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Lawton Dog
Fancier's Canine Good Citizen Test
If your dog has good manners, he or she may be eligible for an award from
the American Kennel Club.
Welcome to the AKC's Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program. Started in 1989,
the CGC is a certification program that 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 CGC test receive a certificate from the American Kennel
Club.
The purpose of the CGC Program is to ensure that our favorite companion,
the dog, can be a respected member of the community.
To receive the CGC award, dogs take the 10 item Canine Good Citizen Test.
Listed below is a brief
description of each exercise. A dog must pass all 10 steps to receive the
certificate these are:
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 handier. While the
dog is sitting at the handlers side, the evaluator pets the dog on the head
and body only, then circles the dog and handler, completing the test. 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, or groomer to do so. The evaluator inspects the dog, then
combs or brushes the dog and lightly examines the can and each front foot.
4. Out For A Walk
This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of
the dog. The evaluator will put the handler and dog through a short heeling
pattern.
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. 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 command to sit and down and will remain in
place commanded by the handler. When instructed by the evaluator, the
handler tells the dog to sit or down and stay and walks forward the length
of a 2-3 foot line. The dog must remain in place but may change positions.
7. Coming When Called
This tat 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 will call the dog. The handler may use body language and
encouragement to get the dog to come.
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 in confident at all
times when faced with common distracting situations. If interested in Paw
Pals this test is crucial. Dogs will interact with individuals in
wheelchairs, crutches etc..
10. Supervised Separation
This test demonstrates that a dog can be left alone, if
necessary and will maintain its training and good manners. The dog will be
held for three minutes and does not have to stay in position, but should
not continually bark, whine or pace unnecessarily or show anything other
than mild agitation or nervousness.
If you have further questions regarding the Canine Good
Citizen Program or are interested in volunteering please leave a message
at: 580-536-8870.
Can My Dog Be Tested?
If dogs have been trained at home and are well-mannered, owners can have
their dogs tested. The Lawton Dog Fancier's Association can provide CGC
training to owners and dogs who need to learn a few more skills before
taking the test.
Who Can Take the Test?
All dogs, including both purebred and mixed breed dogs are welcome to
participate in the CGC program. Dogs must be old enough to have received
necessary immunizations such as rabies vaccines, and there is no age limit
on the test. A dog is never too old to be a good citizen.
Where Can I Go to Have My Dog Tested?
L.D.F.A. Provides CGC tests twice a year. Call us for more information.
Is the CGC An Official AKC title?
The CGC award is not an official AKC title because the testing is not
administered by our licensed judges. Owners should be proud of the award
and recognize that the CGC is gaining credibility and recognition in our
communities. Participating in this program helps spread the word about the
importance of responsible dog ownership.
CGC - A Success!!
The CGC 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.
Many other countries (including England, Australia, Japan, Hungary,
Denmark, Sweden, Canada, and Finland) have developed CGC programs based on
the AKC's CGC Program. A CGC Neighborhood Model has been established,
police and animal control agencies use CGC for dealing with dog problems in
communities, some therapy dog groups use the CGC as a partial screening
tool, and some 4-H groups around the country having been using the CGC as a
beginning dog training program for children.
A number of specialty (one breed only) clubs give the CGC at their annual
national dog show. Dog clubs have discovered that the CGC is an event that
allows everyone to go home a winner. Veterinarians have recognized the
benefits of well-trained dogs and there are some CGC programs in place in
veterinary hospitals. State legislatures began recognizing the CGC program
as a means of advocating responsible dog ownership and 14 states now have
Canine Good Citizen resolutions.
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 respected members
of our communities.
The above information was provided by
The American Kennel Club
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