What is Do More With Your Dog?

DMWYD is the original and largest trick training organization in the world.  The organization has three main divisions – trick training, canine conditioning, and a sport that combines tricks and performance called Stunt Dog.  There are three coaching programs that are connected to each division – Certified Trick Dog Instructors (CTDIs), Canine Conditioning and Fitness Coaches (CCFCs), and Stunt Dog Judges (SDJs).  Someone who has all three is designated a “Triple Crown Trainer”.  Learn more about finding a qualified trick dog instructor in this article:  Finding the Right Instructor for Tricks.

Does My Dog Need to Be Registered?

Dogs do not need to be registered with DMWYD to earn titles.  Any dog is accepted, of any breed, age, and ability.  CTDIs can adjust expectations within reason to accommodate differently-abled people or dogs.  In fact, any type of animal can earn a title – there are titled trick cats, birds, and horses, and I’ve even had an iguana in my group!

Titling Levels

This article focuses on the Trick Dog program. Feel free to contact me or leave a question in the comments about the other programs. I’m a “Triple Crown” trainer and I’m happy to answer questions.

The trick program has four main titling levels, plus Trick Dog Champion and Trick Dog Grand Champion.  The levels are:

• • • Novice
    • Intermediate
    • Advanced
    • Expert

Each level has a list of tricks associated with it.  There is a free online class called the Tricks Master Class that has up-to-date lists, criteria, and in most cases, a short video clip showing what the trick looks like.  The Master Class does not tell you HOW to teach your dog the tricks (that’s what instructors like me are for), it merely shows you what each one is and which level it is in.

How Do I Earn Titles?

You must start at the Novice level and earn the titles in order, although you can submit for multiple titles at the same time.  At each level, you earn a title by teaching your dog tricks worth the required points for that level.  The points system is both simple and confusing.  Tricks in the level you are trying to earn are always worth one point.  So if you are earning an Expert title, expert tricks are worth one point.  If you are earning an Advanced title, Advanced tricks are worth one point.  Intermediate and Novice tricks are always worth one point.  Here is the part that people find confusing.  If you are earning a Novice or Intermediate title, and you use an Advanced or Expert trick that meets the criteria for that level, the trick is worth two points.

Collaboration with Other Organizations

Do More With Your Dog does not recognize trick titles from other organizations, so even if you have a higher-level title from a different organization, you have to start at Novice in DMWYD.  However, the organization does have an agreement with two other groups. 

As of January 2022, AKC non longer recognizes titles from DMWYD.  

he Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) recognizes the standard trick titles, Masters titles, Champion title, Grand Champion title, and Register of Merit.  You can submit the PDF certificate from your DMWYD title to the CKC along with their fee and have your titles added to their registry.

The Dansk Kennel Club (DKK) recognizes the Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert, and Trick Dog Champion titles.  You can submit the PDF certificate from your DMWYD title to the DKK along with their fee and have their titles added to their registry.

What Is Luring?

People are often confused about what luring actually is.  Luring is having the dog follow your hand or something like a target stick to complete the trick, whether there is food in your hand or not.  Luring should not be confused with cues.  Here is an example.  Pointing to one side of the hoop or the other to encourage your dog through is giving a cue.  Putting your hand in the hoop and getting the dog to follow it through is luring.

What Are Spark Teams?

There are free Facebook groups called “Spark Teams” that are run by a CTDI.  The group should have, at a minimum, linked videos to show you how to teach the tricks for each level and a post (usually an Announcement that is pinned) that tells you how the program works and how to submit your title for evaluation.  There is also an expectation that the CTDI will be available to answer questions, help you if you get stuck, and evaluate your title for free. 

Spark Teams usually do not provide in-depth instruction or training plans to help you navigate through the tricks to teach.  They are set up as self-study, with an instructor to help if you have issues.  Look for a large, friendly community with an attentive CTDI who checks the group at least daily.  Remember that almost all CTDIs also have a full-time job, so be patient, and don’t expect an immediate response.

You can join the Maximum Fun Trick Dogs group here:   Maximum FUN Trick Dogs

What Needs to Be on My Video?

Although tricks can always be evaluated by a CTDI in person, most commonly people video the tricks and send them to a CTDI either through a Facebook group “Spark Team” or through direct message or email.  Here are a few pointers for videoing your tricks:

• • As long as a trick is clearly performed, most tricks only have to be shown once.  There are a few exceptions like the Shell Game, but in general, one repetition of a well-performed trick is sufficient.

• • Your entire body does not have to be in the video, but the CTDI has to see enough of you to ensure that you are not luring the tricks, or that you are luring under the required percentage for Novice and Intermediate.  Best practice is to show you and your dog.

• • If you don’t have a tripod, use a makeshift stand to hold your phone while you video.  It is very difficult to evaluate tricks when the handler is holding the phone.  I have had people put the phone inside a coffee cup, against a picture frame, etc.  Make sure you stay within range of the camera (painter’s tape on the floor helps create a boundary if you are taping alone).

• • Do your best to only cue the dog once.  In general, CTDIs will accept up to three cues, but it is better not to “make the judge think” if you can avoid it.

• • If you are performing a trick that requires distance, make sure that the angle you video from clearly shows the distance between you and your dog, or lay a tape measure down and show the distance before doing the trick with your dog.

How Do I Get a Title Video Evaluated?

Send your video to a CTDI by posting it on the Spark Team, sending it in a message, or sending a link, and indicate which level you are trying to earn.  A list of the tricks you performed or titles on your video are nice, but not required.  The CTDI will watch the video and let you know if everything met criteria, or if there are any that you need to redo.  Once you get the “thumbs up” from the CTDI, you can submit your title.  Evaluations through a Spark Team are always free.  Most CTDIs will evaluate video for free even if they don’t run a Spark Team. 

How Do I Submit My Title?

Once your CTDI has approved your video, it is time to submit it to DMWYD!  The days of filling out forms and mailing them in are long past, thankfully.  Here are the steps to submitting your title:

1. Go to the DMWYD website.
2. Click on Earn Dog Titles > Trick Dog Title.
3. Choose which title you are applying for.
4. Fill out your information and the CTDI’s name and Spark Team if applicable.
5. Include your payment information and check out just like any other online store.

The next blog post, where I explain the Masters titles, Trick Dog Champion, and Trick Dog Grand Champion is available here:  http://www.maximumfundogs.com/dmwyd-advanced-titles/

Start earning titles with us in the free Facebook trick training group here:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/maximumfunsparkteam

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