Silver Criteria
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Silver is the third main level of the Twilight Trick Titles. Only Silver tricks are accepted for this level but Copper, Bronze and Gold tricks may be submitted at the same time.
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Your dog must achieve Bronze Starlight (Level 1) or Bronze Stardust (Puppy/Elderly Level) before any Silver titles can be awarded. Before moving onto Gold, your dog must be awarded Silver Starlight or Silver Stardust (where applicable).
- For silver, we want to see as little luring as possible. 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. Any videos using lures heavily will be under our discretion as to whether they will be accepted.
General Trick Criteria
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 Criteria
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.
Silver Trick List
Aeroplane
Dog jumps over the handler's outstretched arms, repeating at least three times (both arms jumped = one rep).
Anything But Dogs Free Space (Silver)
Show your pet (this trick is for any animal other than canines) performing a trick which requires a simple chain with a similar difficulty to the other Silver tricks.
Are You Shy?
Dog covers their eyes with their paws.
Back Paw Kick
Dog kicks out one hind leg.
Backstall
With handler standing or kneeling, dog rebounds off handler’s back.
Back-Up at Heel
From a heel position, both handler and dog back up at least 5ft with the dog remaining in the heel position.
Back-Up Middle with Heel Finish
Dog backs up from in front of handler and backs up through their legs, swinging around into a heel.
Back-Up Stairs
Dog backs up at least 5 steps in succession. Do not attempt this if your dog is under 6 months old.
Backwards Leg Weaves
With handler standing up, dog walks backwards, weaving between their legs in a figure 8.
Backwards Orbit
Dog backs up in a full circle around handler.
Bar Jump (Silver)
Handler puts dog into a position and asks them to wait. Handler throws an item over the jump for the dog to retrieve. Handler releases the dog, and the dog goes over the jump and picks up the item. The dog then jumps back over the bar jump and hands the item to the handler. Bar must be off the floor and at elbow level to your dog.
Basketball
Dog drops a ball through a basketball hoop, or some kind of raised item with an opening
Blanket Burrito
Dog rolls themselves into a blanket and holds position for at least 3 seconds.
Block
Dog stands behind handler with the side of dog’s body against the handler’s back, holding a stand stay for at least 5 seconds.
Bow Under A Surface
Using a surface shorter than the dog, the dog should Bow under the surface. No duration needed.
Catch a Frisbee in Mid-Air
Dog chases and catches a frisbee in motion.
Catwalk
Dog walks with crossed paws for 6 steps minimum.
Chase Your Tail
Dog chases their own tail on cue.
Close a Door
Using a tug or their nose or paw, the dog closes an open door.
Close a Drawer
Using a tug or their nose or paw, the dog closes an open drawer.
Come with Me
Dog pulls a toy using a tug/rope/string for at least 15 seconds.
Cover
Dog stands in front handler with the side of dog’s body against the handler’s front, holding a stand stay for at least 5 seconds.
Cowboy (Silver)
A smaller dog jumps onto a larger dog's back, with both holding the position for 5 seconds.
Crawling Dog Weaves
With handler on their hands and knees staying still, the dog crawls between their arms in a figure 8 motion.
Creep
Dog stalks forward, staying low to the ground for at least 4 steps.
Dinosaur
Dog walks on back legs unsupported for 4 steps.
Distance Behaviours (Silver)
3 silver tricks from at least 10m away. Dog must stay in position and not move closer to the handler. A mat or other placeholder can be used.
Doggy Parkour
Balance on a small, raised surface outdoors.
Double Paw Wave
Sitting on their hind legs, the dog waves both paws at once.
Emergency Stop From 15m
With the dog at least 15m away, the dog is cued into an emergency stop. The dog must respond immediately by stopping and either standing still, sitting or laying down until given a release cue.
Empty the Washing Machine
Dog empties at least 3 items from the washing machine into a basket. Only one cue may be given
Fancy Feet
Dog crosses one paw over the other while laid down.
Fetch my Phone
Either when the phone rings or on a verbal cue, the dog will retrieve phone and pass it to handler’s hand.
Figure of 8 Around 2 Objects and Heel
With handler stationary, the dog is sent to perform a figure of 8 weave around 2 separate objects (half an 8 around each item) and then returns to the handler, swinging into a heel.
Find the Hidden Toy (Silver)
A toy is hidden completely out of sight and either above head height or low to the ground/under raised furniture, with the dog out of the room(s) while the item is placed. Dog is given at least two connected rooms and a hallway to search. Dog can be given encouragement but no guidance. This can also be performed outside with the toy left in a tree or bush to mimic the requirements laid out.
Focused Trick Work and Parkour in a Busy Setting
Show dog performing at least three silver level tricks in a busy area such as a shopping centre or high street as well as jumping off of structures like low walls and the like with confidence. For public videos, at the start of the video, please ensure you show that your dog is being handled using ONLY a flat collar or back clip harness. Any videos which do not show a lack of aversive tools will need to be resubmitted.
Focused Walking for 1 Minute in a Busy Environment
In a busy environment such as a high street, market or shopping centre, the dog will perform a heel with consistent focus on the handler. At the start of the video, please ensure you show that your dog is being handled using ONLY a flat collar or back clip harness. Any videos which do not show a lack of aversive tools will need to be resubmitted.
Full Health Check
This includes teeth, paws, eyes etc. all being inspected. Some minor stress signals are expected, but your dog should be comfortable and confident with being handled.
Get My Shoes and Your Leash
Shoes and leash are placed out of sight ahead of time. One cue for shoes and one cue for the leash are allowed. When cued, dog will retrieve a pair of handler’s shoes and their leash from another area and retrieve all items to hand.
Go Around an Object Backwards
Using one object, the dog will back up away from the handler, back around the item in a U-shape and continue to back up until back with the handler.
Golf
Using a stick or similar, the dog hits a golfball-sized ball (or smaller) precisely at least twice.
Hand Signal Free Space (Silver)
Four (4) silver tricks using only hand signals. No verbal cues allowed.
Hanging Around
Dog passes a clothes hanger and an item of clothing to the handler. Handler puts the clothing on a hanger and places it down or hangs the item up. Do at least 3 times.
Head Down
Dog lays head flat on floor for 3+ seconds.
Helpful Hound Free Space
Any task or trick you find helpful which meets the complexity of silver level.
Here You Go!
Here You Go! – Dog retrieves an item from the floor or handler and passes it to another dog, who then takes the item and passes it back to handler.
Hide Your Head Under a Blanket
Using a blanket or pillow, the dog pushes their head underneath it and hides themself.
High Value Food Retrieval
Using a high value food, i.e. hotdog or chicken, handler throws the food for dog. Dog must retrieve item to hand without taking a bite. Please ensure that whatever you use is safe to be swallowed.
Hind Paw Pod Target (Both Paws)
Dog backs up until both back paws are on the paw pods (one paw per pod).
Howliday Packing
Dog puts a minimum of 3 items into a suitcase, then zips the suitcase shut.
Jump into Handler's Arms
From the floor, the dog will jump into the handler’s arms. Smaller or weaker dogs may jump from a sofa or similar. Handler can be sitting or standing.
Jump Over Another Dog
With one dog laying on the ground, another dog jumps over the dog’s back. Trick awarded to both dogs.
Kick Right/Left Mirroring
Standing beside or over the dog, handler kicks their left leg out and dog kicks out the same leg, and then the same for the right. Left and right to be repeated twice
Leg Hike
Dog hikes one back leg up in the air and holds it there for 3+ seconds.
Lick Lips
On cue, your dog licks their lips. Handler should not have treats in their hand for this. This cue could be verbal or a hand signal.
Limp
Holding any of their 4 legs in the air, the dog limp-walks for at least 5 steps.
Middle
Dog backs up from at least 1m in front of the handler and backs through the handler's legs.
Muzzle Manners (Silver)
Show a 2 minute continuous video of your dog wearing a muzzle, where the dog appears comfortable and does not attempt to remove the muzzle.
Night-Night
Dog opens door to their crate, goes in, pulls the door shut behind them, then lays down.
Open a Door with a Tug
Using a tug, the dog opens a door from closed to fully open.
Out-of-Reach Retrieve (Silver)
An item is placed out of the dog’s reach on a higher surface and the dog must step on two separate levels to reach it, such as stepping on a stool, then onto the counter, then reaching up to a shelf to retrieve the item. Dog then safely gets back down and takes the item to the handler's hand.
Out-of-Sight Leave it with High Value Food
Using a high value food, i.e. hotdog or chicken, handler places food down within reach and leaves the room for at least 30 seconds. Dog must ignore food until handler returns, although air sniffing from a distance is allowed. Please ensure that whatever you use is safe to be swallowed.
Out-of-Sight Stay (Silver)
Handler places dog in a position and leaves the room for 30 seconds. Dog must stay in position (adjustment is acceptable) until the handler returns to the dog’s side. Camera must stay on the dog so we can see them throughout.
Pick a Named Item
Presented with a pile of six objects, the dog should pick a different item by name no less than three times. This should be a different named item for each repetition.
Pick From a Deck of Cards (Silver)
Handler offers dog a deck of cards splayed out in their hands, dog picks a single card and passes it to handler. Handler takes the card and asks “was this your card?”. Dog nods yes or uses a “yes” push button. If using buttons, the “no” button must also be available.
Pickpocket
With the handler's back turned, the dog steals any item out of the handler's pocket and then disposes of it at least 3m away. The disposal can be handing to another person, placed in a basket or their bed, or simply taken out of the room.
Pivot with Chin Rest
Resting their chin on a solid surface, the dog pivots in a full circle.
Press a Button on a Wall
Dog pushes button placed at a minimum of head height with either a paw or their nose.
Press a Light Switch with Nose
Dog hits a handheld or wall fixed light switch with their nose.
Public Transport (Silver)
Show your dog entering public transport, settling nicely for 2 minutes, plus a skill or trick. This can be a trained task that helps you, or a trick/skill that your dog enjoys doing!
Pull a Blanket Over Handler
The dog retrieves a blanket and pulls it over the handler without assistance. Handler should be laid down.
Purse Puppy
Dog jumps into an open purse or bag and lays down. Open to any size dog – get creative!
Push a Shopping Cart
On their hind legs, dog is to push a shopping cart or a similar wheeled item for at least 5 seconds. Handler can steady the front of the cart to make sure it stays in a straight line, but must not be pulling the cart. Please ask permission if using an item that isn't your own. Other things you could use instead of a shopping cart could be a manual wheelchair, a walker or a child's toy on wheels.
Recall from 10m
Someone can hold the dog, or the dog can be left in a downstay. Handler moves 10m 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.
Recall Into Down from a 25ft Distance
Handler places dog in a stay and steps away from dog until the distance is complete. Dog to hold the stay for 15 seconds, recall and drop into a down at least 5ft (or slightly further) from handler.
Retrieve a Dropped Item Without a Cue
Handler drops an item, the dog immediately picks it up and hands it back to the handler without being cued.
Retrieve an Out-of-Sight Named Item
Handler to cue an item retrieval ("get me my blue bag”), dog leaves room and retrieves item to hand OR dog searches for hidden item within the same room and retrieves to hand. Item must differ from other tasks you have submitted (e.g. if you do shoe retrieves, please don't use a shoe for this task).
Retrieve and Carry a Named Item for 3m
Handler to throw three items while dog remains in a down or sit-stay. When cued, the dog will ONLY retrieve the named item. Handler must be 3m away from the items once thrown.
Say Your Prayers
With their front paws on handler’s arm or a sofa, table etc., dog dips head between their front legs and holds the position.
Send Away to Paws Up on a Raised Target
With three or more raised surfaces available to the dog, cue a paws up from at least 5ft away. The dog must paws up on the specific target you asked them to.
Sequenced Leg and Arm Jump
Dog jumps over the handler's leg, then loops round and jumps over the handler's arm, on a single cue. Handler can be sitting or standing.
Silent Communication
Show a cue your dog knows which ISNT a verbal or hand cue.
Sit Pretty with Duration
Dog holds a Sit Pretty unassisted (AKA ‘Beg’ on hind legs) for 5 seconds.
Spin and Jump into Handler's Arms
Dog must spin then immediately jump into handler's arms. This must all be completed on one cue. Handler can be sitting or standing.
Spin in a Tight Circle
In a space only just wide enough for the dog to stand and turn, they spin a tight circle.
Sports Freespace
Show off your sports dogs! Including joring, mushing, cani-cross - show us your dog’s skills!
Stepping Stones
Dog steps on 5 stones placed at least ¾ of dog’s body length apart. Dog steps onto each stone without touching the ground around the stones. Hula hoops can also be used for larger dogs. Stones should not be much larger than the dog’s body length across.
Sustained Nose Touch
Dog touches nose to a hand or object and holds there for 5 seconds.
Sustained Paw Touch
Dog touches paw to a hand or object and holds there for 5 seconds.
Take Gloves Off
Using their teeth or a tug, the dog removes a pair of gloves from handler’s hand. 1 pair = one demonstration.
Take Socks Off
Using their teeth or a tug, the dog removes a pair of socks from handler’s feet. 1 pair = one demonstration.
Target 2 Marks
On a single cue, dog places their front and back feet on two separate marks. These can be flat or raised (for example, a flat board for front paws, and a wobble board for back paws).
Ten Minute Settle in a Busy Environment
Timelapses permitted. In a busy environment such as a high street or shopping centre, the dog settles calmly and without undue stress. Rewards can be given but dog should not be bribed or lured.
Tidy Up 3 Toys into a Box
Opening a box, the dog places three toys into the box and closes the lid behind themselves. If the box has no lid, the dog pulls or lifts something across the top to close it.
Tiptoes
Dog stands between handler’s legs with their front paws on handler’s feet. The duo walk for at least 6 steps.
Tooth Target
Using any kind of object, the dog performs a controlled (i.e. not biting and yanking) tooth target. No duration needed.
Track Someone's Scent
Dog is given a scent article and tracks the person through an outdoor area for at least 50m.
Triple Orbit
Dog orbits handler forwards three times (maximum two cues).
Trust Trost
Using their chin, a dog rests their head on another dog's back. Both dogs hold the position for 3+ seconds.
Tuck into a Small Public Space
Space must be just big enough for dog to tuck under. Video should be 1 minute long at minimum. For public videos, at the start of the video, please ensure you show that your dog is being handled using ONLY a flat collar or back clip harness. Any videos which do not show a lack of aversive tools will need to be resubmitted.
Two Combined Tricks (Silver)
Dog performs 2 silver tricks simultaneously (at the same time). An example would be watch my six and who’s your best friend, or say your prayers and purse puppy.
Two-Dog Catwalk
Two dogs walk with crossed paws for 6 steps minimum.
Two Minute Stay Around Distractions
Dog to hold a 2 minute stay whilst the handler or other people provide distractions. This could be bouncing a ball, dancing, children playing – whatever your dog finds the most tempting. Dog may be leashed but leash should not be held.
Under The Bridge (Backwards)
With handler’s legs or arms held like a bridge, the dog crawls or walks backwards underneath them and out the other side.
Under the Bridge (Crawling)
With handler’s legs or arms held like a bridge, the dog crawls underneath them and out the other side.
Unstable Object Target (Silver)
When presented with two unstable objects (i.e., wobble boards, soft pillows, yoga balls), the dog puts their front feet onto target #1 and their back paws onto target #2. The dog holds this position for 10 seconds with no assistance from handler.
Unwind Rope
Dog unwinds at least 2m of wound rope through any method, but behaviour must be controlled.
Unzip a Coat or Bag
Dog fully unzips a coat (worn by the handler) or a bag.
Vogue
Using a box or similar object, the dog rests their front paws on the box and then rests their head on their paws OR tilts their head and holds either position for 5+ seconds, as if having a photoshoot.
Volley (Silver)
Handler throws a balloon to the dog. The dog then volleys the balloon back to the handler using their head or nose.
Walk Forwards (Silver)
Dog must start next to the handler, then the handler cues them to move forward. The dog must walk in a straight line for at least 20 paces away from the handler. Dog must continue walking for 20 paces without stopping, going off track or sniffing anything.
Walking Leg Weaves
As handler walks, the dog weaves between their legs. 3 fluent figure 8 repetitions required.
Watch My Six
Dog spins into a middle, facing away from the handler.
Wear a Hat
Dog to put on hat without help using whatever method is preferred.
Which Tin Holds the Scent? (Silver)
Offer the dog 5 tins, only 2 of which hold two different scents (i.e. orange and gun oil). Dog must differentiate between both scents and detect the one cued. Repeat twice.
Who's Your Best Friend?
Dog wraps front legs around either another dog, a teddy or handler’s leg.
Wipe Your Paws on a Mat
Dog wipes their paws in a circular or digging motion on a doormat or rug.
BONUS PERFORMANCE (4 Points) (Silver)
Six or more tricks sequenced to your choice of music for 60 seconds or more. Must include at least three silver tricks. You can reuse tricks previously ticked off for silver.
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