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Is Your Dog a Good Citizen? “Canine Good Citizen” that is?

Have you considered or thought about what makes a dog a “GOOD CITIZEN”?  Do you want to ensure that your best friend is prepared and equipped to handle various situations or encounters while out in public places?  For instance, you may want to take your dog with you to Home Depot or a summer outdoor festival, etc.  Is he able to withstand crowds, noises, passing people and dogs?  These are all considerations before heading out to your public destination with your dog.

 

What is the Canine Good Citizen designation made up of you ask.  The American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Test is an evaluation of the basic skills that every dog should know.  The ten test items are listed here. 

1.        Accepting a Friendly Stranger

2.       Sitting Politely for Petting

3.       Appearance and Grooming

4.       Out for a Walk

5.       Walking through a Crowd

6.       Sit and Down on Command / Staying in Place

7.       Coming When Called

8.       Reaction to Another Dog

9.       Reaction to Distractions

10.  Supervised Separation

 

After visiting the AKC.org site for more information, enrolling in a local AKC Canine Good Citizen class that ends with a pass or fail evaluation is the place to start.  This is class that meets weekly over a span of approximately 1.5 months.  You will find the experience both enjoyable and enlightening.  You will also find that is a fantastic way in which to bond with and create a great connection between you and your dog.

 

Following are links for the program, official title/certificate, as well as a guidebook and a local trainer that actively holds the Canine Good Citizen training class and evaluation. 


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