Page 57 - JRT Magazine - 2023 Issue 2

As interest in tricks and trick titles grew, the
American Kennel Club (AKC) began offering trick
titles during in-person settings (classes and dog
shows) about 5 years ago. With the onset of
COVID, AKC launched a virtual option for their
trick titles as well. AKC trick titles are evaluated
by Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluators. During
the pandemic, AKC added the option to test for
tricks virtually with a CGC evaluator since in-
person events were cancelled or put on hold. AKC
now offers a line of trick titles from the Novice
(TKN) to the Elite Performer (TKE) level that AKC-
registered dogs can earn, with the titles listed on
the dog’s record upon completion. You can find
more information on AKC’s trick program here;
dogs must be registered with AKC to earn titles:
www.akc.org/sports/trick-dog/

So, while you are watching TV and see a cute
Tricks are fun, there is no doubt about that! Let’s dog in a commercial, grab some treats and start
face it, everything we teach our dogs really is just training your Russell Terrier some tricks too. Even
another trick. A down stay, a conformation/show if you just want to teach tricks for fun there is a
stack, spin on hind legs, going over a teeter totter, plethora of dog trick training videos, books, and
each is just another trick. Keeping the behaviors virtual classes out there now. You can entertain
that we teach our dogs in the frame of tricks as we your friends and guests with some cute and useful
train helps keep dog training fun and lighthearted tricks. Tricks are also a great way to spend some
too. Dogs and humans perform and learn better down time at a dog show to engage your dog’s
with positive and fun training techniques. mind and keep boredom away.

A Worldwide Magazine for the Jack Russell Terrier / Russell Terrier • Issue 2/2023 | 57