Training
I occasionally teach puppy kindergarten (including the new AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program), basic obedience, and conformation handling classes and am available for private obedience or show training instruction.
Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
Started in 1989, CGC is a certification program that rewards dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The program stresses responsible pet ownership and basic good manners. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.
Many dog owners choose CGC training as the first step, laying the foundation for other AKC activities such as obedience, rally, agility, tracking, and performance events.
I am a licensed CGC evaluator for AKC. Please contact me if you or your club are interested in this program or if you would like to have your individual dog evaluated.
The 10 CGC Exercises
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 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.
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, 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.
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. The evaluator inspects the dog to determine if it is clean and groomed, then softly combs or brushes the dog, and in a natural manner, lightly examines the ears and gently picks up each front foot.
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'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. There should be a right turn, left turn, and an about turn with at least one stop in between and another at the end.
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.
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. The dog must do sit AND down on command, then the owner chooses the position for leaving the dog in the stay. The handler walks forward the length of a 20-foot line, turns and returns to the dog at a natural pace.
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.
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.
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 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 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 training and good manners. 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.