Frequently asked questions:

AKC TITLE TESTING

  • AKC offers a variety of titles across different disciplines, including obedience, agility, rally, tracking, and more. Some popular titles include Canine Good Citizen (CGC), Trick Dog, and various agility and obedience titles.

  • AKC titles not only recognize your dog's accomplishments and training achievements but also open up opportunities for participation in various dog sports, events, and competitions. Additionally, earning AKC titles can strengthen the bond between you and your dog through training and teamwork.

  • If your dog does not pass the AKC title evaluation, the evaluator may provide feedback on areas needing improvement and suggest additional training or practice. You can then work on addressing these areas before attempting the evaluation again.

  • There is no limit to the number of times your dog can attempt an AKC title evaluation. You can continue training and practicing until your dog meets the criteria for the desired title.

  • The AKC Star Puppy program is designed to recognize and reward young puppies (up to one year old) who demonstrate good manners and basic obedience skills. It serves as a foundation for further training and encourages responsible dog ownership.

  • The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy evaluation assesses puppies on basic obedience skills and behaviors, including walking on a leash, coming when called, sitting and staying on command, and interacting positively with other dogs and people. It aims to evaluate the puppy's socialization, training progress, and readiness for future training and activities.

  • The AKC CGC program is a certification program designed to promote responsible dog ownership and well-behaved canine companionship in the community. It emphasizes basic obedience skills, good manners, and socialization.

  • The AKC CGC evaluation assesses a dog's ability to demonstrate basic obedience commands and good manners in various everyday situations. Behaviors evaluated include sitting politely for petting, walking on a loose leash, coming when called, staying in place, and interacting appropriately with other dogs and people.

  • The AKC Community Canine program is an advanced level of the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program, focusing on good manners and obedience skills in real-life settings and public places. It evaluates a dog's ability to demonstrate good behavior and manners in the community.

  • The AKC CGCA evaluation assesses a dog's ability to exhibit good manners and obedience skills in challenging situations encountered in public places. It includes advanced obedience commands, such as walking through a crowd, sitting politely for petting by strangers, and remaining calm during distractions and interruptions.

  • The AKC CGCU program is an advanced level of the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program, specifically designed to evaluate a dog's good manners and obedience skills in urban settings. It focuses on behaviors necessary for well-behaved dogs in city environments.

  • The AKC CGCU evaluation assesses a dog's ability to exhibit good manners and obedience skills in urban environments, including busy streets, crowds, and public transportation. It includes advanced obedience commands and behaviors such as remaining calm during loud noises, navigating through pedestrian traffic, and following commands amidst distractions.

  • The AKC Trick Dog program is a fun and engaging activity that encourages dogs and their owners to showcase a variety of tricks and behaviors. It provides a structured framework for teaching and evaluating tricks, ranging from simple to advanced, and allows dogs to earn titles based on their accomplishments.

  • The AKC Trick Dog Novice title is the introductory level of the AKC Trick Dog program. It recognizes dogs that have demonstrated basic obedience skills and can perform a set of 10 tricks from the Novice Trick Dog list.

    To earn the AKC Trick Dog Novice title, dogs must perform a variety of tricks from the Novice Trick Dog list, including sit, down, stay, come, shake paws, spin, sit pretty, roll over, high five, and any one additional trick of the owner's choice.

  • The AKC Trick Dog Intermediate Title is the next level in the AKC Trick Dog program. It recognizes dogs that have mastered the Novice level and can perform a set of 10 tricks from the Intermediate Trick Dog list.

    To earn the AKC Trick Dog Intermediate title, dogs must perform a variety of tricks from the Intermediate Trick Dog list. This includes more advanced behaviors such as weaving through legs, rolling a barrel, jumping through a hoop, balancing a treat on the nose, and retrieving an item.

  • The AKC Trick Dog Advanced Title is one of the highest levels in the AKC Trick Dog program. It recognizes dogs that have mastered both the Novice and Intermediate levels and can perform a set of 10 tricks from the Advanced Trick Dog list.

    To earn the AKC Trick Dog Advanced title, dogs must demonstrate proficiency in a variety of advanced tricks from the Advanced Trick Dog list. These include complex behaviors such as playing dead, weaving through poles, jumping over obstacles, balancing on hind legs, and performing a sequence of tricks.

  • The AKC Trick Dog Performer title is one of the highest levels in the AKC Trick Dog program. It recognizes dogs that have mastered the Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced levels, and can perform a set of 10 tricks from the Performer Trick Dog list.

    To earn the AKC Trick Dog Performer title, dogs must demonstrate proficiency in a variety of advanced and complex tricks from the Performer Trick Dog list. These may include advanced behaviors such as retrieving specific items, navigating obstacle courses, performing intricate sequences, and showcasing unique talents.

  • The AKC Trick Dog Elite Performer title is the highest level in the AKC Trick Dog program. It recognizes dogs that have mastered the Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Performer levels, and can perform a set of 10 tricks from the Elite Performer Trick Dog list.

    To earn the AKC Trick Dog Elite Performer title, dogs must demonstrate proficiency in a variety of advanced and challenging tricks from the Elite Performer Trick Dog list. These may include complex behaviors such as multiple trick sequences, intricate prop manipulation, and innovative performances.

  • The AKC Home Manners title is an advanced level in the AKC Home Manners program. It recognizes dogs that have mastered essential obedience behaviors and demonstrate exemplary manners in various home and public settings.

  • The AKC Home Manners Puppy program is designed to help young dogs develop good manners and basic obedience skills essential for living harmoniously in a home environment. It focuses on foundational behaviors such as sit, stay, come when called, leash walking, and polite greetings.

    The AKC Home Manners Puppy evaluation assesses a puppy's proficiency in basic obedience behaviors and manners appropriate for their age, such as sitting politely for petting, responding to basic commands, walking on a leash without pulling, and showing appropriate social behavior with people and other dogs.

  • The AKC Home Manners Adult program focuses on refining the obedience skills and manners of adult dogs. It helps dogs develop good behavior patterns and manners necessary for living harmoniously in a home environment.

    The AKC Home Manners Adult evaluation assesses a dog's proficiency in basic obedience behaviors and manners appropriate for adult dogs. This may include behaviors such as grooming, walking on a loose leash, coming when called, going to place/crate, and etc.