What Dog Talent Association is about?
We believe that every dog has a talent.
We want to help you to find that talent and develop it.
We want to help you to build that connection and understanding with your dog- so you can enjoy every minute together.
This is what makes us get out of bed in the morning.
If you can look back at the time with us and remember the happy and fulfilling times you had together- we truly achieved our goal!
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Emily Gomes,
USA
This task really got us to try & go even "further" with our training than ever before! It's definitely my favorite project we've even done . Very proud of my smart boy and us as a team"
Aoife Godfrey,
UK
Thank you! We love getting constructive feedback from you guys, it gives me things to work on and take note of.
We progressed so much together as the result!
Susanne Lindros,
Sweden
Thanks for great and useful feedback - as usual. It always helps us to get even better. That's the best part of International Trick Dog Competition for me.
It´s so much fun to be part of - and such a great opportunity to grow as a team "
Merin Dahlerbruch,
USA
"Thank you DTA for offering such wonderful competitions that really give us a good stretch on learning together!.
This really motivates me to work on new tricks with Dazu!"
Esther Doortje,
Netherlands
"Grateful for having been part of it and for all the things we've learned. Thank you so much from me and Filou"
Why do we focus on trick training to develop your dog's talent and your bond?
One of the first things you are likely to teach any dog are some positive behaviours and tricks.
It could be something simple like coming to you when you call, recognising its name.
Most people will also teach their dog at least some basic commands such to sit, lie down, walk on the leash etc. In fact, every time you interact with your dog you teach it something.
Words, gestures, commands and tricks are that fundamental language how we communicate and interact with each other.
So trick training is something you already do with your dog.
Trick training, unlike most other dog sports, does not need any special equipment, tools and can be done any time anywhere and with any dog.
Trick training allows you to communicate with each other.
Imagine if you are in a foreign country and you do not speak the language?
A dog feels the same when it can't tell you what it wants and does not understand what you are asking either.
By teaching your dog tricks, words, commands and gestures you develop that language that you can use to communicate with each other.
The more words and commands your dog knows, the larger is your joint vocabulary and more things you can tell each other.
That's why we are focusing on tricks
What is different about DTA approach to trick training?
Every dog, just like every human is unique.
Every dog has own personality, preferences, likes, dislikes. Each dog is good at different things.
We do not teach the same tricks to all the dogs, like you'll see in a typical trick training class, nor we give you a long list of tricks to choose from without any guidance on what's the most suitable for your dog and you as the team.
We've developed the world's largest database of tricks, currently standing at 530.
In addition, we've grouped all those different tricks and behaviours together into Talent Tracks, based on the types of skills they develop and with the training perspective in mind.
The Talent Tracks are just like the stepping stones.
The more advanced skills in each Talent Track are built upon the skills and behaviours taught at the earlier levels.
Talent Tracks are there to help you to choose the "development programme" for your dog depending on what you would like to achieve and your dog's abilities and talent.
Talent Tracks provide you with the training structure and ability to focus on the specific areas your dog is good at and you are the most interested in.
With Talent Tracks it is like learning a foreign language using a focused guided course rather than just leaving you to learn the dictionary.
Talent Tracks will help you to target the exact words you need to start communicating as quickly as possible depending on what you would like to do with your dog.
By focusing your training you will be able to develop your dog's talent fast and make some great memories together.
What is special about DTA Trick Dog Titles?
We do not like the word "tricks". It always sounded to us like something artificial, or a form of cheating. This is not at all what happens when a dog works with you as a team, trying to guess your wishes from the smallest of cues and do what you want to the best of its abilities.
We would prefer to call it behaviours, actions or deeds, but the word "tricks" has already firmly taken root so we will use it but with our meaning in mind.
We broke up all the training into manageable chunks and established the Trick Dog Titles as the visible and recognisable milestones.
DTA Trick Dog Titles always come with a detailed feedback and further training suggestions to help your team to progress.
DTA Trick Dog Titles aim to help your team to reach a polished professional level with every trick you do. We want you an your dog to be proud and confident of every trick you perform.
In addition to the Trick Titles we also offer stretch Challenge Titles- to help you to work on the specific areas or specific selection of fun skills.
Who makes Dog Talent Association?
DTA was founded by Olga Jones. DTA relies on the collaboration of some of the top trick dog trainers worldwide. Everyone who is involved in DTA, loves people and loves dogs.
We have a great network of human talent behind the Dog Talent Association, each person bringing their skills, knowledge, enthusiasm and experience.
We are also you! We are those who are working towards the next Trick Dog Titles or learning through DTA courses, taking part in the challenges and the International Trick Dog Competition.
We are dog trainers who teach dog tricks and help their owners to build that relationship. We are also performers who inspire and show what you can achieve with your dog.
We are those who would like to help each other and share their knowledge and tips and make friends with the likeminded people worldwide.
Join us on Facebook and Instagram to become part of the community.