More than just a ribbon.... I believe that working towards titles builds a stronger relationship between you and your dog. Almost nothing is more rewarding that a having a bond with your dog that allows the dog to flourish. I can't begin to describe the pride that is felt when taking a trained and well-behaved dog out in public.
Done with positive training methods, titles can be a motivator that will help you grow and learn how to train your dog while aiding your dog's ability to adapt and learn. Pick What Interests Both You & Your Dog...Not all people (or dogs for that matter) have the same interests and not all activities are for everyone. There are lots of options to choose from, here's a list of some of some that I've looked into
(Click on each activity for more information):
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Why Title a Dog?
Not just a brag, not just a stepping stone to a higher title, not just an adjunct to competitive scores, a title is a tribute to the dog that bears it, a way to honor the dog, an ultimate memorial. It will remain in record and in memory for as long as anything in this world can remain. Few humans will do as well or better in that regard. And though the dog itself doesn’t know or care that its achievements have been noted, a title says many things in the world of humans, where such things count. A title says your dog was intelligent and adaptable, and good-natured. It says that your dog loved you enough to do the things that please you, however crazy they may have sometimes seemed. And a title says that you loved your dog that you loved to spend time with it because it was a good dog that you believed in it enough to give it yet another chance when it failed, and that, in the end, your faith was justified. A title proves that your dog inspired you to that special relationship enjoyed by so few: that in a world of disposable creatures, this dog with a title was greatly loved, and loved greatly in return. And when that dear short life is over, the title remains as a memorial of the finest kind, the best you can give to a deserving friend, volumes of pride in one small set of initials after the name. A title earned is nothing less than love and respect, given and received, and permanently recorded. ~ Sandra Mowery |
So You Want to Start Earning Titles But Don't Know Where Do You Start?
Easy!... Train & Earn From Home!
More and more titles are being offered virtually at home due to the changing times. This is great for dog owners as there is no obligation to travel to shows or events; you can progress as fast or as slow with your dog as you want. Training can take place anywhere and when ready, video yourself and your dog and submit it to a certified evaluator to receive a title.
Currently, the following titles can be done from home. I recommend Trick Dog titles as an excellent starting point as it set your dog up for the skills for other activities.
Looking for something simpler? Canine Geocaching is a great way to simply get out & walk/hike with your dog.
Currently, the following titles can be done from home. I recommend Trick Dog titles as an excellent starting point as it set your dog up for the skills for other activities.
Looking for something simpler? Canine Geocaching is a great way to simply get out & walk/hike with your dog.
(Click on each sport for more information.)
I suggest starting with something that you can do from home with little to no equipment. It won't take long to decide what your interests (and you're dog's interests) are. The tricks involved with Trick titles provide a great introduction to each of the other sports; heel work for Rally-O and Obedience, some Agility skills, Scent Work practice, just to name a few.
Need a Trick Instructor or unsure what to do next?
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