.
2. Encourages Training & Bonding
- Provides structured training goals.
- Strengthens the bond between dog and owner.
- Encourages lifelong learning and engagement.
3. Official Recognition & Achievement
- Titles are recorded in AKC’s system.
- Certificates and recognition provide a sense of accomplishment.
How to Get Started With AKC Virtual Titles
1. Review Program Requirements
Visit the AKC website to review the official rules and exercises for your chosen program for AKC Virtual Titles.
2. Train & Record Your Dog’s Performance
Practice the required skills until your dog can confidently perform them. Use a smartphone or camera to record a high-quality video that meets AKC’s guidelines.
3. Submit Your Video
Upload your video to a platform like YouTube (set to Unlisted or Public) and submit the link along with your application and entry fee to AKC.
4. Await Evaluation & Title Award
An AKC evaluator will review your submission and provide feedback. If your dog meets the criteria, the title will be awarded and recorded in the AKC database.
The AKC Virtual Titles program is a fantastic way to train, engage, and achieve recognition with your dog from home. Whether you’re focusing on manners, obedience, tricks, or rally, these virtual opportunities offer an accessible and rewarding path for every dog owner.
To learn more or start your journey, visit the AKC website and explore their Virtual Titles programs. Happy training!
