General rules and requirements
Any dog can take part in the Dog Talent Association programme and assessment for titles.
There are no restrictions in terms of dog's age, breed, mixed breeds, personality types, sizes etc.
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We actively encourage disabled dogs to take part too and always happy to work with you to adjust the tricks and requirements so a disabled dog has a fair chance to obtain the title and to progress.
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We are also very keen to encourage, help and support any rescue dogs. All dogs have a talent and all dogs deserve more than one chance in life to achieve their potential and to be happy.
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We tried our best to make things as clear as possible on the website, but if at any point you have a question or would like any help from us please do not hesitate (and we mean do not hesitate) to contact us: DogTalentAssociation@gmail.com
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The whole purpose of DogTalent Association is to help you to develop your dog's talent. That's why we are happy to help you! We also have a growing supportive community on Facebook and Instagram. Other members of the community might be able to help you with advice, share their personal experience and suggestions. So please join in, and help others too where you can.
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All behaviours or tricks need to be taught using a positive approach and the dog should clearly enjoy performing them. This does not mean that the handler is not allowed to use some gentle corrections while training the dog, but the overall approach needs to be positive. The dog should genuinely enjoy doing the tricks and have a positive relationship with the handler.
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The handler must ensure the safety of the dog and the people around at all times. All tricks need to be performed in a safe area where dogs are allowed. The handler needs to assist the dog and stop any tricks that may cause any harm to the dog, people or the environment. If your dog has any disabilities, then contact Dog Talent Association in advance to discuss and agree on an amended list of tricks/requirements to accommodate your dog on DogTalentAssociation@gmail.com
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The handler must be ready to spot or support the dog at any point. For safety reasons, some of the behaviours may need to be performed on a harness and lead to allow more effective support. Any jumping has to be done safely and only at an appropriate height to the dog and never higher than 2 dog’s shoulder heights. Avoid asking your dog to jump higher than a dog’s shoulder height on any hard surface. You may need to reduce those heights further for young, old dogs or for health reasons. Plan all tricks with your dog’s health in mind.
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All elements need to be filmed as individual videos of no more than 30 sec long unless it is a complex behaviour requiring a longer time to demonstrate. The videoclips then ideally should be edited together as one video, but you can also send them individually - see Submission instructions on the website.
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Both the handler and the dog need to be fully visible in each video for the whole duration of the assessed behaviour. Each video must not be manipulated, edited and need to have the original soundtrack. The only editing allowed is trimming the start and the end of the video and combining the videoclips into one.
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No physical manipulation of the dog in the position is allowed during the behaviour. Your dog needs to perform all tricks willingly and independently. No harsh dog handling or correction is allowed at any time.
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Hand shaping is allowed, but no treats or toys can be used as lures to perform the behaviour. Treats and other rewards can be given after the trick is completed. When performing the sequence of behaviours the reward can be given after completion of the sequence.
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The handler must not touch the dog in order to entice the dog to perform the behaviour unless the dog has some physical restriction or disability requiring the handler to touch the dog. The handler can touch the dog if it is part of the trick.
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The handler must aim to give only one command. It can be verbal command or verbal command and a visual cue. Either a verbal command or a visual cue may be repeated once more for no more than a quarter of the assessed behaviours. If the dog routinely requires more than one repetition of the command, or the cue, or both, then more work needs to be done before the dog is ready for the title submission.
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For the complimentary All-rounder Trick Dog Title your dog needs to be awarded at least 3 titles on the same level from different talent tracks (eg Novice for Novice All-Rounder Trick Dog Title etc). Only 3 tricks can be repeated across all Trick title submissions for each dog. So if you are applying for more than one title please make sure you include different tricks into each of your title submission as there is slight overlap between tricks linked to each of the Talent Tracks, only 3 tricks can be re-used for another title altogether.
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The videoclips do not need to be recorded on the same day or in one take/place. Both the dog and the handler should respect the environment, people around them and present a positive and inspirational example of a partnership.
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All behaviours and tricks are performed at your own risk and the Dog Talent Association or anyone associated with it is not liable in any way whatsoever for any harm or injury, or potential injury. The Handler has full responsibility for assessment and management of any risks, suitability, safety and harm prevention.