Celebrating intelligence, versatility, and the special bond between dogs and their handlers.
The Dutch Shepherd is a breed known for its intelligence, athleticism, working ability, and versatility. While many people recognize the breed for its success in conformation, herding, obedience, and dog sports, there is another wonderful way to showcase its remarkable abilities: AKC Trick Dog!
Trick training is much more than teaching a dog entertaining behaviors. It develops communication, confidence, problem-solving skills, and teamwork while strengthening the relationship between dog and handler.
What Is the AKC Trick Dog Program?
The American Kennel Club (AKC) offers a Trick Dog program that welcomes dogs of all breeds and backgrounds.
There are five levels of AKC Trick Dog titles:
Novice (TKN)
Intermediate (TKI)
Advanced (TKA)
Trick Dog Performer (TKP)
Trick Dog Elite Performer (TKE)
Elite Performer is the highest level. It challenges the dog and handler to create a routine built around a story or script, incorporating multiple tricks and props into an entertaining performance.
Dogs can earn their titles through in-person or virtual evaluations with an AKC-approved Canine Good Citizen evaluator.
Learn more: https://www.akc.org/sports/trick-dog/
The 2026 AKC Trick Dog Competition
The 8th Annual AKC Trick Dog Competition took place virtually in 2026 and was open to Elite Performers.
More than 200 competitors from the United States, Canada, and Australia submitted videos demonstrating their creativity, training, and teamwork.
This year's competition also introduced an international class, bringing even more talented dogs and handlers together.
The overall winner was Arwen, a Miniature Schnauzer handled by Caitlin Dermody of California. The international winner was Twitch, an Australian Kelpie handled by Kelly Manning of Australia.
Congratulations to all the winners, finalists, and participants!
Official AKC announcement:
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/bonny-bark-bandit-arwen-steals-2026-akc-virtual-trick-dog-competition/
Ivy Wildflower DSK – Representing the Dutch Shepherd
One of the highlights of the 2026 competition for the Dutch Shepherd community was the participation of Ivy Wildflower DSK, handled by Sylviane Chapoulaud.
Sylviane Chapoulaud & Ivy Wildflower DSK. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Am0IkwiINtk
Ivy successfully qualified for the second consecutive year and finished 1st Place among the Dutch Shepherds in the 2026 AKC Trick Dog Competition!
This achievement represents the dedication, patience, creativity, and teamwork that go into developing a successful performance dog.
Ivy demonstrates that the Dutch Shepherd's talents extend well beyond the traditional working and conformation rings.
Her intelligence, enthusiasm, and willingness to work with her handler make trick training another wonderful opportunity to showcase the breed.
Watch Ivy's 2026 Performance
Sylviane Chapoulaud & Ivy Wildflower DSK
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Am0IkwiINtk
The Benefits of Trick Training for Dogs
Trick training offers much more than entertainment. It is an enjoyable and rewarding activity that can benefit dogs of all ages, breeds, and backgrounds.
For an intelligent and energetic breed like the Dutch Shepherd, it provides another opportunity to use both mind and body.
1. Mental Stimulation and Problem-Solving
Learning new tricks encourages dogs to think, understand instructions, remember sequences, and solve challenges. Mental activities help keep dogs engaged and give them a constructive outlet for their intelligence.
2. Building Confidence
Every new trick mastered is an opportunity for success. Gradually introducing new challenges can help dogs become more comfortable trying unfamiliar activities and developing confidence in their abilities.
3. Strengthening the Bond Between Dog and Handler
Trick training creates a special partnership. Dogs learn to pay attention to their handlers, understand cues, and work together toward a shared goal. The positive interaction strengthens trust and communication.
4. Improving Focus and Attention
Learning to respond to verbal cues, hand signals, and changes in direction encourages dogs to concentrate on their handlers, even when distractions are present.
5. Developing Coordination and Body Awareness
Tricks involving balance, movement, stepping over objects, turning, and navigating props can encourage coordination and body awareness. Exercises should always be adapted to the dog's age, fitness, and physical abilities.
6. Encouraging Impulse Control and Patience
Some tricks require a dog to wait, hold a position, follow a sequence, or perform an action only when given a cue. These exercises provide opportunities to practice patience and self-control.
7. Positive Reinforcement and Motivation
Trick training is an excellent opportunity to reward desirable behaviors using praise, toys, play, and treats. Short, enjoyable sessions help keep dogs motivated and eager to learn.
8. Creativity and Communication
Training routines encourage handlers to think creatively and discover different ways to communicate with their dogs. Every dog learns differently, and finding the right approach is part of the fun.
9. Socialization and New Experiences
Training with props, different environments, sounds, and activities can introduce dogs to new experiences in a positive and controlled way.
10. A Fun Activity for Dogs and Families
Trick training is something the entire family can enjoy. It provides opportunities for interaction, entertainment, and shared accomplishments.
11. An Outlet for Energy and Intelligence
Dutch Shepherds are working dogs that thrive when given meaningful activities. Trick training provides an additional outlet for their curiosity, enthusiasm, and desire to work.
12. Versatility Beyond Traditional Dog Sports
Not every dog needs to compete in conformation, herding, or obedience. Trick training allows owners to discover another side of their dog's personality and abilities.
Whether your Dutch Shepherd is a family companion, working dog, performance competitor, or show dog, trick training can be a wonderful activity for both of you.
Celebrating the Versatility of the Dutch Shepherd
At Dutch Shepherd News, our mission is to celebrate, promote, and recognize the many qualities of this remarkable breed.
From conformation and herding to obedience, rally, scent work, and trick dog competitions, Dutch Shepherds continue to demonstrate that their abilities go far beyond one discipline.
Ivy Wildflower DSK is proud to represent that versatility.
A special thank-you to the AKC Trick Dog Program for providing this opportunity, to Andrew for directing and providing the voice for Ivy's video, and to Matthias for filming and lighting.
Thank you also to all my dear friends and wonderful clients for their continued encouragement and support. Your friendship and enthusiasm mean so much to me and inspire my love and passion for the Dutch Shepherd.
Congratulations, Ivy! A wonderful achievement for Wildflower DSK and the Dutch Shepherd community!
Looking Back: 2025 AKC Trick Dog Competition – Dutch Shepherd Outstanding Performance
The Dutch Shepherd was also represented in the 2025 AKC Trick Dog Competition.
Among the outstanding performances recognized by the AKC was:
Annie – Dutch Shepherd
Handler: Kristine Hayes Nibler
Annie was included in the AKC's 2025 Outstanding Performances, representing the Dutch Shepherd breed in this national virtual competition.
Congratulations to Kristine Hayes Nibler and Annie for showcasing the intelligence, talent, and versatility of the Dutch Shepherd!
🎥 Watch Annie's 2025 Performance:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1y4cQ1A9iX4
Official AKC 2025 Competition Results:
https://www.akc.org/sports/trick-dog/competition-winners/
Two years of Dutch Shepherd recognition – 2025 and 2026 – celebrating the intelligence, teamwork, and versatility of our breed!
Explore More About the Dutch Shepherd
Visit Dutch Shepherd News to discover breed achievements, performance stories, events, and news from the Dutch Shepherd community.
https://www.dutchshepherd.news
Additional AKC Resources
AKC Trick Dog Program: https://www.akc.org/sports/trick-dog/
AKC Competition Winners and Outstanding Performances: https://www.akc.org/sports/trick-dog/competition-winners/