In this episode, Geryah Dingle discusses the AKC Virtual Home Manners Title, and how you and your dog can earn a title from the comfort of your own home with a little time and $25. With all the disruptions that came with 2020, the dog training industry was no exception. Many families welcomed a new pet in their homes during the pandemic, and AKC designed the VHM title so that handlers could teach their dogs manners while maintaining social distancing; many of the behaviors are very similar to the ones exhibited in the Canine Good Citizen test which requires in-person testing.

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[01:25] So what is the AKC VHM title?

[01:50] So there are two levels: the puppy and the adult division.

[03:11] So number one, the owner pets and then grooms the dog.

[03:45] Number two, you want to be able to sit on command with no lure.

[04:00] The third command is down. You want to be able to put your dog in the down position on command and with no lure.

[04:10] Number four is you want your dog to be able to show that he can come when called indoors from about either 20 feet or from a completely separate room.

[04:50] Number five is manners related to food. You can choose two different options, basically you as the owner, having a snack, and basically, your dog's not harassing you trying to get food from you.

[06:05] Number six is your dog's behavior as it relates to the doorbell, knocking or greeting a real or imaginary guest.

[06:30] The next behavior, number seven, is teaching your dog to go to their place or their crate, and then they have to stay there for one minute.

[08:13] Number eight is about demonstrating a relationship. So you have four options for this one.

[08:45] Number nine is you and your dog being out for a walk. Well, you don't have options per se, but you have to do both of these behaviors. So you need to be able to place a leash on your dog, and they need to act calmly before exiting the door.

[10:15] Next is number 10, exercising outside with a family member or an owner. And then you get to choose here. So you can choose a simple game of fetch or catching a disc or a toy.

[12:35] So who's the best fit for this title? Well, AKC markets the VHM as a warm start to future competition. So in one of their initial press releases, the AKC described the Virtual Home Manners program as a perfect lead-in to AKC STAR Puppy and its popular Canine Good Citizen programs, which require in-person testing.

AND MUCH MORE!

📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒

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➡️For a list of evaluators who do virtual testing for tricks and virtual home manners, please email [email protected]

➡️ learn more about the Virtual Home Manners Program, see:  http://akc.org/virtual-home-manners/

Forms for Titles can be found here:

➡️https://www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/canine-good-citizen/akc-family-dog-program/virtual-home-manners/forms-for-titles/