The Canine Good Citizen Test is a certification program that
tests dogs in simulated everyday situations in a relaxed atmosphere. It
identifies and rewards dogs that have the training and demeanor to be reliable
family members as well as good-standing community members. All dogs passing the
Canine Good Citizen Test receive a certificate from the American Kennel
Club.A.K.C. Canine Good Citizen Brochure, (11/97).
The purpose of the Canine Good Citizen Test is to ensure that our favorite
companion, the dog, can be a respected member of the community because it is
trained and conditioned to act mannerly in the home, in public places and in the
presence of other dogs. The program embraces both pure-bred and mixed-breed
dogs.
Canine Good Citizen training is fun and useful. Through it, you and your dog
will establish a closer bond and your dog will have the added benefit of knowing
how to please you. This test of your dog's manners and training is not a
competition and does not require that you and your dog perform with precision.
The American Kennel Club urges all dog owners to participate in this program,
thereby assuring that our beloved dogs will always be welcomed and respected
members of the community.
Port Chester Obedience Training Club
offers the Canine Good Citizen Test at the annual Sanctioned Match and Obedience
Trial.
Test #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.
Test #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 handlers side, as the evaluator approaches and begins to pet the dog on
the head and body only. The dog must not show shyness or resentment.
Test #3: Appearance and
Grooming. The 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.
Test #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's 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.
Test #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 this test. The dog should not be straining at the
leash.
Test #6:
Sit and Down on
Command/Staying in Place. This test demonstrates that the dog has
training, will respond to the handler's command 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 positions.
Test #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, giving no instructions to the dog as the evaluator
provides mild distractions (e.g., petting).
Test #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 five yards. The dogs should show no more than a
casual interest in each other.
Test #9: Reactions
to Distractions. This test demonstrates that the dog is confident
at all times when faced with common distracting situations, such as dropping a
large book or a jogger running in front of the dog. The dog may express a
natural interest and curiosity and/or may appear slightly startled, but should
not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness or bark.
Test #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 3 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.
Therapy Dog
