Canine Good Citizen Test

Canine Good Citizen Test In this day of breed specific legislation and bad press, it is more important than ever to show our beloved bullies in a positive light. The test is not hard! You need be able to demonstrate basic control, good manners and very basic commands. This is not an obedience trial. The dog does not need to maintain the exact position that it would in a competition. The dog may wear a flat buckle collar, nylon or chain training collar. No prong collars are permitted. The test consists of the follow exercises:

1. Accepting a friendly stranger. The evaluator approaches the handler and the dog and greets the handler. The dog may show interest in the evaluator, but should maintain controlled behavior.	(photo coming soon)

2. Sitting politely for petting. With the dog sitting by the handlers side, the evaluator quietly greets the dog and gently pets it. The dog should maintain the sit. The handler may assist the dog by gentling holding the collar and voice control.	(photo coming soon)

3. Appearance and grooming. The dog should be presented at the test in good condition and be clean and neat in appearance. The dog is lightly brushed and touched by the evaluator. This may include touching the dog’s feet or ears. The dog should remain controlled, although not necessarily in one position.	(photo coming soon)

4. Out for a walk The handler and dog are directed to walk, including right, left and about turns. Gentle use of the leash and voice control are acceptable. The dog should remain on a relatively loose lead and stay near the handler.	(photo coming soon)

5. Walk through a crowd. A group of 3-5 (or more) people are asked to participate in this part of the test. The dog and handler walk through the group in a random pattern. The dog may show interest in the people, but should maintain controlled and friendly behavior.	(photo coming soon)

6.Sit, Down and Stay in place. This part is EASY with some very basic training! The dog needs to demonstrate that it has a basic understanding of the Sit, Down and Stay commands. The handler can take a reasonable amount of time to place the dog in a Sit and Down. The handler can not physically manipulate the dog, but may use voice, hand, toy and food rewards as means to accomplish the commands. The Stay command is demonstrated using the handlers choice of position (sit, down, stand) and is asked to leave the dog and go the end of their lead, a distance of approximately six feet. The handler then briefly pauses and return to their dog. The dog should stay in the position he was placed to successfully complete this part of the test.	(photo coming soon)

7. Come when called. The dog is left on lead at a distance of approximately six feet. When the handler calls the dog, the dog should come directly to the handler.	(photo coming soon)

8. Reaction to another dog. The handler and their dog face a stranger and their dog at a distance of about twenty feet. The two handlers walk toward each other passing one another on their right. They briefly pause to shake hands. The dog may show friendly interest, but must remain controlled and well mannered.	(photo coming soon)

9. Reaction to distractions. While the dog walks casually around the test area, a series of distractions, such as a loud noise (book or chair being dropped), a bicycle, wagon, umbrella or other objects may be used.	(photo coming soon)

10. Supervised separation. The dog’s leash is handed to an evaluator and the handler is asked to leave the area (out of sight) for a few minutes. The dog does not need to maintain one position, but must remain reasonable controlled and not show anxiety.	(photo coming soon)