The Reading Room • Family Dog Guides
AKC Trick Dog: From First Trick to Elite Performer
Trick Dog is the most fun you'll have earning an AKC title. No ring, no judge's table, no pressure — just you, your dog, and a list of tricks. Teach them at home, in the park, wherever. When you're ready, an evaluator watches and signs off.
There are five levels, and they build on each other like a video game. Novice is 10 simple tricks (or just 5 if your dog already has a CGC). By Elite Performer, you're staging a scripted routine with props. The whole ladder rewards the training you're probably already doing for fun.
It's also the most accessible AKC title program — evaluations happen at shows, clubs, and training facilities constantly, and many evaluators will test on request.
Earning this title? Create your free ThePetAdvisor account — log it, track your dog’s progress, and find testing near you.
Requirements
- Novice (TKN): perform 10 tricks from the AKC Novice list — or just 5 if your dog has a CGC certificate/title on record. Examples: sit, shake, spin, touch (hand target), kiss, fetch it.
- Intermediate (TKI): must hold the Novice title first, then perform 10 tricks from the Intermediate list. Examples: figure-8 through legs, leg weave, place (go to mat), crawl.
- Advanced (TKA): must hold the Intermediate title first, then perform 10 tricks from the Advanced list. Harder behaviors — distance work, directed retrieves, complex chains.
- Performer (TKP): must hold the Advanced title. Perform a short routine of at least 10 tricks, with at least 3 tricks using props. Props and music allowed; agility/obedience equipment may not be used.
- Elite Performer (TKE): the top level. A scripted routine with a story — 10 tricks from the Advanced/Performer lists, at least 5 at Performer level, at least 5 using props. The handler may narrate or have an assistant read the story.
- Your dog needs an AKC number (registration, PAL, or Canine Partners). Titles must be earned in order — each level requires the previous title.
Test items can be updated by AKC — confirm the current list with your evaluator before test day. Source: AKC official page.
How to earn it
- Step 1: Teach tricks at home using whatever method works for your dog — luring, shaping, capturing. The AKC trick lists are public; pick 10 at your level.
- Step 2: Get an AKC number for your dog if you don't have one (registration, PAL, or Canine Partners — mixed breeds welcome).
- Step 3: Find an evaluator — AKC CGC Evaluators can test Trick Dog. Many shows offer testing ringside; clubs run test days.
- Step 4: Perform your tricks for the evaluator. For Performer and Elite, stage your routine with props and story.
- Step 5: Submit the title application and fee to AKC for each level earned.
Find testing near you
Many conformation dog shows offer CGC, Trick Dog, and Fetch testing right on the show grounds — sometimes you can literally walk up ringside, pay the fee, and get evaluated the same day. Check the premium list for any show you’re attending, or ask the show secretary. Training clubs and stand-alone test days run year-round too.
Frequently asked questions
How many tricks does my dog need for Novice?
Ten from the Novice list — or only five if your dog already has a CGC certificate or title on record with AKC.
Do the levels have to be earned in order?
Yes. Intermediate requires the Novice title, Advanced requires Intermediate, and so on. Each application builds on the last.
Can I use treats during the evaluation?
Trick Dog is about demonstrating trained behaviors — check with your evaluator on their specific rules, but the program is designed to be low-pressure and fun.
What counts as a prop for Performer and Elite?
Almost anything you bring: boxes, hoops, costumes, platforms, toys. Agility and obedience equipment may not be used, but you can build functionally similar items (like a cardboard skyline to jump over).
Does my dog need to be a certain age?
AKC awards Trick Dog titles from 4 months of age. Puppies can start learning tricks immediately.
Can mixed-breed dogs earn Trick Dog titles?
Yes — any dog with an AKC number, including a Canine Partners number for mixed breeds.
Where can I get tested?
Many conformation shows offer Trick Dog testing on the grounds — check the premium list. Training clubs and evaluators also run test days and will often test by appointment.
Track your dog’s Family Dog journey
Log every title, watch the progress bars fill, and never miss a testing opportunity.