After six weeks of hard work, our little boy received his Canine Good Citizen Certification. We couldn't be more proud!
The exam is made up of ten test areas, listed below.
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, 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.
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. It also demonstrates the owner's care,
concern and sense of responsibility. The evaluator inspects the dog to
determine if it is clean and groomed. The dog must appear to be in healthy
condition (i.e., proper weight, clean, healthy and alert). The handler
should supply the comb or brush commonly used on the dog. The evaluator
then softly combs or brushes the dog, and in a natural manner, lightly
examines the ears and gently picks up each front foot. It is not necessary
for the dog to hold a specific position during the examination, and the
handler may talk to the dog, praise it and give encouragement throughout.
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. The dog need not be
perfectly aligned with the handler and need not sit when the handler stops.
The evaluator may use a pre-plotted course or may direct the handler/dog
team by issuing instructions or commands. In either case, there should
be a right turn, left turn, and an about turn with at least one stop in
between and another at the end. The handler may talk to the dog along
the way, praise the dog, or give commands in a normal tone of voice. The
handler may sit the dog at the halts if desired.
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
handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise the dog throughout
the test. The dog should not jump on people in the crowd or strain on
the leash.
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. Prior to this test, the dog's leash is
replaced with a line 20 feet long. The handler may take a reasonable amount
of time and use more than one command to get the dog to sit and then down.
The evaluator must determine if the dog has responded to the handler's
commands. The handler may not force the dog into position but may touch
the dog to offer gentle guidance. When instructed by the evaluator, the
handler tells the dog to stay and walks forward the length of the line,
turns and returns to the dog at a natural pace. The dog must remain in
the place in which it was left (it may change position) until the evaluator
instructs the handler to release the dog. The dog may be released from
the front or the side.
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.
Handlers may choose to tell dogs to "stay" or "wait"
or they may simply walk away, giving no instructions to the dog.
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.
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. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage
or praise it throughout the exercise.
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. Evaluators may talk
to the dog but should not engage in excessive talking, petting, or management
attempts (e.g, "there, there, it's alright").
Marley is a GENIUS and aced everything. Here are a few photos...
Last weekend we had a crab boil with Catherine and Val. While I don't love seafood, it's so fun to cook with friends and share some laughs. We did a New Orleans theme, complete with Hurricanes and chile corn muffins. Yum!
