*SassyT Canine Academy will be offering evaluations for AKC Trick Dog titles soon!*

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is now offering trick dog titles to dogs that are AKC registered, enlisted with the Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL), or enlisted with the AKC Canine Partners program. This titling opportunity allows dogs and handlers of all ages and abilities to show off their training skills and earn titles for their efforts. AKC is offering titles for the following 4 levels: Novice (TKN), Intermediate (TKI), Advanced (TKA), and Trick Dog Performer (TKP). For all levels except TKP the titles may be earned by performing the tricks before an AKC approved Canine Good Citizen (CGC) evaluator. TKP titles require the dog and handler team to video their routine for submission. The AKC is allowing teams that are already involved in teaching tricks and that have earned their titles through the Do More With Your Dog program to grandfather their existing titles through the end of 2017. Food and toys may be used as training aids at only the novice level. If your dog has their CGC on AKC record, they only need to perform 5 tricks to earn their Novice Trick dog title! For levels beyond novice, teams must choose 5-10 tricks from a select list of tricks to perform at each level. The required tricks checklist for each level can be found on the AKC’s website (and by clicking below). To help promote this program, Port Chester Obedience Training Club’s Family Manners Training Director, Jenn Michaelis, has filmed many how to instructional videos for AKC’s YouTube channel with her dogs, Terra and Ringo. Stay tuned for PCOTC announcements about future trick training workshops and titling opportunities!