NEMDA Junior Versatility Handler Program

Purpose: The purpose of the NEMDA Junior awards program is to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of junior handlers, ages 9-18 years, and to encourage the lifelong involvement and love of dog sports through training and competition.

Requirements

• Open to ages 9-18 years
• Must have an AKC Juniors number to compete in AKC Events
• All classes must be signed off by the instructor and the training club identified.
• A training class consists of 6-8 sessions per class or 6-8 hours working with a private trainer.

Awards Criteria

Junior Award – Beginner

• Complete at least two training classes with your dog, OR earn AKC Star Puppy AND one class, OR
• Complete one class AND earn AKC Fit Dog AND AKC Virtual Manners.

*Applicable classes include basic manners, basic handling, obedience, trick dog, rally, or basic therapy dog.

Junior Award – Advanced

• Earn any in-person title (conformation or performance, includes AKC Puppy of Achievement), OR
• Complete 2 additional training classes, both of which are beyond introductory training AND NEMDA CEBA participation (either evaluation) OR CGC title if NEMDA CEBA is not available, OR
• Earn two Virtual Titles beyond Home Manners and Fit Dog. These may include Trick Dog, Obedience, Rally, or ACT (for dogs of appropriate age) AND earn CGC.

Junior Award – Excellence

• Earn a conformation championship AND CEBA (both evaluations) or earn CGCA, if CEBA is not available, OR
• Earn an in-person Novice performance title AND CEBA (both evaluations) or CGCA if CEBA is not available.

*Note: Dogs under 15 months should not be doing agility or dock diving.