Many dog owners may not realize that there are additional measures they could take to enhance their pets’ well-being, such as the Canine Good Citizen Test and its potential benefits.
By administering the Canine Good Citizen test, both responsible conduct among dog owners and appropriate instruction for dogs are promoted in order to ensure they interact in a calm and pleasant manner with other canines and individuals.
By passing the Canine Good Citizen test (CGC), your dog attests to their ability to exhibit proper behavior in public settings and to be considered a responsible member of the community.
What is the Canine Good Citizen Test?
An assessment known as the Canine Good Citizen test was developed by the American Kennel Club.
A lot of people fail to recognize that it serves as an assessment for both the owner and the dog. The handler should demonstrate their capability of managing their dog while the dog should exhibit proper comportment during the assessment that takes place in various situations and locations.
The main purpose of the Canine Good Citizen test is to evaluate a dog’s behavior. Once a dog passes this test, they are awarded with a certificate confirming their success. With further training, some dogs may pursue the path of becoming therapy dogs.
What are the Requirements for Taking the Canine Good Citizen Test?
To take the Canine Good Citizen test, there exist some prerequisites.
Initially, dog owners are required to sign a Pledge of Responsible Dog Ownership. This pledge outlines that the owner will responsibly care for their dog, attend to their health requirements, ensure their dog receives sufficient exercise and training, and commit to safeguarding and nurturing them throughout their lifetime. As canine enthusiasts, I believe that’s a reasonably effortless agreement for the majority of us to agree to!
In addition, dog owners are required to commit to being responsible by consistently picking up their animal’s waste in public areas and pledging to prevent their dog from encroaching on others’ rights.
In addition to other criteria, to be eligible for the Canine Good Citizen Test, dogs need to be on a leash and the collar should not be too tight, fitting well instead. Additionally, dog owners should carry their dogs’ brush or comb for one of the testing tasks.
Where Do You Take the Canine Good Citizen Test?
It is possible for owners to register for the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Test.
Dog owners can refer to the American Kennel Club website to locate nearby venues for taking the Canine Good Citizen Test, which are available in different locations across each state. However, these tests are usually organized by dog training clubs and have limited schedules.
How Do My Dog And I Pass the CGC Test?
To achieve the Canine Good Citizen certification, dogs must successfully accomplish 10 different tasks. These tasks comprise of the following:
1. Accepting a Stranger
The dog should be receptive to a friendly stranger approaching and communicating with its owner. The evaluator will interact with the dog and owner in a natural manner, addressing only the owner. Both parties will exchange a handshake and converse briefly. The dog must refrain from exhibiting signs of nervousness or shyness.
2. Sitting Politely for Petting
While you are with your dog, it must be open to being interacted with by a friendly stranger. This could include allowing the person to pet your dog.
3. Appearance and Grooming
Your dog should be willing to allow grooming or veterinary professionals to examine its ears and front paws. The assessor will observe your dog to ensure that it is hygienic, well-kempt, and in good health (appropriate weight, neat, and attentive).
The evaluator will groom the dog with a comb or brush provided by its owner, while the dog is required to maintain a pleasant and calm demeanor, without necessarily staying in a specific position.
4. Out For A Walk
During the evaluation, the evaluator will give you directions while you walk your dog on a lead that is not too tight. There may be instances where the route is communicated to you beforehand, whereas in other cases, the evaluator may instruct you on when to turn while you walk. Your dog can walk on either side of you as long as it’s evident that you have control and that your dog is paying attention to you.
It’s not necessary for your dog to be perfectly synchronized with you or come to a complete halt when you do, but it’s important for you to have authority. During the walk, you will encounter several turns and one pause in the middle.
5. Walking Through A Crowd
Your dog’s walk with you will involve passing by multiple people (minimum of three), showcasing their ability to behave appropriately in busy areas and maintain obedience in public settings.
Your dog should display curiosity towards strangers, but it should still walk by your side and refrain from exhibiting any behavior that shows excessive enthusiasm, such as jumping on strangers or pulling excessively on the leash, or any sign of timidity.
6. Sit and Down on Command + Staying In Place
It is necessary for your dog to obey your commands to sit and lie down. The owners can opt for either sit or down and instruct the canine to stay in that position. During the assessment, the dog will be attached to a 20ft long line.
As long as your dog obeys your commands, you can employ multiple instructions to have it sit and lie down. Additionally, you can provide gentle guidance by touching your dog, but forcing it into position is not permitted.
Once you have placed the dog in the stay position and walked the entire length of the line, you should proceed to call your dog and expect them to come back to you at a relaxed pace.
7. Come When Called
It is required for your dog to respond when called from 10 feet away. You have the option to give commands to the dog such as “stay” or “wait” or leave with no instruction.
8. Reaction to Other Dogs
Another handler with their dog will come up to you and your dog. You will both move towards each other, stopping at around 20 feet apart. After that, you will shake hands, and exchange some friendly words.
Your dog must exhibit a nonchalant attitude towards other dogs and their handler to pass the test, indicating good manners in social situations.
9. Reaction to Distraction
Two distractions will be chosen and demonstrated to the evaluator, like dropping an object or having a jogger pass in front of the dog, to observe the dog’s natural interest and curiosity, but not its tendencies towards aggression, panic, attempted escape, or barking.
10. Supervised Separation
During the evaluation process, the assigned examiner will seek permission to observe your dog, and upon agreement, take control of the dog’s leash. While you, the owner, step away from view for three minutes, your dog should refrain from barking, whining, nervously pacing, or exhibiting any signs of anxiety. This examination intends to establish your dog’s capability of being left under the care of a reliable individual.
BONUS: Dog Training 101: How to Completely Train Your Dog
Is your dog or puppy prepared to begin their training? Among their fundamental requirements are suitable training and socialization. Starting their training early to learn basic commands like sitting, staying, coming, going to their crate, and going potty outside is crucial. Surprisingly, as a novice, you can easily do it yourself.
Initially, the thought of training a dog can be quite daunting, particularly if it’s your maiden experience. Notwithstanding, it’s important to realize that dog training is an extensive undertaking. Nonetheless, taking it one step at a time can lessen the burden considerably. Below is some useful information to assist you in embarking on this journey:
- Start a Dog Obedience Program : Learn how to set a basic foundation before you begin to train your dog.
- Train Your Dog Using Games : Training your dog should be fun! Everyone knows it’s easier to learn when you are having a good time, so try implementing some games into your dog training regimen.
- Six Weeks to a Well-Trained Dog : Using this schedule as a guide, you can teach your dog the basics in about six weeks.
- Positive Reinforcement : There are many different ways to train a dog, but most dog professionals agree that the positive way is the best for both the dog and trainer.
House Training and Crate Training
House training, also known as housebreaking or potty training, is a crucial aspect of keeping a dog indoors. Unless you intend to keep your dog outside, which is usually not advisable, you must instruct the animal on where to relieve itself. Therefore, teaching the dog this skill is one of the initial tasks you must undertake. Employing crate training can be a valuable tool throughout the training process, which covers not only house training but also many other aspects of training.
- Crate Training Dogs and Puppies : Here are the basics of training your dog or puppy to accept and even enjoy the crate. Not only will it help with housebreaking, but it will also give your dog a place of his own.
- How to House Train your Dog : When it comes down to it, house training is not that complicated, but this doesn’t mean it’s easy. Consistency and diligence are key during the housebreaking process.
- Submissive/Excitement Urination in Dogs : If your dog is still having accidents in the house, it may be more than a simple housebreaking issue. Your dog might urinate out of excitement or to express submissive behavior.
Leash Training Dogs and Puppies
It is important for every dog to be trained to walk on a leash. This is necessary because many places have laws that require dogs to be on leashes, and it is also important for the dog’s safety. You should learn how to introduce your dog to the leash, and then teach the dog how to walk properly on it, even when you are riding a bike. Teaching your dog to walk calmly on a loose leash is beneficial because it prevents the dog from pulling or lunging, and makes the experience enjoyable for both you and the dog.
How To Socialize Dogs and Puppies
Socialization means training your puppy or adult dog to accept new people, animals, and various places by exposing him to these things. Socialized dogs are less likely to develop behavior problems and are generally more welcomed by others. Socialization can also help prevent the development of fears and phobias .
In essence, if you socialize your dog or puppy, it will result in a dog that is better behaved and happier.
Clicker Training for Dogs
The technique of clicker training is a prevalent approach to positive reinforcement and serves as a straightforward and efficient way to train dogs. While it is not necessary to use this method in training, some individuals find it useful. Clicker training enables the teaching of basic and advanced commands and tricks to a dog efficiently and effectively. Furthermore, learning how to clicker train a dog is a quick and attainable skill.
Basic Commands and Fun Tricks
Every dog should be familiar with essential dog training commands and tricks, such as come, speak, drop it, stay, back up, and others. Having a solid foundation in basic commands is crucial for your dog’s behavior and safety, as it can help tackle common issues and prevent harm.
Advanced Dog Training
Once your dog has mastered all the basics, you can consider moving on to more advanced tricks . These activities will help keep your dog active, fit and mentally stimulated. Plus, they will help strengthen the bond you share with your canine companion.
The process of training your dog is continuous, meaning it never ends. It is crucial to continue training your dog in obedience throughout their lifetime. Similar to individuals who learn a language in their youth but cease using it, dogs can also forget much of their training as they get older. Practicing even the simplest of commands and tricks on a regular basis will assist in keeping them at the forefront of your dog’s mind. Furthermore, it provides an excellent opportunity to bond with your furry friend.
