The Virtual Trick Dog Titles program is a fun and accessible way for dog owners to train, showcase, and earn official trick dog titles remotely. Through a simple video submission process, participants can demonstrate their dog’s abilities from home and receive recognition from the American Kennel Club (AKC).
This AKC virtual title program is perfect for dog lovers who enjoy training, those looking for a new challenge, or anyone who wants to engage their dog in a mentally stimulating activity. The best part? All Virtual Trick Dog Titles can be earned without attending in-person evaluations.
How the Virtual Trick Dog Titles Program Works
The Virtual Trick Dog Titles program allows dog owners to earn official AKC Trick Dog titles from the comfort of home. This remote format makes it accessible for anyone, regardless of location, and provides a structured way to showcase a dog’s skills through a simple video submission process.
Whether you’re just starting with basic tricks or working toward a high-level performance routine, this program ensures a fun, rewarding, and achievable training experience for dogs of all ages and skill levels.
Earning Virtual Trick Dog Titles is easy and convenient. Here’s how the process works:
1️⃣ Train Your Dog – Teach your dog the required tricks for the title level you’re pursuing.
2️⃣ Record a Video – Capture your dog performing the tricks in one take or separate clips.
3️⃣ Submit the Video for Evaluation – A certified AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) evaluator will review your submission.
4️⃣ Earn an Official AKC Title – If your video meets the criteria, the evaluator approves your submission, and you can apply for your dog’s official Virtual Trick Dog Title.
By following these steps, any dog can earn Virtual Trick Dog Titles while having fun, staying mentally engaged, and strengthening their bond with their handler.
Title Levels in the Virtual Trick Dog Titles Program
The program consists of five title levels, each requiring progressively more advanced tricks.
1. Novice Trick Dog (TKN)
📌 Requirements: Complete 10 beginner-level tricks
✔ If your dog has earned a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certificate, five CGC skills can count as five tricks, meaning only five additional tricks are needed for AKC Novice Trick Dog Title.
💡 Examples of Novice Tricks:
- Shake hands
- Spin in a circle
- Play dead
- Walk through a tunnel
- High-five
🐶 Guidelines:
At the Novice level, food or toy lures are allowed to help guide the dog into position. This makes it ideal for beginners looking to earn their first Virtual Trick Dog Title.
2. Intermediate Trick Dog (TKI)
📌 Requirements: Complete 10 intermediate tricks.
💡 Examples of Intermediate Tricks:
- Jump through a hoop
- Fetch a specific object
- Weave through the handler’s legs
- Wave hello
- Crawl under an obstacle
🐶 Guidelines:
At this stage, luring with food or toys is no longer allowed. The dog must respond to cues without visible rewards. This step ensures they’ve learned the trick rather than simply following a treat.
3. Advanced Trick Dog (TKA)
📌 Requirements: Successfully complete 10 advanced-level tricks
💡 Examples of Advanced Tricks:
- Retrieve an item by name
- Open or close a door
- Carry an object and place it in a designated spot
- Play a small piano
- Walk on hind legs
🐶 Guidelines:
By this level, Virtual Trick Dog Titles require precise, polished trick performances. No lures are permitted, and dogs must execute tricks consistently and confidently.
4. Trick Dog Performer (TKP)
📌 Requirements: A choreographed trick routine featuring at least 10 tricks, including at least 3 prop-based tricks
🎭 What This Means:
Rather than performing tricks individually, dogs must combine tricks into a seamless routine. Creativity is encouraged! Props such as toy shopping carts, bells, or agility hoops add an entertaining touch.
🐶 Examples of Performer-Level Tricks:
- Push a shopping cart
- Ring a bell
- Walk backward in a straight line
- Jump over objects in a set sequence
- Spin while balancing on a prop
🐾 Tip:
To earn this Virtual Trick Dog Title, focus on smooth transitions between tricks for a well-coordinated performance.
5. Trick Dog Elite Performer (TKE)
📌 Requirements: A fully developed routine with at least 10 tricks, using at least 5 props, tied together with a storyline
🎭 What This Means:
The Elite Performer title is the highest level of the Virtual Trick Dog Titles program. The routine should have a clear theme or story and be engaging to watch.
🐶 Examples of Elite-Level Tricks:
- Perform a full obstacle course
- Mimic the handler’s movements (mirroring routine)
- Solve a puzzle (e.g., unlocking a box)
- Perform multiple tricks in response to silent cues only
- Walk backward in a circle
📌 Key Rules:
- The routine must be filmed in one continuous take (no editing).
- A themed storyline is required (e.g., a superhero dog saving the day).
- At least 5 props must be used.
🐾 Tip:
A well-structured narration or background music can enhance the performance.
Submitting Your Virtual Trick Dog Titles Video
📌 Steps to Submit:
✅ Record a clear video with proper lighting and full visibility of the dog.
✅ Submit the video to an AKC-approved evaluator for review.
✅ Once approved, complete the AKC title application and submit it with the evaluation form and fee.
✅ Receive an official AKC certificate and recognition for your dog’s achievement! 🎉
The Virtual Trick Dog Titles submission process is straightforward and allows participants to showcase their dog’s talents without leaving home.
Why Earn Virtual Trick Dog Titles?
📌 1. Mental and Physical Stimulation
Teaching tricks challenges a dog’s mind, reducing boredom and preventing destructive behaviors.
📌 2. Strengthens the Dog-Owner Bond
Positive reinforcement training enhances trust and teamwork between dogs and handlers.
📌 3. Open to All Dogs
Since the Virtual Trick Dog Titles program is remote, any dog—regardless of breed, age, or size—can participate.
📌 4. Convenient and Stress-Free
No travel or in-person evaluations needed—earn your Virtual Trick Dog Titles from home!
📌 5. Prepares Dogs for Therapy and Performance Work
Trick training builds confidence, focus, and patience, which are great skills for therapy dog work or future public performances.
📌 6. Sense of Accomplishment
Each title level brings a new challenge and reward, making training a fulfilling experience.
📌 7. Can Lead to National Trick Dog Competitions
AKC hosts an annual Trick Dog National Competition, where top trick dogs compete via video submissions.
How to Get Started
- Choose a Virtual Trick Dog Title Level – Start with Novice and work your way up.
- Review the Official Trick Lists – Available on the AKC website.
- Train Your Dog – Use positive reinforcement for fun and effective learning.
- Film and Submit Your Video – Ensure the evaluator can clearly see all tricks.
- Celebrate Your Success! 🎉 – Earn official Virtual Trick Dog Titles and enjoy the journey!
The Virtual Trick Dog Titles program is an enjoyable way to keep your dog engaged while earning official AKC recognition. Whether you’re teaching simple tricks or choreographing advanced performances, this program allows you to train, bond, and achieve success—all from the comfort of home!
🐶 Start your Virtual Trick Dog Titles journey today and let your dog’s talents shine! 🌟
