Titles: Not just for the nobles

Are titles worth the effort? Which titles should you aim for? Why are titles even a thing?

What is a title?

A title is an award that your dog can earn in one of many events. It usually consists of passing a test in that event and showing proficiency in that area. AKC and UKC both offer a multitude of options, and finding an activity (or more than one) in which your dog can obtain a title should be relatively easy.

Some of the more common titles are:

AKC Obedience titles: Beginnger Novice (BN), Companion Dog (CD), Companion Dog Excellent (CDX), Utility Dog (UD), Utility Dog Excellent (UDX), Obedience Master (OM), Obedience Trial Champion (OTCH)

AKC Agility Titles: Agility Course Test (ACT), Novice Agility (NA), Open Agility (OA), Agility Excellent (AX), Master Agility Excellent (MX), Premier Agility Dog (PAD), and many more. Virtual titles are available in AKC.

AKC Scentwork Titles: Novice, Advanced, Excellent, Master. Virtual titles are available at Novice, Intermediate and Advanced in AKC.

AKC Therapy dog Titles: Therapy Dog Novice (THDN), Therapy Dog (THD), Therapy Dog Advanced (THDA), Therapy Dog Excellent (THDX), Therapy Dog Distinguished (THDD)

AKC FastCAT titles: BCAT, DCAT, FCAT, FCAT#

AKC Rally Titles: Rally Novice (RN), Rally Advanced (RA), Rally Excellent (RE), Rally Advanced Excellent (RAE)

AKC Temperament Testing Title (ATT)

UKC Obedience Titles: United Companion Dog (UDC)

UKC Nosework Titles: Novice Nosework Champion (NNCH), Nosework Champion (NCH), Advanced Nosework Champion (ACH), Superior Nosework Champion (SCH), Master Nosework Champion (MCH), Elite Nosework Champion (ECH)

UKC Rally Titles: United Rally Obedience 1 (URO1, United Rally Obedience 2 (URO2), United Rally Obedience 3 (URO3 ), United Rally Obedience Champion (UROC), United Rally Obedience Excellent (URX), United Rally Obedience Grand Champion (UROG)

This is only a small snapshot of the many many titles that are available out there if you are so inclined to pursue them.

Earning titles is not required for a happy dog, but giving dogs the chance to learn and grow and gain confidence helps develop a deeper bond with your dog. Spending the time to teach these skills will never be wasted effort. Your dog may enjoy some aspects of these events and trials, and your dog may absolutely hate them. It is important to know your dog and listen to them when they communicate their emotions to you. Dogs never lie, and if they are telling you they do not like a particular sport or event, it is your job to listen to them, and either help them come to love it or let them stop participating in that event.

No title is ever worth sacrificing your relationship with your dog.