Companion Titles

Building Bonds Through Training and Achievement

Companion titles celebrate the relationship between you and your dog. These programs focus on good manners, practical skills, and the joy of working together as a team. Whether you're teaching basic obedience, mastering tricks, or volunteering in your community, companion titles recognize the effort you put into raising a well-trained, well-socialized dog.

From your puppy's first training class to advanced performance achievements, these titles provide a roadmap for lifelong learning and bonding with your poodle.

Major Show Organizations Conformation Shows Getting Started Foundation Sports Speed & Agility Sports Scenting & Tracking Water & Retrieve Sports Specialty Sports

Getting Started in Dog Sports

New to dog sports? The world of companion titles can seem overwhelming, but there's a clear path to follow that builds your skills and your dog's abilities step by step.

Recommended Progression

Step 1: S.T.A.R. Puppy
Start here with your puppy (any age under 1 year). This six-week class builds foundation skills and socialization.

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Step 2: Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
Once your dog masters basic obedience, the CGC demonstrates real-world manners and opens doors to other activities.

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Step 3: Choose Your Path
With a solid foundation, explore what interests you most:

• Advanced Obedience: CGC Advanced (CGCA) and CGC Urban (CGCU)
• Trick Training: Novice Trick Dog (even easier with your CGC!)
• Therapy Work: Therapy Dog certification and visits
• Sport Specific: Rally, Agility, Scent Work, or any performance sport
• Real-World Skills: Farm Dog Certified, Temperament Test

Why This Progression Works

S.T.A.R. Puppy teaches you how to train. CGC proves your dog has reliable manners. Once you have these fundamentals, you can pursue any direction that excites you. Many handlers find that earning early titles builds confidence and momentum—both for the dog and the handler.

Remember: titles aren't just about the ribbon or certificate. They represent the hours you've invested in training, the relationship you've built, and the skills that make your dog a joy to live with every single day.


AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy ------------------ S.T.A.R. (Socialization, Training, Activity, and Responsibility) Puppy is designed for puppies and owners to learn and grow together. This six-week training class focuses on building a foundation of good behavior and responsible ownership from the start. The program tests basic skills like walking on a leash, accepting handling, and interacting calmly with people and other puppies. It's an excellent first step for puppy owners and sets the stage for future training and titles. Every Pantheon puppy is prepared for success in S.T.A.R. Puppy through our early socialization and training protocols. Your puppy will arrive already comfortable with handling, crate training, and positive interactions with people. For more details on hoe our protocols prepare your puppy check out Puppy Culture & Avidog protocols .

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy
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S.T.A.R. (Socialization, Training, Activity, and Responsibility) Puppy is designed for puppies and owners to learn and grow together. This six-week training class focuses on building a foundation of good behavior and responsible ownership from the start.

The program tests basic skills like walking on a leash, accepting handling, and interacting calmly with people and other puppies. It's an excellent first step for puppy owners and sets the stage for future training and titles.

Every Pantheon puppy is prepared for success in S.T.A.R. Puppy through our early socialization and training protocols. Your puppy will arrive already comfortable with handling, crate training, and positive interactions with people. For more details on hoe our protocols prepare your puppy check out Puppy Culture & Avidog protocols
.


	Canine Good Citizen ------------------- The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program is the gold standard for dog behavior. Dogs who pass the 10-step test demonstrate basic obedience and good manners in public settings. Skills include sitting politely for petting, walking on a loose leash, coming when called, and staying calm around distractions. The CGC is often a prerequisite for therapy dog work and is recognized by many insurance companies and landlords. Beyond the basic CGC, dogs can earn an Advanced title (CGCA) by demonstrating skills in real-world environments, and the Urban title (CGCU) by performing in busy urban settings.

Canine Good Citizen
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The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program is the gold standard for dog behavior. Dogs who pass the 10-step test demonstrate basic obedience and good manners in public settings. Skills include sitting politely for petting, walking on a loose leash, coming when called, and staying calm around distractions.

The CGC is often a prerequisite for therapy dog work and is recognized by many insurance companies and landlords. Beyond the basic CGC, dogs can earn an Advanced title (CGCA) by demonstrating skills in real-world environments, and the Urban title (CGCU) by performing in busy urban settings.


Trick Dog --------- ▼ Trick Dog titles celebrate the intelligence and willingness of dogs to learn new behaviors. The program has five levels: Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Performer, and Elite Performer. At each level, dogs demonstrate increasingly complex tricks, from simple behaviors like spinning in a circle to advanced routines performed with props and choreography. Trick training strengthens the bond between handler and dog, provides mental stimulation, and is fun for both parties. Dogs with a CGC title can earn their Novice Trick Dog with just five tricks instead of ten, making it an accessible next step after basic obedience. Novice Trick Dog: 10 tricks from the novice list (or 5 if you have a CGC) Intermediate Trick Dog: 10 tricks from the intermediate list Advanced Trick Dog: 10 tricks from the advanced list Performer: Video submission of a routine combining tricks Elite Performer: Live performance demonstrating excellence Poodles excel at trick training thanks to their intelligence, eagerness to please, and athletic ability. Many Pantheon families find trick training to be an excellent way to provide mental exercise and strengthen their bond with their dogs. Collapse Section ▲

Trick Dog
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Trick Dog titles celebrate the intelligence and willingness of dogs to learn new behaviors. The program has five levels: Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Performer, and Elite Performer. At each level, dogs demonstrate increasingly complex tricks, from simple behaviors like spinning in a circle to advanced routines performed with props and choreography.

Trick training strengthens the bond between handler and dog, provides mental stimulation, and is fun for both parties. Dogs with a CGC title can earn their Novice Trick Dog with just five tricks instead of ten, making it an accessible next step after basic obedience.

Novice Trick Dog: 10 tricks from the novice list (or 5 if you have a CGC)

Intermediate Trick Dog: 10 tricks from the intermediate list

Advanced Trick Dog: 10 tricks from the advanced list

Performer: Video submission of a routine combining tricks

Elite Performer: Live performance demonstrating excellence

Poodles excel at trick training thanks to their intelligence, eagerness to please, and athletic ability. Many Pantheon families find trick training to be an excellent way to provide mental exercise and strengthen their bond with their dogs.

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	Therapy Dog ----------- ▼ Therapy Dog titles recognize dogs and handlers who volunteer their time to bring comfort and joy to people in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other facilities. The program has five levels based on the number of visits completed, ranging from Therapy Dog Novice (10 visits) to Therapy Dog Supreme (600 visits). Therapy work requires a calm, friendly temperament and the ability to handle unpredictable situations. Dogs must first be certified through a qualified therapy dog organization before applying for AKC titles. This work is deeply rewarding and showcases the best of what dogs can offer to their communities. ### AKC Therapy Dog Title Levels Therapy Dog Novice (THDN): 10 visits Therapy Dog (THD): 50 visits Therapy Dog Advanced (THDA): 100 visits Therapy Dog Excellent (THDX): 200 visits Therapy Dog Supreme (THDS): 600 visits ### Getting Started in Therapy Work Before pursuing AKC Therapy Dog titles, your dog must be certified through one of the AKC-recognized therapy dog organizations. These organizations provide training, evaluation, and insurance for therapy teams. Some of the most well-known include: Alliance of Therapy Dogs Pet Partners Therapy Dogs International Love on a Leash ### What Makes a Good Therapy Dog? Successful therapy dogs are calm, confident, and enjoy interacting with people. They must be comfortable with: Being petted by strangers, including children and people with mobility challenges Loud or sudden noises (wheelchairs, walkers, medical equipment) Unusual movements or behaviors from people Different environments (hospitals, schools, nursing homes) Long periods of gentle interaction without becoming overstimulated Standard poodles excel at therapy work due to their gentle, empathetic nature, high intelligence, and calm demeanor. Their size makes them accessible to people in wheelchairs or beds, while their non-shedding coat is welcomed in medical facilities. Learn how we evaluate temperament for different roles in our Puppy Placement process. Collapse Section ▲

Therapy Dog
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Therapy Dog titles recognize dogs and handlers who volunteer their time to bring comfort and joy to people in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other facilities. The program has five levels based on the number of visits completed, ranging from Therapy Dog Novice (10 visits) to Therapy Dog Supreme (600 visits).

Therapy work requires a calm, friendly temperament and the ability to handle unpredictable situations. Dogs must first be certified through a qualified therapy dog organization before applying for AKC titles. This work is deeply rewarding and showcases the best of what dogs can offer to their communities.

### AKC Therapy Dog Title Levels

Therapy Dog Novice (THDN): 10 visits
Therapy Dog (THD): 50 visits
Therapy Dog Advanced (THDA): 100 visits
Therapy Dog Excellent (THDX): 200 visits
Therapy Dog Supreme (THDS): 600 visits

### Getting Started in Therapy Work

Before pursuing AKC Therapy Dog titles, your dog must be certified through one of the AKC-recognized therapy dog organizations. These organizations provide training, evaluation, and insurance for therapy teams. Some of the most well-known include:

Alliance of Therapy Dogs
Pet Partners
Therapy Dogs International
Love on a Leash

### What Makes a Good Therapy Dog?

Successful therapy dogs are calm, confident, and enjoy interacting with people. They must be comfortable with:

Being petted by strangers, including children and people with mobility challenges
Loud or sudden noises (wheelchairs, walkers, medical equipment)
Unusual movements or behaviors from people
Different environments (hospitals, schools, nursing homes)
Long periods of gentle interaction without becoming overstimulated

Standard poodles excel at therapy work due to their gentle, empathetic nature, high intelligence, and calm demeanor. Their size makes them accessible to people in wheelchairs or beds, while their non-shedding coat is welcomed in medical facilities.

Learn how we evaluate temperament for different roles in our Puppy Placement
process.

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Additional Programs ------------------- ▼ ### Farm Dog Certified (FDC) Farm Dog Certification tests a dog's ability to navigate a farm environment with confidence and self-control. The test includes 12 exercises such as walking near livestock, jumping on hay bales, crossing unusual surfaces, and responding to the handler in distracting situations. Dogs must pass the test twice under two different judges to earn the title. This program is open to all breeds and emphasizes practical skills and good temperament. It is an excellent way to demonstrate that your dog is a well-behaved companion capable of handling diverse environments. #### What the Test Includes: Walking calmly near livestock (chickens, goats, sheep, etc.) Navigating obstacles (hay bales, uneven terrain) Crossing unusual surfaces (tarps, grates) Responding to handler in distracting environments Demonstrating self-control around farm equipment and animals ### AKC Temperament Test (ATT) The AKC Temperament Test evaluates how a dog reacts to a variety of stimuli, including auditory, visual, tactile, and unexpected elements. The test assesses emotional stability, curiosity, cooperation, and the ability to recover from startling situations. This is a pass or fail evaluation that provides valuable insight into a dog's temperament. It helps handlers understand their dog's strengths and areas where they might need additional socialization or training. #### What the Test Evaluates: Social behavior with strangers Reaction to auditory stimuli (sudden noises, unusual sounds) Response to visual stimuli (umbrellas opening, unusual objects) Tactile sensitivity (handling, grooming) Recovery from startling situations Overall stability and confidence ### AKC FIT Dog AKC FIT Dog is a fitness program that encourages owners to keep their dogs active and healthy. Participants set exercise goals and track their dog's physical activity over time. The program promotes a healthy lifestyle for both dog and owner. This program recognizes that physical fitness is an essential part of a dog's overall wellbeing and provides a structured way to stay motivated and engaged with your dog's health. #### Program Benefits: Structured fitness tracking system Customizable exercise goals based on your dog's needs Recognition for achieving fitness milestones Promotes bonding through regular physical activity Helps maintain healthy weight and cardiovascular health ### AKC Virtual Home Manners Virtual Home Manners tests 10 essential skills that dogs need to be well-mannered members of the household. This entirely virtual program allows handlers to demonstrate their dog's training at home and submit videos for evaluation. The program covers practical skills like sitting for meals, greeting visitors politely, and settling calmly in the home. It is accessible to anyone and provides a convenient way to earn recognition for good home behavior. #### Skills Tested: Sitting or lying down on cue Coming when called Settling on a mat or designated area Polite greetings (no jumping) Walking politely through doorways Accepting handling and grooming Leaving items alone when told Calm behavior during meal preparation Relaxing in a crate or confinement area Overall household manners These programs offer excellent opportunities to showcase your poodle's versatility, intelligence, and trainability. Whether testing farm skills, temperament, fitness, or home manners, each program strengthens the bond between you and your dog while celebrating their capabilities. Collapse Section ▲

Additional Programs
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### Farm Dog Certified (FDC)

Farm Dog Certification tests a dog's ability to navigate a farm environment with confidence and self-control. The test includes 12 exercises such as walking near livestock, jumping on hay bales, crossing unusual surfaces, and responding to the handler in distracting situations. Dogs must pass the test twice under two different judges to earn the title.

This program is open to all breeds and emphasizes practical skills and good temperament. It is an excellent way to demonstrate that your dog is a well-behaved companion capable of handling diverse environments.

#### What the Test Includes:

Walking calmly near livestock (chickens, goats, sheep, etc.)
Navigating obstacles (hay bales, uneven terrain)
Crossing unusual surfaces (tarps, grates)
Responding to handler in distracting environments
Demonstrating self-control around farm equipment and animals

### AKC Temperament Test (ATT)

The AKC Temperament Test evaluates how a dog reacts to a variety of stimuli, including auditory, visual, tactile, and unexpected elements. The test assesses emotional stability, curiosity, cooperation, and the ability to recover from startling situations.

This is a pass or fail evaluation that provides valuable insight into a dog's temperament. It helps handlers understand their dog's strengths and areas where they might need additional socialization or training.

#### What the Test Evaluates:

Social behavior with strangers
Reaction to auditory stimuli (sudden noises, unusual sounds)
Response to visual stimuli (umbrellas opening, unusual objects)
Tactile sensitivity (handling, grooming)
Recovery from startling situations
Overall stability and confidence

### AKC FIT Dog

AKC FIT Dog is a fitness program that encourages owners to keep their dogs active and healthy. Participants set exercise goals and track their dog's physical activity over time. The program promotes a healthy lifestyle for both dog and owner.

This program recognizes that physical fitness is an essential part of a dog's overall wellbeing and provides a structured way to stay motivated and engaged with your dog's health.

#### Program Benefits:

Structured fitness tracking system
Customizable exercise goals based on your dog's needs
Recognition for achieving fitness milestones
Promotes bonding through regular physical activity
Helps maintain healthy weight and cardiovascular health

### AKC Virtual Home Manners

Virtual Home Manners tests 10 essential skills that dogs need to be well-mannered members of the household. This entirely virtual program allows handlers to demonstrate their dog's training at home and submit videos for evaluation.

The program covers practical skills like sitting for meals, greeting visitors politely, and settling calmly in the home. It is accessible to anyone and provides a convenient way to earn recognition for good home behavior.

#### Skills Tested:

Sitting or lying down on cue
Coming when called
Settling on a mat or designated area
Polite greetings (no jumping)
Walking politely through doorways
Accepting handling and grooming
Leaving items alone when told
Calm behavior during meal preparation
Relaxing in a crate or confinement area
Overall household manners

These programs offer excellent opportunities to showcase your poodle's versatility, intelligence, and trainability. Whether testing farm skills, temperament, fitness, or home manners, each program strengthens the bond between you and your dog while celebrating their capabilities.

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	Musical Freestyle & Performance ------------------------------- ▼ ### Musical Freestyle Musical Freestyle combines obedience, tricks, and dance into choreographed routines set to music. Handlers and dogs perform together, showcasing creativity, teamwork, and precision. Organizations like the Canine Freestyle Federation and Musical Dog Sport Association offer competitions and titles at various levels. This unique sport celebrates the artistic partnership between handler and dog. Routines can range from elegant classical performances to upbeat contemporary dances, with costumes and music chosen to highlight the team's personality and style. #### What Makes Musical Freestyle Special: Creative expression through choreographed movement Demonstrates advanced training and teamwork Combines obedience precision with artistic flair Customizable to suit each team's strengths and style Entertaining for both participants and audiences ### Rally-FrEe (Freestyle Elements) Rally-FrEe is a related sport that combines freestyle trick behaviors with the rally obedience format. Teams navigate a course of signs while performing tricks and movements, blending structure with creativity. Rally-FrEe offers Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced levels and provides an accessible entry point for those interested in freestyle without the pressure of creating a full routine to music. #### Rally-FrEe Benefits: Structured course format like traditional rally Incorporates freestyle tricks and movements Less pressure than full musical routines Progressive difficulty levels (Novice, Intermediate, Advanced) Great stepping stone to full musical freestyle ### Competitive Organizations Several organizations offer musical freestyle competitions and titles: Canine Freestyle Federation (CFF): One of the oldest freestyle organizations, offering multiple division levels Musical Dog Sport Association (MDSA): Focuses on musical freestyle with various class divisions World Canine Freestyle Organization (WCFO): International organization with standardized judging criteria Standard poodles excel in musical freestyle* due to their intelligence, trainability, graceful movement, and natural showmanship. Their elegant structure and ability to learn complex behaviors make them standout performers in this creative sport. Collapse Section ▲

Musical Freestyle & Performance
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### Musical Freestyle

Musical Freestyle combines obedience, tricks, and dance into choreographed routines set to music. Handlers and dogs perform together, showcasing creativity, teamwork, and precision. Organizations like the Canine Freestyle Federation and Musical Dog Sport Association offer competitions and titles at various levels.

This unique sport celebrates the artistic partnership between handler and dog. Routines can range from elegant classical performances to upbeat contemporary dances, with costumes and music chosen to highlight the team's personality and style.

#### What Makes Musical Freestyle Special:

Creative expression through choreographed movement
Demonstrates advanced training and teamwork
Combines obedience precision with artistic flair
Customizable to suit each team's strengths and style
Entertaining for both participants and audiences

### Rally-FrEe (Freestyle Elements)

Rally-FrEe is a related sport that combines freestyle trick behaviors with the rally obedience format. Teams navigate a course of signs while performing tricks and movements, blending structure with creativity. Rally-FrEe offers Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced levels and provides an accessible entry point for those interested in freestyle without the pressure of creating a full routine to music.

#### Rally-FrEe Benefits:

Structured course format like traditional rally
Incorporates freestyle tricks and movements
Less pressure than full musical routines
Progressive difficulty levels (Novice, Intermediate, Advanced)
Great stepping stone to full musical freestyle

### Competitive Organizations

Several organizations offer musical freestyle competitions and titles:

Canine Freestyle Federation (CFF): One of the oldest freestyle organizations, offering multiple division levels
Musical Dog Sport Association (MDSA): Focuses on musical freestyle with various class divisions
World Canine Freestyle Organization (WCFO): International organization with standardized judging criteria

Standard poodles excel in musical freestyle* due to their intelligence, trainability, graceful movement, and natural showmanship. Their elegant structure and ability to learn complex behaviors make them standout performers in this creative sport.

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Other Organizations

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Beyond AKC, several other organizations offer companion titles and programs. These organizations welcome all dogs and often provide alternative perspectives on training, competition, and titling.

Rally Obedience Organizations

World Cynosport Rally Limited (WCRL) and C-WAGS (Canine Work And Games) provide rally obedience competitions with their own unique formats and levels. These organizations welcome all dogs and offer a friendly, supportive atmosphere for competitors.

WCRL (World Cynosport Rally Limited):

Offers multiple levels from Novice through Championship
Known for creative course design and variety
Friendly, inclusive competition environment
International organization with events worldwide

C-WAGS (Canine Work And Games):

Offers rally, games, and other dog sport opportunities
Emphasizes fun and teamwork
Multiple skill levels and divisions
Welcoming to handlers of all experience levels

Do More With Your Dog (DMWYD)

Do More With Your Dog is an independent trick dog organization founded by Kyra Sundance. It offers titles from Novice through Grand Champion, including specialized Masters titles for those who want to truly excel at each level.

Though AKC no longer recognizes DMWYD titles, the Canadian Kennel Club and other international organizations still do, and the program remains popular for its systematic approach to trick training.

DMWYD Title Levels:

Novice Trick Dog: Foundation tricks
Intermediate Trick Dog: More complex behaviors
Advanced Trick Dog: Advanced tricks and combinations
Expert Trick Dog: Highly skilled behaviors
Champion Trick Dog: Championship-level performance
Grand Champion: Elite trick dog title

Why Explore Different Organizations?

Each organization offers unique benefits and perspectives on dog training and titling. Exploring different organizations can:

Provide more opportunities to compete and earn titles
Expose you and your dog to different training philosophies
Offer formats that may better suit your dog's strengths
Build community connections with different groups of dog enthusiasts
Enhance your overall training skills through diverse approaches

Diversity in titling organizations enriches the dog sport community. Whether you prefer AKC's traditional structure, WCRL's creative courses, or DMWYD's trick training focus, each organization celebrates the bond between handler and dog while promoting positive training and achievement.

Ready for more competitive pursuits? See our Show Information guide for conformation, agility, obedience, and other performance sports.

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Start Your Title Journey

Companion titles celebrate the bond between you and your Pantheon poodle. Whether you're starting with S.T.A.R. Puppy or pursuing advanced achievements, each title represents the time, training, and dedication you've invested in your partnership.

Every Pantheon puppy receives early socialization and training through Puppy Culture and Avidog protocols, giving them the perfect foundation to excel in companion work.

Find Your Perfect Poodle