Sunday, September 02, 2007

I'm a Canine Good Citizen!

We are all still recovering from the Hike 'n Howl.

But mom asked me to post and say that she, my dad, and my grandparents are all so proud of me! There was a tester from the AKC at the Hike giving the Canine Good Citizenship test. Mom had never really thought about taking it with me, but saw saw the test items and thought "Hey, that's pretty easy, we can do that!" So we decided to give it a try. Here are the items on the test:
  • 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(I had this one nailed!) 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").
My mom is just so proud of me. She said when my CGC certificate comes, she is going to frame it and hang it up on the wall. She is so impressed with me, because we never had the CGC title as a goal, but I learned some those things in my basic and intermediate training when I was little, and then I learned some of them in day care and at all of the rescue events that I have attended. Mom is amazed that we took the test without any practic and the instructor said I passed with flying colors!

19 comments:

  1. That is awesome Indy. We are both a lil jealous we didn't get to take the test even tho mom wanted us to. :-( Glad to hear you passed and thats awesome your mom is gonna frame it. Ours would do the same with ours had we taken it and passed.

    And also thanks for coming over today to play with us. We had a BLAST we have to do it again sometime!!!

    Our mommies asks if you can please send us some of the pictures.

    Nighty Night Indy we are tired too. What a long weekend!!!

    Quincy & Tristin

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow, Indy, that's impressive!! Congratulations!!!

    I would probably flunk most of those. I love people too much, and get too excited when I see them. I don't always do what I am told either. I guess I'm kinda stubborn. Sometimes.

    Holly

    ReplyDelete
  3. We're veeery impressed. We'd never pass all of those.

    Glad to hear you had a good time at the Hike!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous7:21 AM

    Wow Indy! I am super excited for you!!! Way to go! I am glad that the Hike was a success on Saturday. Get some good rest.

    Hugs,
    Sitka

    ReplyDelete
  5. Congratulations Indy! I think going to so many rescue events has been pretty good practice for you.
    -Magnum

    ReplyDelete
  6. Good for you! I should have tried that.....maybe I'll practice up and try next year. I had so much fun at the hike I'm sorry I didn't get to meet you though!

    Woo woo, Kelsey Ann

    ReplyDelete
  7. That's trrrific, Indy! We knew you could do it. It was so cool meeting you in person! What a great weekend it's been.

    ReplyDelete
  8. This is pawsome Indy, you sure are a canine good citizen

    ~ Girl girl

    ReplyDelete
  9. Congratulations Indy! You did a great job.

    Steve and Kat

    ReplyDelete
  10. Congrats Indy! I could never pass that test. When strangers approach me, well actually, I mostly approach them. I like to run around the dog park and visit with all the people. I am very tall so I put my muddy paws around their necks and give them big hugs. Some people are shy and everyone is always asking if I am a wolf. I feel it's my job to introduce myself and show everyone how friendly I am.

    ReplyDelete
  11. If only they knew what you were like at home (see earlier blog entry of small dog in mouth).

    Way to fool them Indy, now maybe you will be allowed into human places that other can't get into and you can cause chaos and mayhem there.

    Meeshka

    ReplyDelete
  12. Congratulations!! That is Pawesome! Sherman & Penny are CGCs too...and I will be ONE day!

    Lola

    ReplyDelete
  13. Congratulations, Indy! I'm very proud of you - I think you're a Canine EXTREMELY GREAT Citizen! and handsome, too!
    Love,
    Amber

    ReplyDelete
  14. Me too me too! I passed my test back in March!

    ReplyDelete
  15. WOO-HOO! Congrats!! I hope to pass the CGC one of these days too. Nice work!!

    *Royal*

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wooos to you, Indy! I've never taken it either, but my humom thinks I would pass. Jack would probably flunk it. IMHO, he's incorrigible.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hello again indy...
    We'd like to tag you to play that word game, if you haven't done it yet. Go to our blog & check it out!

    Star

    ReplyDelete
  18. Indy we were so excited when we heard the news! Job well done!
    ECHO

    ReplyDelete
  19. Wowie Zowie, congratulations Indy! It is very impressive you are a CGC!

    ReplyDelete