268 days ago by chanth | 66 views | 0 barks

Canine Good Citizen

What would happen if True and Hayley tried out for their CGC (Canine Good Citizen)....

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 dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness, and must not break position or try to go to the evaluator.

Hayley: not try to go? to my public? PAH! {flings herself all over Diane} LOVE ME! For the love of all that's holy, LOVE ME!
True: what person? hi mom.

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. With the dog sitting at the handler's side, to begin the exercise, the evaluator pets the dog on the head and body. The handler may talk to his or her dog throughout the exercise. The dog may stand in place as it is petted. The dog must not show shyness or resentment.

Hayley: I love you. Take me home with you?
True: omigod there's someone I don't know touching me. Help help helphelphelphelp.

Test 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.

Hayley: weeeeeeee attention!
True: she's STILL touching me! Mooooooom!

Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog may be on either side of the handler. 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.

Hayley: I might do this, but mom might have to psych me out thinking she has cookies.
True: yay, walking! Love you mom for taking me away from the scary touchy-brush lady!

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 but should continue to walk with the handler, without evidence of over-exuberance, shyness or resentment. The dog should not jump on people in the crowd or strain on the leash.

Hayley: {attempts to fling herself at the people}

True: {swings as away from the people as possible while staying with mom}

Test 6: Sit and down on command and 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 dog must do sit AND down on command, then the owner chooses the position for leaving the dog in the stay.

Hayley and True: EASY! :)

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.

Hayley and True: EASY! :)

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 20 feet, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 10 feet. The dogs should show no more than casual interest in each other. Neither dog should go to the other dog or its handler.

Hayley: how can I get around this furry thing to the person? Hmmm...
True: mom.

Test 9: Reaction to distraction

This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations. The evaluator will select and present two distractions. Examples of distractions include dropping a chair, rolling a crate dolly past the dog, having a jogger run in front of the dog, or dropping a crutch or cane. The dog may express natural interest and curiosity and/or may appear slightly startled but should not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness, or bark.

Hayley: hahahaha, no barking. Do they not know me? Sudden environmental Change, did you see it? Sound the alarm!
True: I think they're trying to give me a heart attack. Cookies please.

Test 10: Supervised separation
This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain 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.

Hayley: did mom go somewhere? oh well. Yay, steph/diane/person holding me! Hey...where /did/ mom go? .......
True: mom? mom? momomomomomomomomomomomomomomomomomomMOM!