Once you've completed Beginning Obedience, you may not be sure where to go next...or if you're confident you're ready for that next step. Consider passing the CGC Test!

The AKC's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program started in 1989, and 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 of all breeds and mixes. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club. This is a fantastic way to mark your commitment to responsible dog ownership!

There are a number of things we like about the Canine Good Citizen Program. First, it lays the foundation for other AKC activities such as obedience, agility, tracking, and performance events, not to mention work as a Therapy Dog. But most importantly, as you work with your dog to teach the CGC skills, you'll 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. This relationship is at the core of why we choose to share our lives with dogs.

We offer the CGC Test 3 times a year. The next test date is Thursday, August 19, 2010

The entry deadline is one week prior to the test. No applications will be accepted after the deadline.

Contact Jill Hansrote for more information.

Guidelines:

• There is no age limit for the CGC Test. Dogs are welcome to compete once they have completed all vaccinations. But we strongly encourage you to wait until your dog is at least 6 months to 1 year of age.
• This is not formal obedience, so while your dog must show knowledge of the commands, they do not need to be executed with the precision required in the obedience ring.
• Incidents of aggression or elimination in and around the test area are cause for dismissal.
• Dogs should wear buckle or slip/martingale collars made of leather, fabric or chain. Pinch/Prong and head halters are not allowed.
• Leashes should be made of leather or fabric.
• While harsh corrections and treats/toys are not allowed, you are encouraged to praise and interact with your dog.
• No one fails this test. They simply learn which exercises require more work.
• "CGC" is an award, not a title. So, while it may be used for advertising or pedigrees, it will not be added to your dog’s official registration papers.

Test items include:

• Accepting A Friendly Stranger-the dog sits politely while two humans meet, and may shift around but should not show shyness, aggression or jump up
• Sitting Politely For Petting-the dog may shift positions or stand, but should not show shyness, aggression or jump up
• Appearance & Grooming-the dog should appear in a healthy condition, accept soft brushing, and a brief ear and front paw exam. Squirming is acceptable so long as it does not hinder the exam, and again shyness and aggression are cause for dismissal
• Out For A Walk (Walking On A Loose Leash)-while the dog does not need to be in perfect heeling position, it should be clear that the dog is paying attention it its owner, and must complete a series of turns
• Walking Through A Crowd-the dog may show mild interest in the crowd members as they pass by, but should remain under the handler’s control and again not show shyness or aggression
• Sit & Down On Command/Staying In Place-the dog is told to sit, then to down, and finally to stay as the handler walks 20 feet away and immediately returns.
• Coming When Called-the owner performs a 10-foot recall with their dog
• Reaction To Another Dog-two handlers with their dogs approach each other, shake hands, exchange pleasantries, and continue on without the dogs showing no more than casual interest in each other.
• Reaction To Distractions-the dog is presented one auditory and one visual distraction and may show casual interest
• Supervised Separation-you are to leave your dog with a stranger and go out of sight for 3 minutes. The stranger may talk softly to your dog and gently pet him, but may not give excessive attention. Signs of stress or aggression are cause for dismissal