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What is trick dog?While it is common for pet parents to teach their dog tricks for fun, it has only been in the last few years that trick dog has become a recognised sport. The sport was created to allow owners to show off their dogs' tricks in a trial environment.
The ANKC version of the sport stems from Dancing With Dogs, another ANKC recognised sport, and allows dogs to learn some foundation exercises for DWD without having to choreograph a routine to music. Each level has a list of prescribed tricks and dogs must perform a set number of tricks (6 for starter, 8 for novice, 8 for intermediate and 10 for advanced) and achieve a qualifying score in each trick, earning at least 45 points in starter, 60 in novice, 65 in intermediate and 85 in advanced. Unlike many other dog sports, handlers are allowed to bring food into the ring, and reward the dog between tricks so the sport provides a great introduction to the trialling ring for new dogs and handlers! |
Quick Facts
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Training level required: ☆☆ (moderate)
Training type: at home/private trainer Equipment cost: $ (inexpensive) |
Overseeing body: Australian National Kennel Council
Minimum age for competition: 12 months Breed restrictions: None! Open to all breeds |
Online Trick Dog Titles
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Do More With Your DogWhile the ANKC has recently introduced its own trick dog sport, Do More With Your Dog, has been offering titles for tricks for several years. The two different groups are very different in their approach to the sport, and DMWYD allows handlers to submit videos online to earn titles, which are recognised by the American Kennel Club (AKC), but not the ANKC.
The DMWYD titles include tricks from many different sports, including obedience, agility and flyball, but also include tricks that don't appear in any other sport, that are just for fun. The DMWYD trick titles are a great basis for those pet parents who would love to teach their dog tricks, but who don't know where to start. |
What equipment do I need?The equipment needed for the sport is dependent on the tricks the handler chooses to have the dog perform. Basic equipment might include a jump, a platform, an obedience dumbbell and a small step for starters, but could go all the way up to a small cart for the dog to push or toys and a basket so the dog can put the toys away. On top of this, handlers will need a flat collar, a short lead and a small container of treats.
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How much training is needed?Trick dog serves as a soft entry into the trialling ring, so particularly for starters, the amount of training needed to get into the ring is relatively small when compared to some other sports. Having a dog who knows how to shake hands, spin in a circle, beg, take a jump, run around a cone, step up onto a platform or go around the handler is a great start, however we do recommend visiting some trials before entering to see how the rings work, what level of professionalism is required and to learn the "ring craft" required to compete.
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The first level of ANKC competition
Trick Dog StarterThe Starter class requires handlers to choose 6 different tricks from the list below and perform them in the ring in front of a judge. Prior to their turn, the handler has a couple of minutes to take their equipment into the ring and set it up. Handlers have the option of using a "reward station" which is a table set up in the corner of the ring, where handlers can leave a small container of treats, or a toy, so they can reward their dog between tricks. On entering the ring, the handler will be directed to remove the dog's lead and hand it to a steward before the judge indicates which trick will be first. The judge will also check that the handler is ready, let them know when the trick is finished and then allow them to either choose to re-do a trick if incorrectly performed (starter dogs get one retry) and finally, when the handler is able to reward their dog at the reward station.
Starter Trick List:
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