Trick Dog

Trick Dog is a fun and rewarding activity where Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and their owners or handlers learn a variety of tricks and skills together in a positive, encouraging environment.

A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel standing on a wooden block in a grassy yard with a garden and a wire fence in the background.

Photo credit: Bronwen Gordon

Trick Dog in Australia

Trick Dog officially became an ANKC sport in January 2020 and has quickly grown in popularity across the country. Competitions are currently held in every state except Tasmania, with hopes for the sport to expand there in the near future.

Many dog training clubs throughout Australia now offer Trick Dog classes and competitions, making it easy for people to get involved.

A dog standing on its hind legs with front paws on a toy shopping cart on a blue mat on a grassy yard. The dog is a Cavalier King Charles spaniel with brown and white fur, looking up with its tongue slightly out. In the background, there is a patio area with plants, a table with chairs, and an air conditioning unit.

Photo credit: Bronwen Gordon

There are plenty of trick options to choose from, allowing teams to focus on their Cavalier’s individual strengths and abilities. In the Starter class, dogs complete 6 tricks from a list of 15, while the Novice class requires 8 tricks from a choice of 20. This flexibility means Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and handlers of all experience levels can get involved and enjoy success together.

Teams begin by working towards their Starter Trick Dog title (TK.S). From there, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can progress through Novice, Intermediate and Advanced levels as their confidence and skills grow. Each level introduces more challenging tricks, with increased difficulty, precision and duration required. In the Advanced class, Cavaliers perform 10 advanced tricks selected from a list of 25.

Starter and Novice classes are especially welcoming for newcomers to dog sports. Rewards such as treats or toys can be used after each trick, and verbal praise is encouraged throughout all levels of competition.

Training in Trick Dog helps strengthen the bond between Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and their owners while providing both mental stimulation and physical activity. It also creates a great foundation for other dog sports, including Dances with Dogs.

What Is Trick Dog?

Trick Dog is a fun and engaging dog sport where dogs perform trained behaviours and entertaining tricks on cue. Trick Dog training focuses on positive reinforcement, creativity, teamwork, and communication between dog and handler.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels excel in Trick Dog because of their intelligence, affectionate nature, and willingness to learn. Trick training is also an excellent introduction to dog sports for beginners.

Common Trick Dog skills include:

  • Spin and twirl

  • Roll over

  • Wave hello

  • Fetch specific objects

  • Jump through hoops

  • Balance and coordination tricks

  • Back up on cue

  • Target training

  • Play dead

  • Retrieve items

Benefits of Trick Dog Training

Trick Dog training offers many benefits for Cavaliers and their owners:

  • Builds confidence and focus

  • Strengthens the dog-handler relationship

  • Improves responsiveness and obedience

  • Provides mental enrichment

  • Encourages positive training methods

  • Suitable for all ages and fitness levels

  • Great indoor activity during hot Queensland weather

Many handlers progress through official Trick Dog title levels while enjoying fun training sessions and demonstrations.

A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy standing on its hind legs, resting its front paws on a small wagon with purple felt inside, in a garden with a red-leafed bush, a brick wall, and a wooden and wire fence in the background.

Photo credit: Bronwen Gordon

Why try Trick Dog?

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels naturally love to learn, play and interact with their people, and Trick Dog is a fantastic way to channel that enthusiasm into something enjoyable for both Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and handlers.

It’s flexible, inclusive and suitable for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels of all ages and abilities. Whether you want to compete, improve training skills, or simply have fun with your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Trick Dog offers a rewarding experience that builds confidence, teamwork and connection.