Bonny Bark Bandit “Arwen” Steals 2026 AKC Virtual Trick Dog Competition
The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world’s largest not-for-profit dog registry and a leading advocate for canine welfare and responsible dog ownership, is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 AKC Trick Dog Competition.
The overall winners were Caitlin Dermody from La Crescenta, CA, and her Miniature Schnauzer, “Arwen.” Their routine, “The Bonny Bark Bandit” was enhanced by Dermody’s comical performance. Arwen moved eagerly from one trick to the next with her handler at a distance.
The overall international winners were Kelly Manning and “Twitch,” an Australian Kelpie from Australia that performed tricks including riding a skateboard.
The 8th Annual competition was a virtual event, open to Elite Performers, AKC’s highest level of trick dogs. New to the competition this year was the international class, and more than 200 competitors from all over the United States, Canada, and Australia submitted videos of outstanding performances that were evaluated by judges.
“Every year, the AKC Elite Performer routines in the competition get more entertaining and sophisticated,” said Mary Burch, Ph.D., Director of the AKC Family Dog Program. “Trick training is a wonderful bonding experience, and it comes across so clearly in the submission videos. Congratulations to all the winners and participants.”
The two semi-finalists in the competition were Heidi Armstrong and her mixed-breed dog, “Cheza,” from Austin, TX, and April Paulman and her Bulldog, “Mindy,” from Shelbyville, IN. For Cheza and Armstrong, their touching routine, “Dear Cheza”, was based on Armstrong’s original poem that was a love letter to her extraordinary canine companion. In their routine, “Mindy Saves Wonderland,” April Paulman’s Bulldog, “Mindy,” performed difficult tricks such as walking across tightropes.
Watch the winning and finalists videos below:
Overall Winner
“Arwen”, handled by Caitlin Dermody from La Crescenta, CA
International Winner
“Twitch”, handled by Kelly Manning of Australia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wq3sg6i0okA
Semi-finalists
”Cheza”, handled by Heidi Armstrong from Austin, TX
“Mindy”, handled by April Paulman from Shelbyville, IN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NavVA0C4KII
To learn more about teaching your dog to do tricks, see: https://www.akc.org/sports/trick-dog/
Short URL: https://caninechronicle.com/?p=374432
Posted by Liz
on Oct 29 2026. Filed under Current Articles, Featured.
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