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If you’re new to dog ownership, the idea of earning official titles with your dog may sound intimidating. Titles are awards that prove your dog has mastered certain skills, like good manners, fun tricks, or problem-solving tasks. Traditionally, these were only earned at in-person events, but the American Kennel Club (AKC) now offers virtual titles you can achieve from home.
This means you can train your dog, record a video of the required skills, and submit it online for approval — no traveling, no expensive entry fees, and no pressure of performing in front of a crowd. Virtual titles are not just about recognition; they’re about building a stronger bond with your dog while giving them enrichment and structure.
Let’s explore three of the most popular virtual options: Virtual Home Manners, Trick Dog, and Virtual Scent Work.
Virtual Home Manners (VHM) is an entry-level program that teaches your dog essential life skills. It’s like a “kindergarten diploma” for puppies (4 months or younger) or dogs (4 months and older) — showing that your pup knows the basics of being a well-mannered family companion.
There are two levels (puppy and adult), but both focus on simple tasks: walking politely on a leash, coming when called, staying in place, greeting people calmly, and showing they can relax in the home. Owners record short videos of each exercise and send them to an approved evaluator.
These skills aren’t just for show; they make your day-to-day life easier. Imagine a dog that sits politely instead of jumping when guests arrive, or one that walks calmly instead of dragging you down the street.
The Trick Dog program rewards dogs for learning fun skills at different levels: Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and even Performer. Tricks can be as simple as “sit” and “shake hands” or as complex as weaving through your legs or fetching specific items.
You and your dog choose 10 tricks from a set list to perform. For example, a Novice Trick Dog might have simple tricks like spin, high-five, or crawl. You record your dog performing them, then submit the video for evaluation.
Tricks aren’t just for laughs. They build focus, keep your dog’s brain active, and strengthen your bond. Even older dogs or dogs with physical limitations can participate, because there are tricks suited to every ability level.
Scent work taps into a dog’s natural ability to find things using their nose. The AKC’s virtual program focuses on searching for specific scents (like birch) and alerting the handler once they find it.
You’ll introduce your dog to the target scent and practice simple searches at home — hiding the scented item in boxes, under chairs, or around the yard. You then film your dog locating it.
Scent work provides deep mental enrichment. It’s especially valuable for high-energy dogs that need a “job” or for older dogs that may not enjoy running or agility but still love using their brains.
AKC’s virtual programs take the mystery out of dog training and open the door for everyone. They’re especially helpful for:
Earning a virtual title means more than just a certificate — it’s proof of the work you and your dog have put in together. More importantly, it helps create a well-mannered, confident, and enriched dog that’s a joy to live with.
Are you thinking about getting a White Lab puppy or and English Cream Golden Retriever? Come visit Snowy Pines White Labs at our Ozark home or view our puppy live stream to see healthy dogs in action.
Tom Massey has owned and operated Snowy Pines Labradors for over a decade. They have become the leaders in English Labradors in the US. He and his team serve customers all over the US and Europe. They house their "dog family" in a state of the art facility on a large farm in the Ozark Mountains. With an obsession for genetics and temperament they raise and train dogs known across the globe for health and personality. Tom serves the pet industry in many forms campaigning for ethical breeding, training, and pet ownership.