Do More With Your Dog: Earn Titles, Build Bonds, and Enrich Your Dog’s Life
Have you ever wished you could do more with your dog than just walks and cuddles? Whether you have a purebred Doberman, a mixed-breed rescue, or a senior dog, there’s a whole world of fun and fulfillment waiting for you both—and yes, you can earn real trick dog titles and certifications, too!
Thanks to organizations like Do More With Your Dog!®, dog owners of all experience levels can build stronger bonds, teach fun and useful skills, and earn official trick titles—no fancy pedigree required.
What Is “Do More With Your Dog!”?
“Do More With Your Dog!” is an internationally recognized program that helps owners engage with their dogs through trick training, positive activities, and achievement-based learning. Founded by world-renowned dog trainer Kyra Sundance, this program encourages all dogs—purebred or mixed breed, young or old—to learn new skills and work toward official title certifications.
The focus is on building a joyful relationship through teamwork, play, and trust. Even if you’ve never trained a dog before, the program makes it accessible and fun.
Yes, Even Your Dog Can Earn Titles!
One of the best parts of the program is its inclusivity. You don’t need a show dog or a professional trainer to get started. If your dog loves attention, treats, and playtime, they’re ready!
Here are the official Trick Dog Titles available through DoMoreWithYourDog.com:
Novice Trick Dog (NTD)
Minimum Tricks Required: 15 tricks
- These are basic, beginner-friendly tricks such as:
- Sit
- Down
- Shake
- Spin
- Jump over a bar
- Roll over
How It Works:
- Any dog can start at this level—puppy, adult, senior.
- You must demonstrate 15 different tricks from the Novice list.
- If your dog already knows some more advanced tricks, you can sometimes count those as two Novice tricks (e.g., a complex trick like “fetch a specific object” or “back up”).
Intermediate Trick Dog (ITD)
Minimum Tricks Required: 12 tricks
- These are intermediate difficulty and often involve props or longer sequences:
- Put toys away in a basket
- Crawl
- Balance on an object
- Weave through your legs
- Ring a bell
How It Works:
- To earn this title, you must have the Novice title first.
- Demonstrate 12 tricks from the Intermediate list.
- A single Advanced-level trick can count as two Intermediate tricks.
Advanced Trick Dog (ATD)
Minimum Tricks Required: 10 tricks
- Tricks at this level require more focus and precision:
- Roll a ball with nose
- Play dead
- Open a door
- Carry an item to a person
- Backup 10 feet
How It Works:
- Must have the Intermediate title first.
- Perform 10 Advanced-level tricks.
- An Expert-level trick may count as two Advanced tricks.
Expert Trick Dog (ETD)
Minimum Tricks Required: 5 tricks
- These are high-level skills often combining multiple steps:
- Skateboard riding
- Retrieve specific named objects
- Turn off a light switch
- Perform a complex prop sequence
- Do a series of tricks on cue without lures
How It Works:
- Must have the Advanced title first.
- Submit 5 Expert-level tricks.
- This level demonstrates exceptional training and teamwork.
Trick Dog Champion (TDCH)
Minimum Requirement:
- Create and perform a routine or skit that showcases at least 10 tricks.
- The performance should flow smoothly and demonstrate creativity, showmanship, and the bond between you and your dog.
How It Works:
- Must have the Expert Trick Dog title first.
- Video submission is reviewed by evaluators to confirm the quality and polish of the routine.
How Higher-Level Tricks Can Count Double
One of the unique parts of the program is that complex tricks can sometimes count as 2 credits toward a lower level.
Example:
- If you teach your dog to fetch a named item and deliver it to you, that’s considered advanced and may be credited as 2 Novice tricks (since it demonstrates multiple skills: recognition, retrieval, delivery).
- This helps reward dogs and trainers who are already working on more challenging behaviors.
Bonus: Specialty Titles
There are even Stunt Dog titles, Fitness titles, and Canine Conditioning titles available for dogs who enjoy movement, showmanship, or even athletic challenges. These are great for Dobermans, who love to move and impress!
Master-Level Titles: Take It to the Next Level
In the Do More With Your Dog! program, any title can be awarded at the Master level if you and your dog choose to go above and beyond. For example, instead of submitting just the required 15 tricks for the Novice Trick Dog (NTD) title, you can train and demonstrate all the tricks listed on the Novice checklist to earn the Novice Trick Dog–Master (NTD-M) title. The same applies to Intermediate (ITD-M), Advanced (ATD-M), Expert (ETD-M), and even the Trick Dog Champion–Master (TDCH-M).
Earning a Master designation shows your commitment to comprehensive training and your dog’s ability to learn and perform every skill in that level. It’s an excellent goal for handlers who enjoy a challenge and want to showcase their dog’s full repertoire of talents.
Why It Matters: Strengthening the Human–Dog Bond
Beyond the ribbons and certificates, the real benefit is the relationship you build.
Training isn’t just about obedience. It’s communication, understanding, and connection. Dogs crave structure and attention. When you engage their brain and give them a “job,” they feel satisfied, confident, and connected to you.
Trick training improves your dog’s focus and impulse control.
Working together boosts trust, respect, and emotional balance.
It gives you a shared goal, making life with your dog more fun and meaningful.
When your dog knows how to communicate with you—and vice versa—day-to-day life becomes easier and more joyful.
Fulfilled Dogs Are Happy Dogs
Many behavioral problems stem from boredom, under-stimulation, or a lack of direction. Dogs were never meant to just lie around. They want to do, to think, to work with you.
Giving your dog an outlet for their energy prevents:
- Destructive chewing
- Excessive barking
- Separation anxiety
- Attention-seeking behavior
Whether you’re teaching a spin, building a fitness routine, or just mastering a high-five, your dog will feel seen, useful, and proud.
And don’t worry—it’s never too late to start. Senior dogs love the attention and mental exercise. Puppies thrive when they’re engaged from a young age. Even reactive or anxious dogs often blossom when trick training gives them a sense of control and routine.
Getting Started: Simple Steps
- Visit DoMoreWithYourDog.com
- Choose a title level that fits your dog’s current skills
- Download the trick checklist
- Train at home using treats, praise, and repetition
- Submit a video or work with a Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI)
You can go at your own pace. There are no deadlines, no pressure—just progress, fun, and connection.
Real-Life Example: Dobermans Shine Here
Dobermans are known for their intelligence, focus, and athleticism. They excel in trick dog programs, especially when trained using balanced methods that include praise, correction, and clear expectations.
Many Doberman owners are surprised at how quickly their dogs pick up on complex sequences. From stacking rings to jumping over arms, your Doberman will thrive with consistent mental and physical activity.
At Wonder Doberman, we encourage all our puppy families to try earning their Novice Trick Dog title as a first step—it builds confidence, trust, and sets the tone for a well-mannered adult dog.
Be ware, the more title you earn the longer the official registered name of your dog becomes! The official name of our beloved Athena, for example, as of today features: NTD DO-24 O-H O-B O-F O-P5 EQ24 O-BB O-TR Cal25 🙂
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait, Just Start
You don’t need to be a dog expert. You don’t need a big space or expensive tools. All you need is a few treats, a bit of time, and the desire to do more with your dog.
You’ll be amazed at what your dog is capable of.
You’ll laugh, learn, and grow together.
And most of all, you’ll become a team—and that’s the most rewarding title of all.
And if you need more advice on how to socialize and train your Doberman or where to go hiking with them – take a look at our posts here and here!