Patch has earned his Canine Good Citizen Certification through the American
Kennel Club.
Items on the Canine Good Citizen Test include:
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 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. The dog may
stand in place as it is petted.
Test 3: Appearance and grooming
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.
Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
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.
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.
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.
Test 7: Coming when called
This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler.
Test 8: Reaction to another dog
This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs.
Test 9: Reaction to distraction
This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with
common distracting situations.
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.
The information about the Canine Good Citizen Test was found on the American Kennel Club Web site. For further information visit www.akc.org.