• Home
• About Us
• Our Services
• Animal Lover Resources
• Pooch Pictures
• Client Corner
• Testimonials
• Great Links
• Contact Us

Canine Good Citizen Prep

The Canine Good Citizen Prep helps your dog develop good manners, while forming a closer bond between you and your faithful companion. Through training and conditioning, your dog builds stronger social skills—making him a wonderful member of the family. By being more relaxed in public places and in the presence of other dogs, your family pet will be a welcomed part of the community.

And since most hotels require it, this test is great for dog lovers who wish to travel with their pet.

The ten tests of the Canine Good Citizen Prep may be done in any order, and there are no limits to the age of the handler or dog.

All dogs undergoing testing must have a current rabies certificate, as well as, any other state or locally required inoculation certification and licenses.

Below is a description of the ten tests for the Canine Good Citizen Certificate.

Test #1: How well the dog accepts a friendly stranger. The friendly stranger (in this case, a judge) is allowed to approach, shake hands with the handler, and have a short conversation. The dog must not show resentment or shyness, break position, or try to go to the judge.

Test #2: Shows the dog sitting politely for petting. While the dog is with its handler, the “friendly stranger” approaches, the dog either is in the standing or sitting position. The dog must stay still to accept petting. The dog must not show shyness or resentment.

Test #3: Practicality test. The dog demonstrates that it will remain in position and accept being groomed or examined not only by the handler, but also by a stranger, that is acceptable to the handler. How many of us struggle with our dogs at the veterinarian, or the grooming shop?

Test #4: Loose leash walking test. This demonstrates that the handler walks the dog, not vice versa.

Test #5: Walking through a crowd. This test shows the dog walking through a group of people (at least three). The dog may show interest, but may not lunge, jump, or bark.

Test #6: Following certain commands. The sixth test demonstrates that the dog has been trained to sit and lay down on command. They are also to stay in place for a reasonable amount of time.

Test #7:Coming when called. This demonstrates that the dog will come on command, despite some distraction from the judge.

Test #8: Reaction to another dog. This part of the test involves another handler and dog team. The two teams will approach each other, the handlers will stop, shake hands, and have a short conversation. The dogs are expected to behave politely, and show no more than a casual interest in each other.

Test #9: The dog's ability to handle distractions. How about a jogger, jogging in place in front of the dog? Or someone dropping a large book, creating a loud noise? The dog may be startled, but how does it react after that? He should not panic, try to run away, or become aggressive.

Test #10: Separation from the dog’s handler. This test shows how well the dog behaves when forced to be with someone other than the handler. The judge approaches the dog and handler, asks if the handler would like him to watch his dog. The handler turns over the leash to the judge and goes out of sight for approximately three minutes. The dog may show mild agitation or nervousness, but must not continually bark, whine or pace.

For more information regarding training for the Canine Good Citizen Prep, please contact us. You can also read more at: http://www.therapyarc.org/canine_good_citizen_test.htm