AKC Trick Titles

Earning AKC Trick Titles is easy! Follow the steps below to earn any level of AKC Trick Title!

1. Review trick list

Click the button for the level you are applying for, and make sure your dog can do the required number of tricks. Instructions for number of tricks are at the top of each list. Tricks cannot be repeated from one level to the next unless they are changed or progressed in some way.

2. Record and upload your video

Film a video of your dog performing each trick ONCE. Videos do not have to be filmed in a single take (except for TKE) and can have multiple “cuts.” Labeling tricks on the video is helpful to me, but not required.

Once you’ve finished your video, upload it to Youtube or Vimeo to get a shareable link. Make sure your video is set to either “Public” or “Unlisted” so I am able to watch it.

3. Submit your video for evaluation

Submit your video to me for evaluation here:

4. Submit completed form to the AKC

After I evaluate your video, I will email your completed evaluation form to you. This can be submitted to the AKC for official recognition in one of two ways:

• Online (super easy!) using the AKC’s Title Application Portal here: https://www.apps.akc.org/title-application-portal/
• By mail, using the Title Application Form: http://images.akc.org/pdf/Trick_Dog_Title_Application.pdf 

Congratulations on your new title!

5. Leave a review (optional but appreciated!)

Positive reinforcement is great for teaching tricks, and it works on people too! If you enjoyed working with me for your dog’s trick title evaluation, I would appreciate a 5 star review on Facebook, Google, or Yelp. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DogDefined/reviews/ 

Google: https://g.page/r/Cf_MFLp2F-_REB0/review 

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dog-defined-lacey-3 

Photo by Alec Khanna

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if my dog isn’t AKC registered?

If your dog isn’t AKC registered, you can still apply for an AKC number and earn titles through one of the programs below:

For purebreds: https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/PAL-Application-TrickDog.pdf

For mixed breeds: https://images.akc.org/pdf/CaninePartnersApp.pdf

2. What is the cost?

• $25 per title for evaluation AND ribbon
• $10 per title for evaluation only
• $20 per title for ribbon only
• + $5.75 shipping (orders placed on the same day share shipping)

3. I’m not sure what a trick description means, help!

The Participant and Evaluator Guide here has descriptions of each trick, as well as suggestions for the “handler’s choice” tricks. http://images.akc.org/pdf/trick_eval_guide.pdf

4. How long does it take to evaluate tricks?

I typically evaluate submissions twice per week. Ribbon batches are sent out 1-2 times per week and typically arrive within 3-8 business days from when I receive submissions.

5. Do I have to pay the AKC too?

Yes, the evaluation and/or ribbon fees cover my time for evaluating each title. The AKC’s fee covers recording time as well as the certificate they will mail directly to you.

6. What about titles/videos through DMWYD?

The AKC used to have a grandfathering program for DMWYD trick titles. This program is no longer active. If you have DMWYD videos you would like to submit for AKC evaluation, review the trick lists above to make sure they meet the requirements.

AKC Trick Dog title ribbons

TKN, TKI, TKA, TKP, and TKE

AKC Virtual Home Manners, STAR Puppy, and CGC ribbons