QProin So, you and your canine companion have mastered the fundamentals. You’ve aced your Novice title with a solid “sit,” a reliable “shake,” and a triumphant “spin.” The certificate is on your wall, and that pride is real. But now, the hunger for a new challenge stirs. You’re ready to level up, to move beyond the basics and into the realm of true performance and artistry.
Welcome to the intermediate stage. This is where the real magic happens.
Here at Black Magic Dog Training in Kent, WA, we believe that earning an AKC Trick Dog title is about so much more than a piece of paper. It’s about deepening your communication, building incredible focus, and adding a splash of the spectacular to your daily routine. It’s the perfect bridge between basic obedience and the specialized worlds of canine fitness and behavior modification that we also champion.
Let’s delve into the arcane arts of intermediate trick training and plot your course to the AKC Intermediate Trick Dog Title (TKI) and beyond.
The Alchemy of Intermediate Training: Mindset Before Method
Before we break down the tricks, we must first brew the right mindset. Intermediate tricks require more than simple luring; they require shaping—the art of rewarding small steps toward a final behavior. Think of it not as commanding your dog, but as guiding them to solve a puzzle. Your clicker (or marker word, like “Yes!”) becomes your wand, precisely marking the moments of brilliance.
The Three Pillars of Successful Trick Training:
1. Patience is a Potion: These tricks won’t be perfected in one session. Break them down into tiny, achievable steps. Celebrate micro-successes.
2. Consistency is the Catalyst: Use the same cue, the same marker, and the same reward system every time. Clarity is kindness.
3. Joy is the Essential Ingredient: If you or your dog aren’t having fun, you’re doing it wrong. Keep sessions short (3-5 minutes), upbeat, and end on a high note.
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Conjuring the Tricks: A Grimoire for the TKI Title
For the AKC Intermediate Trick Dog title (TKI), you need to perform 10 tricks from the Intermediate list. Here are five of our favorites that build valuable skills and look incredibly impressive.
1. Touch (Targeting a Hand or Target Stick)
This is arguably the most versatile trick in your entire arsenal. “Touch” is the foundation for countless other behaviors, from closing doors to heeling.
· The Illusion: Your dog will confidently boop your palm (or the end of a target stick) with their nose on cue.
· The Incantation (How to Train It):
· Present your open palm, held just an inch or two from your dog’s nose.
· The moment they show any interest—a sniff, a glance—mark and reward.
· Gradually require an actual nose touch. Add the cue “Touch!” as they perform the action.
· Once solid, start moving your hand to different positions: higher, lower, to the side. You can then transfer this skill to a target stick.
· Why It’s Powerful: This is the foundation for “go to a place,” complex retrieves, and is a fantastic way to get a distracted dog to re-engage with you. It’s a cornerstone of the clear communication we use in all our training, from AKC STAR Puppy to behavior modification.
2. Back Up
A trick that combines spatial awareness and impulse control, “Back Up” is as practical as it is polished.
· The Illusion: Your dog will take several steps backward away from you on cue.
· The Incantation (How to Train It):
· With your dog in a standing position, step subtly into their space. Most dogs will take a step back to rebalance. Mark and reward that single step back.
· You can also lure them: hold a treat at their nose level and slowly move it straight back between their front legs. As their head follows, their body must follow backward.
· Once they’re taking one step reliably, wait for two. Then add the verbal cue “Back up!”
· Why It’s Powerful: This is a brilliant behavior for managing doorways, creating space in tight situations, and building body awareness—a key component of our Canine Fitness programs.
3. Perch (Paws Up on an Object)
This trick is a dynamic way to build hind-end strength and confidence, and it’s a direct stepping stone to even more advanced behaviors.
· The Illusion: Your dog will place both front paws on a designated, stable object like a sturdy stool, a step, or a platform.
· The Incantation (How to Train It):
· Place a low, stable object on the ground. Lure your dog’s nose up and over the object so their front paws naturally step onto it. Mark and reward.
· Shape the duration, asking them to hold the position for a second, then two, then five.
· Add the cue “Perch!” or “Paws up!”
· Gradually introduce different objects and heights, always prioritizing safety and stability.
· Why It’s Powerful: This is a foundational exercise in canine conditioning. It strengthens the core and rear legs, improves balance, and prepares your dog for sports, therapy work, or simply a more resilient life. It’s a core element of our AKC Fit Dog preparations.
4. Ring a Bell to Go Outside
Turn your dog into a communication wizard with this practical and fun trick.
· The Illusion: Your dog will nose or paw a bell hung on the door handle to signal they need to go outside.
· The Incantation (How to Train It):
· Hang a bell (like a jingle-bell holiday ornament) at your dog’s nose level on the door you use for potty breaks.
· Use the “Touch” command to have them boop the bell. Mark and reward enthusiastically.
· Immediately open the door and take them outside to their potty spot. The act of going outside is the reward.
· Soon, they will make the connection: Bell Ring = Door Opens = Potty Time.
· Why It’s Powerful: This trick solves a common household frustration and empowers your dog to clearly communicate their needs, reducing accidents and anxiety. It’s a perfect example of how trick training overlaps with real-world behavior solutions.
5. Play Fetch (with a specific toy)
While many dogs love to chase, a formal “Fetch” involves a reliable retrieve to hand. This is a game-changer for play and sport.
· The Illusion: Your dog will chase a thrown toy, pick it up, bring it directly back to you, and release it into your hand.
· The Incantation (How to Train It): This is often trained in reverse.
· First, teach “Drop It”: Play a gentle game of tug with a toy. Then, present a high-value treat. The moment they release the toy to get the treat, mark, say “Drop it,” and reward.
· Next, the retrieve: With your dog on a leash, toss a favorite toy a very short distance. Use the leash to gently guide them back to you if they don’t return naturally. The moment the toy is in your hand, mark and reward lavishly.
· Chain it together: Add the cue “Fetch!” as you throw the toy. Use “Drop it” when they return.
· Why It’s Powerful: A reliable fetch is the foundation for many dog sports and provides incredible physical and mental exercise. It turns a simple game into a structured, cooperative activity.
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Weaving the Spell: Preparing for Your Evaluation
You’ve practiced the individual components. Now, it’s time to weave them into a seamless performance.
· Proofing Your Tricks: Practice in different locations—your living room, your backyard in Kent, a quiet corner at Saltwater State Park. Add mild distractions to ensure the behaviors are solid.
· Sequence Matters: During your evaluation, you’ll perform a routine. Practice transitioning smoothly from one trick to the next. This flow is what separates a good performance from a great one.
· Showmanship: Add a little goth flair! Use a themed prop, wear your favorite band tee, or simply practice your “performance voice.” Your energy is contagious. Make it a show!
Your Next Evolution: The Path to Advanced and Elite Titles
Once you’ve conquered the Intermediate title, a new world of challenges awaits in the Advanced (TKA) and Elite (TKE) levels. This is where you can truly let your unique style shine. Imagine your Xloitzcuintli (Xolo) performing a “Salute” or your clever shelter mutt “Reading” a cue card. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
Ready to Summon Your Dog’s Hidden Talents?
Trick training is more than just fun and games. It’s a powerful tool for building confidence in shy dogs, providing mental stimulation for high-energy breeds, and strengthening the bond you share in a profound way. It’s the joyful, creative side of the same coin as behavior modification and canine fitness.
If you’re in the Kent, Auburn, or Federal Way area and you’re ready to guide your dog beyond the basics, Black Magic Dog Training is your coven for canine education.
We offer:
· AKC Trick Dog Evaluations to certify your skills.
· Group Classes focused on trick training and performance.
· Private Coaching to troubleshoot complex behaviors and choreograph stunning routines.
Let us help you unlock the extraordinary potential that lies within your dog. Contact us today, and let’s start crafting your legacy, one trick at a time.
Black Magic Dog Training: Where Obedience Meets the Obscure.
