🐾🏆✨ Got a corgi who loves to roll, spin, or do anything cheeky? Trick Dog is the perfect way to unleash all that playful brilliance. This ANKC-recognised discipline is all about fun tricks, clever teamwork, and showing off your dog’s flair—no strict routines, just pawsitive energy and smiles. ✨🐾 🙂
Trick Dog is one of the newest and most enjoyable sports recognised by the ANKC, introduced in January 2020 by the same team who developed Dancing With Dogs. It’s a sport that builds on everyday obedience and teamwork, while adding creativity, fun, and a chance to showcase your dog’s personality.
Corgis are natural trick dogs—clever, curious, and always keen to please (and earn a treat!). Trick Dog allows you to channel that enthusiasm into learning new skills, from simple moves like spins, high-fives, and leg weaves, to more advanced tricks such as rolling out a mat, carrying objects, or even stringing a sequence of tricks together.
To earn a Trick Dog title, your corgi must perform a set number of tricks from an approved ANKC list, with each level introducing more variety and challenge:
Starters (TK.S) – 6 tricks, chosen from beginner exercises such as spin, sit pretty, shake hands, or tunnel.
Novice (TK.N) – 12 tricks, showing greater confidence and control.
Intermediate (TK.I) – 18 tricks, including more complex behaviours and sequences.
Advanced (TK.A) – 24 tricks, requiring precision, stamina, and creativity.
Trick Dog Grand Champion (TK.G) – awarded to dogs that demonstrate excellence across all levels, showcasing a broad repertoire of skills.
Handlers can select tricks that suit their dog’s ability and personality, making the sport accessible for every type of corgi—from the bold show-offs to the thoughtful problem-solvers.
Trick Dog isn’t just about ribbons and titles—it’s about strengthening your bond, giving your corgi mental stimulation, and most importantly, having fun together. It’s a sport where creativity is encouraged, mistakes are part of the learning process, and laughter is guaranteed.
One of the best things about Trick Dog is how easy it is to begin. You don’t need fancy equipment—many tricks can be taught in your lounge room or backyard, using household items like chairs, toys, or even a rolled-up towel.
Start with short, fun training sessions and reward your corgi with treats, toys, and plenty of praise. As your dog learns, you’ll start to “chain” behaviours together, creating more complex and impressive tricks.
When you’re ready, you can enter an official ANKC Trick Dog trial, where a judge will watch you and your corgi perform the required number of tricks for your level. Each success brings you closer to your next title—and even if you never step into a ring, the skills and joy you’ll build together make every session worthwhile.
For full rules and regulations, please see the Dogs NSW website.
Members enjoy discounted specialty show entry fees, as well as many other benefits.
