TDGCH Rules – Do More With Your Dog!

How to earn your Trick Dog Grand Champion (TDGCH) title

Hooray… you’ve set a goal on becoming a Grand Champion! The rules and examples are below. The orange button below is a printable PDF list of this same information.

Print the Grand Champion application form

wdt_ID	Sort Order	Trick Dog Grand Champion Rules	-->
1	1	The best of the best!	The Trick Dog Grand Champion title is awarded to dogs who have been trick trained to the highest level. In earning your Champion title, your dog demonstrated solid abilities in the variety of trick categories required for a stage performance and for animal acting. The TDGCH challenges your dog to take it to the next level by performing a variety of entertaining tricks that could be pulled together into a routine to entertain an audience.
2	2	How do I earn the TDGCH title?	First, earn your Trick Dog Champion (TDCH) title. Next, film a video including the required tricks on the next page. Submit your video along with your application for review by Do More With Your Dog! staff evaluators. Submit your application at: domorewithyourdog.com
3	3	Rules	BRIEF DESCRIPTION: • Video submitted to staff evaluators; not CTDI • The TDGCH title has 6 categories. • Make a video (or videos) of your tricks according to the application form. • The TDGCH title is evaluated by Do More With Your Dog staff, and not by a CTDI. • If any of the videos do not pass, we will contact you and tell you specifically what we need redone, and you can submit a new video for that skill when you are ready (at no additional cost). We want you to succeed! • Minimum age requirement for this title is 6 months. --------------------------------------------- • Collars/Leashes: Aversive collars are not permitted. Tricks shall be off-leash. An exception may be permitted if necessary to comply with leash laws while outdoors. In such a case an unrestrictive harness shall be used with a long-line. • CUES: The handler may give multiple cues within reason (about 3 cues). Praise and encouragement at any time is fine. • Service dogs/Disabled/Senior dogs: We commend your endeavor. We recognize that these dogs may have unique needs and are happy to work with you to establish alternate criteria. • Substitutions: At the grand champion level, we allow you to substitute similar tricks which demonstrate the same skill being tested. Email us with your questions. • Treats: Treats and toys may be used as a reward after the trick is finished, but may not be used to lure the dog into the behavior. Keep treats hidden from the dog, in a pocket or treat bag, during the trick. • Helpers: The dog shall be handled by only one trainer. No other person may help with the trick (except as specified for a particular trick). • Physical Manipulation / Pressure: Handler may not physically manipulate the dog. Petting is fine. Pressuring the dog (which may include stern voice, stern eye-contact, crowding or hovering over the dog, or putting your face or hands close to the dog’s head) is not permitted. • Qualifying: Applicant has 3 months to resubmit any portion of the test that did not qualify, at no additional cost. Application fee will not be refunded.
4	4	Video Tips for Success!	• We accommodate most video formats, including YouTube and Facebook • If possible, compile tricks into one video • Check your surroundings and attire • Set the camera on something rather than hold it in your hand • Try to have both the dog and the handler in the shot • Film in such a way that we can tell that you are not giving the dog treats or using a lure • Remove slip collar • Give your little champ a kiss on the head 😉 For the Grand Champion title, there should be no luring and no treats in your hands, so make that clear in your video. Questions? Email our friendly and knowledgeable evaluator team: dmwydadvisoryboard@gmail.com
5	5	Watch a Sample Grand Champion Submission Video	Clear and well lighted video—easy to see the team perform the tricks. No treats out or in hands. Very clear and precise trick performance with minimal cues. Handler allows dog to work at a little distance. Expert tricks are performed flawlessly.

wdt_ID	Sort Order	1. SUBTLE CUES	Description	Video1	Video2
1	1	“Read” 3 index cards	Dogs are very good at responding to subtle signals; a raise of your eyebrows, a movement of your finger, or shift in your stance. In this exercise you will show your dog a placard with a word on it, and your dog will respond with the associated behavior. It should appear to the viewer that the dog is responding to the written word, however dogs are most often responding to a subtle cue. “Read” 3 index cards Card 1: ________________ Card 2: ________________ Card 3: ________________ Your unedited video should show you presenting 3 card/placards to your dog, one at a time, and your dog responding accordingly. You may treat your dog between each card.

wdt_ID	Sort Order	2. DELAYED REWARD	Description	Video1	Video2
1	1	Perform 4 tricks with reward only at end	It is not always feasible to reward a performing dog as frequently as we would wish. This exercise demonstrates your dog’s ability to perform a sequence of tricks with a delayed reward. Perform 4 tricks with reward only at end Trick 1 (intermediate or higher): ___________ Trick 2 (intermediate or higher): ___________ Trick 3 (advanced or higher): ___________ Trick 4 (expert): ___________ Your unedited video should show your dog performing 4 tricks in a row without being rewarded until after the last trick. At least one trick shall be of Expert level, one of Advanced or higher level, and the remaining two of at least Intermediate level. Cues may be given for each trick. Tricks can be performed in any order.

wdt_ID	Sort Order	3. A to B MARKS	Description	Video1	Video2
1	1	Perform 4 tricks using at least 3 marks	Set 3 or more marks or platforms (max height 4 in/10 cm) at least 10 feet (3 m) from handler. The dog shall perform 4 different tricks of any level on a mark, utilizing at least 3 marks. Go to Mark, Stay, and Come do not count as tricks for this exercise. Perform 4 tricks using at least 3 marks Trick 1: _____________ Trick 2: _____________ Trick 3: _____________ Trick 4: _____________ Your unedited video should show the entire sequence including the initial send to mark. The handler may gesture and talk to the dog, but shall not reward the dog until after the last trick. Example: Send to mark A, Sit, Send to Mark B, Down, Send to Mark C, Wave, Bark.

wdt_ID	Sort Order	4. PLACE AN OBJECT	Description	Video1	Video2
1	1	Put an object in a receptacle	Many tricks incorporate the skill of placing an object in a specific location. Please show ONE of the following tricks or a trick of your choice that utilizes this skill. Put an object in a receptacle * Toys in the toybox (no lid required) * Basketball in the hoop * Litter in the wastebasket * Push a golf ball into a cup or hole by using either nose or paw * Other Your unedited video should show your dog repeating this trick 3 times in a row with no mistakes. No more than one cue may be given per iteration. The handler shall remain at least 6 feet (2 m) from the receptacle. Treats may be given throughout.

wdt_ID	Sort Order	5. PRECISION	Description	Video1	Video2
1	1	Maneuver object or body with Precision	Dogs can be eager to perform a trick quickly, but some tricks require concentration and precision. Please show one of the following tricks or a trick of your choice that utilizes this skill. Maneuver object or body with Precision * Piggybank or Connect-4 game * Ring Toss * Chess (lift and place game piece) * Paintbrush in bucket * Block Castle (stack 3 blocks) * Stack cups * Paw Pods (place paws on 4 bricks) * Other Your unedited video should show your dog repeating this behavior twice in a row. You may coach your dog. Your dog may make multiple attempts while struggling toward their goal. Treats may be given throughout.

wdt_ID	Sort Order	6. REMAINING EXPERT TRICKS	Description	Video1	Video2
1	1	10 Expert Tricks	The TDGCH requires a total of 10 Expert level tricks. Perform any remaining Expert tricks necessary to complete this requirement. Any previously demonstrated Expert tricks need not be repeated. For the purpose of this title, tricks that are similar will count as the same trick (ie: nose-work vehicle search and nose-work container search). 10 expert tricks 1: index cards 2: ------------------- 3: ------------------- 4: ------------------- 5: ------------------- 6: ------------------- 7: ------------------- 8: ------------------- 9: ------------------- 10: -------------------