In our Beyond Basics class, you will practice the behaviors required for the testing requirements below as well as assessing certain temperament characteristics. Is my dog weary of strangers or other dogs? Do they tolerate handling or being left alone? Once we identify these we can work to improve them.
As you work with your dog to teach the CGC skills, you’ll discover the many benefits and joys of training your dog. Training will enhance the bond between you and your dog. Dogs who have a solid obedience education are a joy to live with-they respond well to household routines, have good manners in the presence of people and other dogs, and they fully enjoy the company of the owner who took the time to provide training, intellectual stimulation, and high-quality life.
Prerequisite: Basic Training Class
Six 1 hour sessions
Cost $185
Next session: Sunday, March 19, 12:00-1:00 pm
CGC Testing Items
Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger
The dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler.
Test 2: Sitting politely for petting
The dog will allow a friendly stranger to pet it while it is out with its handler.
Test 3: Appearance and grooming
The dog will permit someone to check its ears and front feet, as a groomer or veterinarian would do.
Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
Following the evaluator’s instructions, the dog will walk on a loose lead (with the handler/owner).
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).
Test 6: Sit and down on command and Staying in place
The dog must do sit AND down on command, then the owner chooses the position for leaving the dog in the stay.
Test 7: Coming when called
This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler (from 10 feet on a leash).
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.
Test 9: Reaction to distraction
The evaluator will select and present two distractions such as dropping a chair, etc.
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”).
As of Jan. 1, cities and towns in Washington that ban entire breeds of dogs or define them as potentially dangerous must create a “reasonable” process for exempting a well-behaved pooch.
Bans tend to focus on dogs believed, for whatever reason, to be more prone to aggressive behaviors, such as pit bulls and Rottweilers, and can range from onerous restrictions on ownership within city limits to an outright ban.
With the start of the new year, owners will be able to avoid such restrictions if their dog can pass the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen test or “a reasonably equivalent” or a similar test determined by the city or county. The program tests whether an animal will react aggressively to strangers, being petted, and interacting with other dogs.
