|
We will be hosting a CGC Test at the
2011 MER Championship.
It will be on Wednesday, September
14th at 7:00PM, and if there is enough interest, we will hold
another Test on Thursday.
Please email me at
brix88@sbcglobal.net for
an entry
form.
ALL PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT THE YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP
FUND.
AKC’s Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program
What is it?
Started in 1989, the CGC Program is designed to reward dogs who have good
manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a
two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic
good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a
certificate from the American Kennel Club.
Many dog owners choose Canine Good Citizen training as the first step
in training their dogs. As you work with your dog to teach the CGC skills,
you'll discover the many benefits and joys of training your dog. Training will
enhance the bond between you and your dog. Dogs who have a solid obedience
education are a joy to live with-they respond well to household routines, have
good manners in the presence of people and other dogs, and they fully enjoy the
company of the owner who took the time to provide training, intellectual
stimulation, and a high quality life. We sincerely hope that CGC will be only a
beginning for you and your dog and that after passing the CGC test, you'll
continue training in obedience, agility, tracking, or performance events.
AKC’s Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program is one of the most rapidly growing
programs in the American Kennel Club. There are many exciting applications of
this wonderful, entry level that go beyond the testing and certifying of dogs.
In a little over one decade, the Canine Good Citizen Program has begun to
have an extremely positive impact in many of our communities. This is a program
that can help us assure that the dogs we love will always be welcomed and
well-respected members of our communities.
The Tests
ITEM 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 walks up to the dog and handler and greets the
handler in a friendly manner, ignoring the dog.
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.
ITEM 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. With the dog sitting at
the handler's side (either side is permissible) to begin the exercise,
the evaluator pets the dog on the head and body only. The
handler may talk to his or her dog throughout the exercise. The
dog may stand in place once petting begins. The dog must not
show shyness or resentment.
ITEM 3: APPEARANCE AND GROOMING
This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being
groomed and examined and will permit someone, 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 to determine if it is clean and
groomed. The dog must appear to be in healthy condition (Le.,
proper weight, clean, healthy and alert). The handler should supply
the comb or brush commonly used on the dog. The evaluator
then softly combs or brushes the dog and, in a natural manner,
lightly examines the ears and gently picks up each front foot.
It is not necessary for the dog to hold a specific position during
the examination, and the handler may talk to the dog,
praise it and give encouragement throughout.
ITEM 4: OUT FOR A WALK (WALKING ON A LOOSE LEASH)
This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The
dog may be on either side of the handler, whichever the handler
prefers. (Note: The left-side position is required in AKC competitive
obedience events.)
The dog's position should leave no doubt that the dog is attentive
to the handler and is responding to the handler's movements and
changes of direction. The dog need not be perfectly aligned with
the handler and need not sit when the handler stops.
The evaluator may use a pre-plotted course or may
direct the handler/dog team by issuing instructions
or commands. In either case, there must be a left
turn, right turn, and an about turn, with at least
one stop in between and one at the end. The handler
may talk to the dog along the way to praise or
command it in a normal tone of voice. The handler
may also sit the dog at the halt, if desired.
ITEM 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 but
should continue to walk with the
handler, without evidence of overexuberance,
shyness or resentment.
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.
ITEM 6: SIT AND DOWN ON COMMAND I STAY 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).
Prior to this test, the dog's leash is replaced with a 20-ft. line. The
handler may take a reasonable amount of time and use more than
one command to make the dog sit and then down. The evaluator
must determine if the dog has responded to the handler's commands.
The handler may not force the dog into either position
but may touch the dog to offer gentle guidance.
When instructed by the evaluator, the handler tells the dog to
stay and walks forward the length of the line, turns and returns to
the dog at a natural pace (the 20-ft. line is not removed). The dog
must remain in the place in which it was left (it may change position)
until the evaluator instructs the handler to release the dog.
The dog may be released from the front or the side.
ITEM 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 dogs to "stay" or
"wait" or they may simply walk
away.
ITEM 8: REACTION TO ANOTHER DOG
This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around
other dogs.
1\vo handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance
of about 15 feet, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries,
and continue on.
The dogs should show no more than a casual interest in each
other. Neither dog should go to the other dog or its handler.
ITEM 9: REACTION TO DISTRACTIONS
This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when
faced with common distracting situations.
The evaluator will select only two of the following:
(Note: Since some dogs are sensitive to sound and others to
visual distractions, it is preferable to choose one sound and one
visual distraction).
A) A person using crutches, a wheelchair, or a walker
(5jt. away)
B) A sudden opening or closing of a door.
c) Dropping a pan, folded chair, etc. no closer than 5-ft.
from the dog.
D) A jogger running in front of the dog.
E) A person pushing a cart or crate dolly passing no closer
than 5-ft. away.
F) A person on a bike no closer than 10-ft. away.
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. The handler may talk to the dog and
encourage or praise it throughout the exercise.
ITEM 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 for
me to watch your dog?" You will give the leash to the evaluator and
go out of sight for 3-minutes. You may tell your dog to stay if it
already has a down or sit-stay. The dog does not have to stay in position
but it can not continually bark, whine, or pace unnecessarily, or
show anything stronger than mild agitation or nervousness.
| 
