I AM
NOW A CANINE GOOD CITIZEN
After lots
of training and practice, my friend Luna and I took our Canine Good Citizen
Test.
Roy and
Rita were the examiners, and the test was quite difficult for us, and we were
under a lot of pressure, but none the less, WE BOTH PASSED!! Now we get a
certificate and a little tag to put on our collars to let the entire world know
that we are good canine citizens.
Here are
some pictures of us after we passed the test, and below them an explanation of
what the test was all about.
Here
are Roy and Rita, the examiners, with Luna, my fellow Canine Good Citizen.
Here is
Luna and her Mom, Valerie, after Luna passed--boy , do they look happy or what?
Here are
Rita and Roy again, this time with me. We all look pretty happy that the
pressure is off and we passed.
CANINE GOOD CITIZEN AWARD PROGRAM:
1. ACCEPTING A
FRIENDLY STRANGER
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach
it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation. The Evaluator and
handler shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The dog must show no sign of
resentment or shyness, and must not break position or try to go to the
Evaluator.
2. SITTING POLITELY
FOR PETTING This
test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while
it is out with its handler. The dog should sit at the handler’s side as the
Evaluator approaches and begins to pet the dog on the head and body only. The
dog may stand in place to accept petting. The dog must not show shyness or
resentment.
3.
APPEARANCE AND
GROOMING
This practical test
demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will
permit a stranger, such as a veterinarian, groomer, or friend of the owner, to
do so. It also demonstrates the owner’s care, concern and sense of
responsibility. The Evaluator inspects the dog, then combs or brushes the dog,
and lightly examines the ears and each front foot.
4. OUT FOR A WALK
(WALKING ON A LOOSE LEASH)
This test demonstrates that
the handler is in control of the dog. The dog can be on either side of the
handler, whichever the handlers prefers. There must be a left turn, a right turn
and an about turn, with at least one stop in between and another at the end. The
dog need not be perfectly aligned with the handler and need not sit when the
handler stops.
5. WALKING THROUGH
A CROWD
This test demonstrates that
the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in
public places. The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people
(at least three). The dog may show some interest in the strangers, without
appearing over exuberant, shy or resentful. The handler may talk to the dog and
encourage or praise the dog throughout the test. The dog should not be straining
at the leash.
6.
SIT AND DOWN ON
COMMAND/STAYING IN PLACE
This test demonstrates that
the dog has training, will respond to the handler’s commands to sit and down,
and will remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or down position,
whichever the handler prefers). The handler may take a reasonable amount of time
and use more than one command to make the dog sit and then down. When instructed
by the Evaluator, the handler tells the dog to stay and walks forward the length
of a 20-foot line. The dog must remain in place, but may change position.
7.
COMING WHEN
CALLED This test demonstrates that the dog will
come when called by the handler. The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog,
turn to face the dog, and call the dog. The handler may use encouragement to get
the dog to come. Handlers may choose to tell the dog to "stay" or "wait," or
they may simply walk away, giving no instructions to the dog as the Evaluator
provides mild distraction (e.g., petting).
8. REACTION TO
ANOTHER DOG
This test demonstrates that
the dog can behave politely around other dogs. Two handlers and their dogs
approach each other from a distance of about 10 yards, stop, shake hands and
exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 5 yards. The dogs should show
no more than a casual interest in each other.
9. REACTIONS TO
DISTRACTIONS This
test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common
distracting situations, such as the dropping of a large book or a jogger running
in front of the dog. The dog may express a natural interest and curiosity and/or
appear slightly startled, but should not panic, try to run away, show
aggressiveness or bark.
10.
SUPERVISED
SEPARATION This
test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary,
and will maintain its training and good manners. Evaluators are encouraged to
say something like, "Would you like me to watch your dog?" and then take hold of
the dog’s leash. The owner will go out of sight for three minutes. The dog does
not have to stay in position but should not continually bark, whine, or pace
unnecessarily, or show anything stronger than mild agitation or nervousness.
For more information on
the Canine Good Citizen Program, please visit the American Kennel Club
site at
www.akc.org/love/cgc/index.cfm
BETSY'S
PLACE
