Dog Training – How to Train Your Dog to Pass the Canine Good Citizen Test
By Eric Letendre
The American Kennel Club describes the Canine Good Citizen Test as: “The purpose of the Canine Good Citizen Test (CGC) is to demonstrate that the dog, as a companion of man, can be a respected member of the community, and can be trained and conditioned always to behave in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs in a manner that will reflect credit on the dog. The CGC Test is not a competitive program, but rather a program of certification; it seeks to identify and recognize officially those dogs that possess the attributes that enable them to serve effectively as personal companions and as members in good standing of the community.”
Dogs will be evaluated on the basis of Pass-Fail. In order to quality for the Canine Good Citizen Award, a dog must pass each of the 10 test categories. The dog needs only to pass this test once in order to receive a CGC certificate. Any dog that eliminates during testing must be marked failed.
The commands that your dog needs to do really well to pass the test are: sit, down, stay, walk on leash come when called. The following steps describe the 10 test categories and include tips on how to prepare your dog for each test.
Test #1: A trained dog is a happy dog. Appearance & Grooming Demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit a stranger, such as a veterinarian or his assistant or someone other than the owner to do so.
Spend time handling your dog’s paws, brushing your dog, checking your dog’s teeth. If your dog has a problem being handled in any way, spend time making it a positive association. For instance: If your dog does not like his paws being handled, spend time holding a treat close to your dog’s nose as you handle his paws.
Let him nibble on the treat while you are doing this. As soon as you finish touching your dog’s paws, release the treat. Over time your dog will accept his paws being handled.
Test #2: Accepting a Stranger The evaluator and handler will shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness, and must not break position or try to go for the evaluator. This is where your dog needs to do a rock solid sit stay. Practice your sit stays as a friend approaches you. If your dog gets up immediately, place your dog back into the stay position. Keep repeating until your dog does not move as your friend comes to you and shakes your hand.
Test #3: Walking on Loose Lead or Out for a Walk Demonstrates that the handler is in control. The dog must be on the left side of the handler. The dog need not be in the “heel position” as required by AKC Obedience Tests.
Test #4: Walk Through a Crowd Demonstrates that the dog should have no difficulty in moving about in pedestrian traffic. The dog and handler will walk around and pass closely by 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 shyness or resentment. The dog should not be straining at the leash. Practice walking your dog in a busy section of your town. Go to a shopping area and walk your dog through the traffic. Make sure you have good control on the leash before you attempt walking though a busy area.
Test #5: Sit for Exam Demonstrates that the dog will allow the approach of a stranger and permit petting. The dog must not show shyness or resentment. * Another part of the test where your dog has to do a good solid sit stay.
Test #6: Sit and Down on Command Demonstrates that the dog has had some formal training and will respond to the handler’s command. The evaluator must determine if the dog responds to the handler’s command. The handler may not force the dog into either position. The handler may use more than one command.
Test #7: Stay in Position (Sit or Down) Demonstrates that the dog will assume and remain in the position commanded by the handler. The dog must maintain the position in which he was left until the handler returns and until the evaluator instructs the handler to release the dog.
Test #8: Reaction to Another Dog Demonstrates proper behavior when in the presence of other dogs. The dogs should demonstrate no more than casual interest in the other dog or handler. You’ll need to attend a group obedience class or have a friend help you practice with this one. Approach your friend and her dog from a distance. As you approach, if your dog gets too excited, reverse direction and get control of your dog. Once you have control, start to approach again. Keep repeating until you can walk up to your friend’s dog and have your dog sit at your side.
Test #9: Reactions to Distractions Demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with distracting conditions. The dog may express natural interest and curiosity and may startle, but should not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness or bark. During this test the evaluator will drop something close to your dog as you walk past. Or they may have your dog do a sit stay while someone runs by. If you have spent some time teaching your dog to do the commands with minor distractions you should have no problem with this test.
Test #10: Dog Left Alone Demonstrates that the dog may be left alone, demonstrating training and good manners. The dog should not bark, whine, howl or pace unnecessarily, or register anything other than mild agitation or nervousness. If your dog panics when you walk away, you’ll have to spend some time developing your dog’s tolerance to being away from you. This can be done by gradually leaving your dog alone. Start by leaving your dog for 10 to 15 seconds. Then gradually increase the amount of time that you leave your dog.
Passing the Canine Good Citizen test is a great thing to do with your dog. Classes and tests are held all over the United States.
Eric Letendre the author of The Amazing Dog Training Man invites you to visit http://www.amazingdogtrainingman.com for leading edge dog training tips, instructional video clips and articles that will help you train and understand your dog. You can also get free dog training updates with a free Smart Dog Newsletter subscription, available at http://www.amazingdogtrainingman.com
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