AKC Virtual Home Manners Titles
Have you heard the word? AKC has a new virtual titling program called Virtual Home Manners (VHM.) This new program allows you to work on practical skills at home with your dog and provides a great transition to in-person AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy and Canine Good Citizen (CGC) classes,
There are two levels in the program: Virtual Home Manners Puppy (VHMP) for puppies 3 months to 1 year of age and Virtual Home Manners Adult (VHMA) for dogs age 4 months or older. Each title focuses on 10 skills that help your dog become a well-mannered pet. The skills focus on having basic control of your dog and working on developing your relationship.
How Does It Work?
- You will want to get a video of your dog performing the skills required on the VHM checklist.
- Upload your video and send it to an Approved CGC Evaluator (I am approved through the AKC and would be happy to witness your video click here for more details.) Some CGC Evaluators may also offer live options, such as Zoom, to witness your submission.
- Once your video is watched, the CGC Evaluator will send you a Checklist/Video Review combined verification form if your dog passes the test. The evaluator will also send this form to the AKC.
- You will want to send this form, along with the Virtual Home Manners Title Application and $25 AKC fee, to the AKC for the title to be recorded.
Virtual Home Manners Puppy (VHMP) Skills
The following are the required skills for the VHMP test. You can see the detailed information about what each skill involves by viewing AKC’s Virtual Home Manners Evaluator and Participant Guide.
- Allows Owner to pet the puppy
- Grooming
- Sit on command – can use lure
- Down on command – can use lure.
- Come when called
- Go to Place
- House-trained
- Demonstrates relationship – no food rewards in this exercise
- Out for a walk
- Exercise outside – no food rewards in this exercise
Here are a few pictures from my puppy Bindi’s VHMP test
Virtual Home Manners Adult (VHMA) Skills
The following are the required skills for the VHMA title. You can see the detailed information about what each skill involves by viewing AKC’s Virtual Home Manners Evaluator and Participant Guide.
- Allows owner to pet and groom the dog
- Sit on command – no lure
- Down on command – no lure
- Comes when called
- Manners related to food
- Doorbell or knock on door – Dog behaves appropriately
- Go to place/crate – Stay 1 minute
- Demonstrates relationship = no food rewards in this exercise
- Out for a walk
- Exercise outside
Do you have your video ready to go? Click here for more information if you would like me to review it for you. Happy training everyone!