Copper Criteria

 

  • Copper is the first main level of the Twilight Trick Titles. Only Copper tricks are accepted for this level but Copper, Silver and Gold tricks may be submitted at the same time.

 

  • Toy and food lures are accepted in up to 75% of tricks for the Copper level. Ideally, we would like to see your dog thinking for themselves and independently performing the tricks where possible instead of following a food/toy lure.

 

  • Your dog should achieve Copper Starlight (Level 1) or Copper Stardust (Puppy/Elderly Level) before any higher titles can be awarded. Before moving onto Bronze (level two), your dog must be awarded Copper Starlight or Copper Stardust (where applicable).

General Trick Critera 

 

General

Delays are accepted but tricks should be completed in a sensible timeframe and without constantly repeated cues,  i.e. cuing “Paw” twice is okay but cuing “Paw, paw, come on, paw, can you give paw?” is not. All tricks must be cued. Any audio or visual cues must be visible or audible in any submissions.

Puppies

Any tricks involving jumping or impact on joints, such as begging, should not be performed with puppies under 12 months old. Please contact us for an accommodation if required.

Handler Critera

No physical manipulation is allowed, such as moving the dog into position unless the criteria specifically calls for it. Dogs may be on leash in outdoor or public areas but the leash should not be used to manipulate or move the dog. Handler’s hands should be in view of the video wherever possible.

Rewards and Praise

Rewards and praise are both accepted and encouraged, but if the reward is in your hand whilst cueing, it is classed as a lured trick.

Body Language

While some frustration is natural in the training process, we want to see you and your dog having fun! This means that videos showing excessive stress will be refused. Everyone moves at their own pace so please don’t rush.

Time Limits

There are no time limits on submissions, aside from the age restrictions in place on the Stardust level for seniors and puppies.

Feedback

Where appropriate, your assessor may provide feedback if a video is refused. We always aim to provide constructive feedback, but any rudeness or aggression toward our team or mods may result in a suspension or ban if this happens repeatedly. If you would prefer a different assessor, please ask.

Aversive Tools

For all Twilight titles, we expect your dog to be handled using only a flat collar or a back clip harness while completing the titles. Other items like coats, vests and the like which do not affect handling are allowed. Any videos showing an E-Collar, vibration collar, headcollar, prong collar, or a bandana or snood which may be hiding any of these aids will be subject to re-submission. This also applies to videos showing leash corrections or excessive force.

Public Videos

At the start of any videos recorded in a public space, please ensure you show that your dog is being handled using ONLY a flat collar or back clip harness at the start of the video. Any videos which do not show a lack of aversive tools will need to be resubmitted.

Copper Trick List

 

Arm Weaves

With the handler on all fours, the dog weaves through the handler's arms in a figure 8 pattern. One figure 8 is 1 demo, 3 demos required. 

Automatic Sit

Dog walks in a heel position, and automatically sits when the handler stops. This should be completed without a verbal cue. 

Back Up

Dog walks backwards for at least 5 steps. A pathway can be made so the dog has two items to walk between. 

Back Up Onto a Square Platform

The dog walks backwards onto a square platform until all four feet are on the platform. 

Back Up Onto a Wobble Board

The dog backs up onto a wobble board until both back feet are on the board.

Balance a Treat/Item on Nose/Head for 5 Seconds

Dog balances item on their nose or head for 5 seconds, then waits for handler to remove the item. No physical intervention allowed (such as holding their nose still). 

Balance a Treat on Nose/Head and Catch it

Dog balances treat on their nose or head for 5 seconds, then catches it in their mouth. No physical intervention allowed (such as holding their nose still). 

Boop the Snoot

Dog boops their own snoot with the handler's finger on cue. 

Carry Your Own Lead

With the handler not holding the leash at all, the dog walks beside them for 10+ seconds holding the leash in their mouth, whilst still being attached to their collar.

Catch a Toy Mid-Air

Handler throws a toy to the dog and the dog catches it mid-air.

Chase a Toy

Handler throws a toy and the dog chases after it. No retrieval necessary.

Chin Target (Object or Hand)

Handler offers hand or uses an object and dog rests their chin for at least 3 seconds.

Coexisting Canines

In a video of at least 30 seconds, show your dog existing calmly and peacefully with another dog. Dogs must both be awake and alert.

Cone Game

Dog puts nose in cone or similar item on cue.

Doggy Pushups

Dog starts in a down, then moves to a stand, then back to a down. Repeat three times in one video.

Dress Up

Confidently wears a hat, glasses, or some other form of human clothing. 

Drop it on Cue

Dog has item in their mouth, handler asks them to drop it, and they drop it within 2-3 seconds. 

Drop Item into Bin

Handler passes the dog an item, dog drops it into a bin. The bin can be directly in front of the bin. 

Drummer Dog (Copper)

Dog makes a banging noise on an item using their paw, nose or held item. 

Enter Through Automatic Doors

Dog walks through automatic doors into a pet-friendly shop without showing any fear. 

Family Recognition

Family member comes through the door, dog shows recognition through a tail wag, greeting etc. 

Find Me!

Handler hides whilst the dog is out of the room, dog enters the room and seeks out the handler. 

Find the Hidden Toy (Copper)

Handler hides a toy at head-height or lower with the dog out of the room, dog enters the room and finds the toy. Dogs can be given encouragement but only minimal guidance.

Find the Hidden Treat

Handler hides a treat at head-height or lower with the dog out of the room, dog enters the room and finds the toy. Dogs can be given encouragement but only minimal guidance.

Front

Dog recalls to handler and sits in front of the handler with their head pressed against the handler’s abdomen. 

Front Paw Pod Target (Copper)

Dog puts one front paw onto the paw pod target. 

Front Paw Target (Object or Hand)

Dog targets hand or object with their paw. 

Give Paw

Dog offers their paw to handler on cue. This can be their left or right paw.

Go Say Hi/Controlled Greeting

Dog waits calmly before being released to greet someone. This greeting must be controlled and calm. 

Go Through a Tunnel

Dog is sent through a tunnel and comes out the other side. 

Hand Signal Free Space (Copper)

Any bronze trick using only a hand signal. No verbal cues allowed. 

Hide a Treat Under a Cup

Handler places 3 cups in front of the dog, puts a treat under one and shuffles the cup. Dog must pick the correct cup on the first try. Do this twice.

Hind Paw Pod Target (Copper)

Dog backs up and puts only one back foot onto the paw pod target.

Hold and Hand Back a Chew

Dog holds a chew for 5 seconds then hands it back to handler or drops it on the floor and allows handler to pick it up. 

Hold Two Toys at Once

Dog picks up and holds two toys simultaneously. 

Jumble Sale

Dog searches through a snuffle box for a toy. 

Kisses

Handler offers the dog a cheek/face/hand and the dog licks ("kisses") them. 

Lay Down

Dog lays down on cue. 

Lay in my Lap

Dog lays across handler’s lap with chest flat to handler’s legs. 

Leave It

Handler puts some kind of food item on the floor and tells the dog to leave it. the dog must leave it for 5 seconds until the handler picks it up. 

Leg Weaves

With the handler stood up, the dog weaves through the handler's legs in a figure of 8 pattern (1 figure of 8 = 1 demo). Repeat three times. 

Load and Unload (Car)

Dog safely and calmly loads and unloads from a car. Ramps are permitted. Please do not allow young puppies to jump.

Loose Leash Walking for 15 Seconds

The dog can walk in front but the lead must remain loose for the full 15 seconds. At the start of the video, please ensure you show your dog is wearing ONLY a flat collar or back clip harness and lead. Any videos that do not show a lack of aversive tools will need to be resubmitted.

Mat Settle

Handler places down some kind of mat and cues the dog to settle. The dog settles for 30 seconds. They can adjust their down position, but should not stand up or walk off.

Mild Reaction to Stimuli

Handler to play or make a loud noise (such as dropping keys). The dog is able to react by looking or moving away, but shouldn’t show any undue fear or reactivity.

Nod Your Head

Dog nods their head as if they are saying yes. 

Nose Target (Object or Hand)

Dog touches hand or an object with their nose. 

Nudge

Dog gently nudges handler's hand or foot with either nose or paw. 

One Bronze Trick Cued by Someone Else

Any trick from this section, but someone other than the main handler should cue this and reward (could be a friend/partner/parent/guardian). 

One Minute Stay (No Leash)

Handler puts dog in a down stay and walks at least 5 metres away. Dog must remain in position for the full 1 minute. The dog can adjust but should not change position or break the down.

Other Paw

Dog offers one paw to shake, then swaps to offer the other paw. 

Out-of-Reach Retrieve (Copper)

An item is placed just out of the dog’s reach. Dog retrieves item and brings it near to handler.

Patience

Handler puts toy 10m away (or gets someone else to do it). Dog waits 5 seconds (can be in a sit, or handler holding their collar/lead), then handler sends them to the toy.

Paw Target a Flat Mark

Handler places tape or something flat (and won't move) on the floor. Dog targets this mark. 

Paws Up on a Flat Object

Dog puts two front paws up on a flat object. 

Paws Up on a Single Step

Dog puts two front paws on a single step. 

Paws Up onto a Wobble Board

Dog puts two front paws up on a wobble board. 

Post-It Target (Nose or Paw)

Dog touches a post it note with their nose or paw (the post it note can be stuck to the floor, a surface or your hand). 

Public Transport

Dog shows calm behaviour when loading on/off, or whilst travelling on public transport. 

Recall from 2m

Someone can hold the dog, or the dog can be left in a downstay. Handler moves 2m away and calls the dog. Dog returns directly to handler. This can be completed on a longline but the lead must not be pulled by the handler. 

Respond to a Release Cue

Ask the dog to do anything, then release them (e.g. "free", "come", "go get it"). 

Respond to Name

Any level of reaction to their name being called will be accepted. 

Retrieve a Toy and Drop Near Handler

Handler can throw a toy, or send the dog to a toy. The dog must get the toy, then bring it near the handler and drop it.

Retrieve to Hand

Handler can throw a toy, or send the dog to a toy. The dog must get the toy, then bring it back to the handler and put it in their hand. 

Ring a Metal Bell

Dog rings a bell (could be a bell on the floor, or bells attached to the back door). 

Roll Out a Towel

With treat hidden inside. Handler puts treat in the centre and rolls up the towel. Dog rolls out the towel to get the treat. 

Roll Over (360 Degrees)

Dog starts in a down and rolls over 360 degrees.

Roll Over onto Side

Dog starts in a down and rolls just onto their side. 

Room Familiarisation

Show that your dog is familiar with the names of at least two different rooms of the house (i.e., send to kitchen, send to bedroom).

Sent to Mat/Place

On cue, the dog should go directly to their bed/place and remain there for 5 seconds. 

Send to Crate/Bed/Pen

On cue, the dog should go directly to their bed/crate/pen and remain there for 5 seconds. 

Send to Raised Platform

On cue, the dog should go directly to the raised platform (i.e. raised bed, sturdy box, stool, anything size-appropriate for your dog) at least 5 metres away and remain there for 5 seconds.

Shake Body on Cue

Handler cues the dog to shake, dog shakes their full body. 

Shake Your Head

Dog shakes their head as if they are saying no. 

Show Stacking

Dog is positioned into a show stack (or does it on cue). Dog should hold the position for 5 seconds. Stack does not need to be professional standard or breed-specific.

Sit

Dog sits on cue. 

Sitting or Standing to be Dressed

Dog stands quietly whilst handler puts on and off their collar/lead without mouthing, resisting or fidgeting. 

Snack-uterie Board

Aka the muffin tin game. Handler puts treats in at least half of the slots on a muffin tin. Then put a tennis ball in each slot. The dog must remove the tennis balls (however they like) and get all of the treats. 

Snuffle Box

Scatter treats into a box filled with noisy items such as tin foil or bubble wrap. Dog picks through for treats. 

Snuffle Mat

Film a dog using a snuffle mat for 10 seconds. Can use a similar enrichment toy. 

Speak

Dog vocalises on cue. 

Spin Circles

Dog spins in a circle (to the left or right). 

Stair Manners

Dog to accompany handler up the stairs without any pulling or bad manners. CANNOT be submitted for puppies under 6 months old. 

Stand

Dog stands on cue from a sit/down position. Must go straight from one position to the other. 

Stand in a Box

On cue, the dog puts all four paws into a size-appropriate box. 

Stay

Handler puts dog in a stay, handler walks in a circle around dog. Dog must not break position. 

Stimuli Response

An outside stimuli such as a phone ringing, a doorbell sounding, an appliance beeping etc. sounds and the dog responds accordingly. Handler is to explain what reaction the dog will have prior to the stimuli sounding, either verbally or by writing on paper or a phone. Handler’s face and hands to be visible to ensure no verbal or physical cues are used. For example, the dog sits when the microwave beeps.

Sustained 5-Second Focus

Dog offers handler a focus and keeps this focus for 5 seconds. This could be whilst sat down or on a walk.

Swap Game

Offer your dog one item and swap for another item that the dog is holding. The dog must not resist or show signs of resource guarding. 

Swing Into Heel

Dog starts facing you, then swings round on one side of you and ends up in the heel position by your side.

Synchronized Shakes

Two dogs shake simultaneously on one cue. 

Take It

Handler offers something to their dog. They should take it using their mouth and hold it for 5 seconds. 

Through

Dog walks through handler's legs and comes out the other side. 

TikTok Star

Create a video sequence to a popular social media trend, OR create a trick sequence to a trending sound. 

Toileting on Cue in Garden

Dog should toilet on cue. 

Toilet on Cue in Public

Dog should toilet on cue. Ensure your dog toilets somewhere appropriately. 

Touch Game

Dog touches handler’s hand with their nose, repeat 6 times using both hands. 

Toy Engagement

Handler picks up a toy, dog engages with the handler and toy. We are looking for your dog to show interest in a toy. 

Tug on Cue

Handler holds a tug, cues dog to tug, tug for 5 seconds, then cues the dog to stop tugging.

Under the Bridge

Dog walks under handler’s legs or arms with them held like a bridge over the dog’s head. 

Wait 5 Seconds

Handler puts dog in any position and asks them to wait. Dog waits for 5 seconds without breaking position. 

Wait and Release 10 Seconds

Handler puts dog in any position and asks them to wait. Dog waits for 10 seconds, then handler releases the dog. The dog must not break position until cued by handler.

Walk Along a Balance Beam

Dog takes at least 5 steps along a size-appropriate balance beam. 

Walk Another Dog

Hold another dog or pet’s leash in dog’s mouth, walk for at least 5 seconds. Other pet must be comfortable and receptive to being moved. Dog must walk them calmly and not strongly tug on the lead. 

Walk Forwards (Copper)

Dog must walk forwards 5 steps in a straight line. Handler must remain stationary.

Weaves

Place cones, poles or other items equidistant apart and have the dog weave through them. Minimum 3 weavable items. 

Which Hand Holds the Treat?

Put a treat in one hand and shuffle behind your back. Offer both hands (fists closed) to your dog and they must identify which hand the treat is in.

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