Choose from 20 available tricks and demonstrate 12 to achieve the Red Star Award. Designed around our proven 2×5+2 formula: 2 tricks from each developmental category, plus 2 wildcard choices.
Every level gives you choice. You do not need to demonstrate every trick on the list. Our framework ensures your dog develops a healthy, well-rounded foundation across 5 essential categories, while granting you the freedom to choose the behaviours that suit your dog best.
Take, hold, carry and gentle item engagement
Hand, paw, and object targeting precision
Postural transitions, shifts and balance
Dynamic movements, spins, weaves & agility
Distance cues, focus and criteria holds
2 extra favourite tricks from any category
Every trick below contains the official assessment criterion used by authorised All Stars assessors. Choose 12 to build your personalized demonstration plan.
On cue, the dog will independently stack a minimum of five suitable cups inside one another. The handler may give additional cues to support each cup, but no reward may be given until all five cups have been successfully stacked.
When the phone rings, the dog will independently retrieve a suitable phone or phone prop from a distance of more than 2 metres and deliver it to the handler.
On cue, the dog will independently take a minimum of two suitable items of clothing from a laundry basket and place them inside a washing machine.
On cue, the dog will independently take hold of the end of a suitable ribbon and move around a suitable pole, wrapping the ribbon around the pole a minimum of three complete turns.
On cue, the dog will independently push a suitable wheeled object using its front paws on the handle while walking on its back legs for a minimum of 3 metres.
On cue, the dog will independently take a suitable object to a foot-activated bin, operate the foot pedal to open the lid, and place the object into the bin.
From a front position, on cue the dog will independently swing into a heelwork position at the handler’s side.
On cue of an alarm sounding, the dog will independently use a paw to swipe or press the alarm to stop the alarm sounding.
On cue, the dog will independently place a front paw over its eyes and maintain the position for a minimum of 3 seconds.
On cue, from a sit pretty position leaning against the handler’s leg, the dog and handler will lean together and maintain the position for a minimum of 3 seconds.
On cue, the dog will independently place its front paws on the handler’s shoulders, facing in the same direction as the handler, and look over the handler’s shoulder as if posing for a photograph.
On one cue, the dog will independently retrieve a suitable pillow from a minimum distance of 1 metre, place it in front of the handler, lie down and place its head on the pillow.
On cue, the dog will independently jump into the handler’s arms, either from the ground or by running up the handler’s body before landing securely in their arms. For larger dogs, the handler may be seated.
On cue, the dog and handler will move backwards together while the dog independently weaves through the handler’s legs, completing a minimum of four consecutive weaves.
With the handler standing still, on cue the dog will independently weave backwards through the handler’s legs in a continuous figure-of-eight pattern, completing a minimum of two full figure-of-eight sequences.
On cue, the dog will independently jump onto either the handler’s back or feet and remain securely in position for a minimum of 5 seconds.
On cue, the dog will independently place three paws on a suitable skateboard and move it in a controlled manner over a distance of more than four times the dog’s body length.
On cue, the dog will move with the handler while maintaining a recognisable heelwork position on both the Port and Starboard sides.
On cue, the dog will independently respond to a minimum of three different cue cards by performing the behaviour represented on each card.
When asked a simple question with a numerical answer, the dog will independently use a trained bark or paw response to indicate the answer, continuing until the correct number is reached.
All Stars Awards are committed to providing accessible assessments for all dogs and handlers. Appropriate adaptations are actively welcomed, provided the adjusted method still demonstrates the core skill and behaviour being evaluated.
Whether your dog is a giant breed, miniature, senior, or has physical limitations, the 2×5+2 framework gives you choice and allows safe, force-free variations.
Every trick must be trained and demonstrated using ethical, positive reinforcement methods.
Work through your 12 tricks when you and your dog are ready. There is no rush or pressure.
Demonstrate in-person or via video assessment to an authorised All Stars evaluator.