Cgc

[angelsun]

Could someone out there send me a link or post the requirements for the CGC here in Australia. I know the rules in Canada and the States but have been told that the testing is different here.

I would like to ask as well the training clubs out there, if training for this test is routine here or is it something that isnt' really trained for but regular obedience prepares the dogs for this testing.

If your club does hold training for this, how long average are you finding it takes and what is your success rate for attaining a title?

As well, is this an accredited ANKC title?

Sorry bout all the questions and thanks in advance for answers or even partial answers.

[huski]

I don't think it is an ANKC title but I could be wrong.

If it's the one I am thinking of, it is run by and all the testing is done by Delta;

http://www.deltasocietyaustralia.com.au/about.htm

The Canine Good Citizen™ Test and Award

Owners who consider that their dogs meet the standard may present them for assessment for the award of Canine Good Citizen™. Dogs must be over twelve months of age and have completed a minimum six week training program with an accredited CGC™ Instructor prior to being invited to undertake the CGC™ test.

Details of the test procedures are available from Delta-accredited CGC™ Instructors listed on this website.

When a dog and owner have successfully completed the requirements for the award the instructor sends the ‘Dog Registration: Canine Good Citizen Test’ form and the marking sheet for the test to Delta’s national office with a colour photo of the dog and owner. At the same time the client sends in the relevant form to apply for national accreditation and registration on Delta’s ‘CGC Award’ database. When the dog and owner have been entered on the database the Society sends a colour certificate (and an exclusive CGC collar and lead if requested) to the owner.

A Canine Good Citizen™ Dog should be friendly and outgoing but not so exuberant that it is a nuisance. The owner must have control of the dog in all situations and be well informed on all aspects of dog care and responsible ownership. Assessors Guide for Delta Accredited Instructors. January 2006

Apart from basic tests of obedience such as sit, down and walk loosely on a lead, the CGC™ test embodies a number of challenges including, accepting a stranger, walking through a crowd and being left alone out of sight of the owner for five minutes. Critically, also it includes an assessment of the dog’s reaction to another dog and distractions. These are designed to demonstrate that the dog is confident at all times when faced with distracting conditions. Dr Paul McGreavey October 2006

Unless my dog was going to become an assistance dog through Delta it's not something I would personally bother with.

[Staff'n'Toller]

Delta accredited instructors run the test after clients have been in a minimum of 6 weeks of training with them but mostly it's for intermediate obedience dogs. It's quite different to the pet partners testing and a basic dog from a traditional club would probably not be at a good enough standard (depending on the criteria of the club's level of course).

I don't believe the majority of clubs know much about it, so therefore they are not encouraging handlers to go for it.

It's also a general knowledge test of the owners on dog health and responsibilities, if this was the bare minimum standard for owning a dog here it would be a great thing!

Unfortunately not a recognised title here but I believe the society were trying to get it through.

[angelsun]

I found the PDF file of the Canadian version of the CGC which is known as the Canine Good Neighbour. I would be interested to find out peoples comments on this test versus what is available now.

I am somewhat concerned to read that the only dog eligible for the CGC here, must attend a training course and it must be through Delta to be invited to attempt this test.

What about the people and their dogs that Delta deems unsuitable for participation in training? I"m running across a staggering number of dogs and their owners that have been 'kicked out' of Delta organized training classes as they are deemed too unruly or 'a distraction' to the other dogs. If these dogs can't be trained, what will happen to them? (it's a retorical question to which I know the unfortunate outcome)

1.

Accepting a friendly

stranger

This test demonstrates the dog’s ability to allow a friendly

stranger to approach and speak to the handler in a natural,

everyday manner.

NOTE: Tests 1, 2 and 3 may be combined to flow from one to

the other.

Description of Test

The evaluator will walk toward the handler and dog and greet

the handler in a friendly manner, shake hands with the handler

and ignore the dog. The evaluator is assessing that the

handler is in control of the dog and that the dog is not threatened

by the approach of a stranger.

Handler and Dog

1. As the evaluator approaches, the handler may tell the dog

to sit and quietly reassure the dog.

2. The handler may not hold the collar tightly or in any other

way restrain the dog.

3. While it is not necessary for the dog to be sitting, it is

important that the dog does not break position, move

toward or interfere with the evaluator.

Dogs that exhibit the following will be rated as “Not Ready”:

• The dog displays an overly exuberant attitude.

• The dog leaps or attempts to leap up on the evaluator.

• The dog hangs back or tries to avoid the approaching evaluator.

• The dog exhibits fearfulness, resentment or shyness.

2.Politely accepts

petting

This test demonstrates the dog’s ability to allow a friendly

stranger to pet it while it is out with its handler.

This test is a natural progression from Test 1. In most instances,

when encountering a friend or acquaintance with your dog, the

dog will be included in the conversation and will usually be

petted.

Description of Test

The evaluator will request permission to pet the dog and will

then proceed to pet the dog on the head and shoulders. The

evaluator is assessing whether the dog remains calm while a

stranger pets it.

Handler and Dog

1. The dog is to be sitting beside the handler (either left or

right side is acceptable).

2. The handler may talk to his/her dog throughout the exercise.

3. The dog does not have to maintain the sitting position but

must remain in place.

4. If the handler commands the dog to sit and the dog does

not respond, the handler may lightly touch the dog on the

hindquarters but may not physically force the dog into a

sitting position.

5. The handler may not physically restrain the dog either by

use of the collar or any other method.

Dogs that exhibit the following will be rated as “Not Ready”:

• The dog is not steady when a stranger pets it.

• The dog attempts to jump up.

• The dog exhibits resentment or shyness.

3.

Appearance and

grooming

This practical test demonstrates that the dog will accept being

groomed and examined and will permit a stranger to do so,

such as a veterinarian, groomer, friend of the owner etc. It

also demonstrates the owner’s care, concern and sense of

responsibility for his dog’s well being.

Description of Test

The evaluator will ask for the grooming tool before the test

begins. The evaluator will inspect the dog to determine if it is

clean, groomed, appears in good health and in good weight.

The evaluator will lightly examine the ears, teeth, eyes and

each front foot of the dog and softly comb or brush it on the

body. The evaluator will then walk behind the handler and

dog, returning to face the team. The evaluator is testing for

shyness and/or resentment.

Handler and Dog

1. The handler will provide the evaluator with the grooming

tool before the test begins.

2. The dog is not required to maintain a sitting position.

3. The handler may encourage the dog during the test.

4. The handler may use light collar pressure in positioning the

dog, but no physical restraint.

Dogs that exhibit the following will be rated as “Not Ready”:

• The dog exhibits shyness or resentment.

• The dog is not clean, well groomed, does not appear

healthy or in good weight.

4.

Out for a walk

This test demonstrates the ability of the dog to walk politely on

a loose leash as well as the handler’s ability to control the dog.

Description of Test

At the beginning of the test, the evaluator will indicate to the

handler the area in which they are to walk. The handler will

walk in a straight line, demonstrating at least one right and left

turn as well as a 180-degree turn. The evaluator will be

assessing the dog’s ability to walk quietly near the handler

without pulling the leash taut. The evaluator will note that

the dog responds to the handler’s changes of direction.

Handler and Dog

1. The dog may be on either side of the handler.

2. The handler may speak quietly to the dog throughout the

test.

3. The dog is required to walk near the handler without

pulling or straining.

4. The leash should be loose in order to demonstrate that

the dog is under control and is not being steered by the

handler.

5. The handler and dog are required to walk a straight line,

make at least one right and one left turn as well as a 180-

degree turn.

6. The dog is not required to sit when the handler stops

walking.

Dogs that exhibit the following will be rated as “Not Ready”:

• The dog does not respond to the handler’s movements and

changes in direction.

• The handler must pull the leash taut to control the dog.

• The dog does not walk quietly without restraint.

• The dog is not attentive to the handler.

5.

Walking through

a crowd

This test demonstrates the dog’s ability to walk politely beside

the handler in pedestrian traffic while remaining under control

at all times.

NOTE: The requirements for this test are the same as test 4,

except the dog may only show mild interest in the

strangers.

Description of Test

The evaluator will instruct the handler to walk with the dog (on

either the handler’s left or right side) through and by a group

of several people (at least 5). The evaluator is assessing the

dog’s ability to maintain a position close to the handler without

being unduly stressed or becoming unruly, as well as the handler’s

ability to control the dog.

Handler and Dog

1. The dog should remain on one side of the handler for the

duration of the test.

2. The dog is not required to maintain a heeling position beside

the handler but may not be so far ahead or behind the handler

as to create an impediment to individuals walking by.

3. The handler may talk to the dog and provide verbal encouragement

and praise during the test.

4. The handler may not steer the dog with the leash.

5. The dog may show mild interest in the strangers but should

not go to them.

Dogs that exhibit the following will be rated as “Not Ready”:

• The dog displays more than mild interest in the strangers or

goes to them.

• The dog is straining on the leash and displays excessive exuberance.

• The dog exhibits shyness, resentment or is jumping.

• The handler is unable to control the dog.

• The dog becomes stressed or unruly.

6.

Sit/Down on

command and stay

in place (long line)

This test demonstrates the dog’s ability to respond to the handler’s

commands to sit and down and to remain in place on

command.

NOTE: Tests 6 and 7 require the use of a long line provided by

the sponsoring organization.

Description of Test

The evaluator will provide the handler with a 6 meter (20’)

line, which the handler should attach to the dog’s collar prior

to the commencement of the test. The short leash should be

removed once the long line is attached. The evaluator will

instruct the handler to place the dog in either a sit or down

position, command the dog to stay, and walk to the end of the

long line. The handler will then turn to face the dog and

promptly return to the dog. The evaluator is testing for the

dog’s response to basic commands.

Handler and Dog

1. The handler may take a reasonable amount of time and

may use more than one command to sit or down the dog.

2. The handler may gently touch the dog in an effort to assist

the dog in assuming either the sit or down position.

3. The handler may not physically place or force the dog into

position. The handler may repeat a command and use signals

and gestures to assist the dog as well as a light touch.

4. Once prone, the dog must remain in place.

5. Once the dog is in either the sit or down position, the handler

is to command it to “stay”, then walk away from the

dog to the end of the long line.

6. Once reaching the end of the long line, the handler will

turn to face the dog and without pausing return to the dog.

7. The handler is not required to walk behind the dog in

returning to heel position.

8. The handler is not required to wait for the evaluator to indicate

an end to the test after he returns to the dog.

Dogs that exhibit the following will be rated as “Not Ready”:

• The dog does not respond to basic commands of sit or

down.

• The dog does not obey the command to stay in place.

7.

Come when called

(long line)

This test demonstrates the dog’s ability to come when called

by the handler.

NOTE: Tests 7 and 8 may be combined so as to flow from one

to the next.

Description of Test

The long line remains attached to the dog’s collar. The evaluator

will stand near the dog and instruct the handler to position

the dog in either a sit, down or stand position. The handler

will command the dog to “stay or wait “ and then will

walk a distance of 3 meters (8 – 10’), before turning and calling

the dog. When called, the dog must come close enough

for the handler to touch it. The evaluator is checking whether

the dog will remain where left and will respond quickly to the

handler’s command to come.

Handler and Dog

1. The dog may change position, but must remain in place

when waiting for the command to come.

2. When called, the dog must come at a reasonable speed

without stopping to sniff or wandering off.

3. The dog may drop its head to sniff, but must continue

towards the handler.

4. The dog must come close enough for the handler to touch

it but is not required to sit.

5. The handler may use body motions and verbal encouragement.

Dogs that exhibit the following will be rated as “Not Ready”:

• The dog does not remain in place when the handler walks

away.

• The dog does not come on command at a reasonable

speed.

• The dog sniffs or wanders off (It is acceptable if the dog

drops its head to sniff, but continues toward the handler.)

8.

Praise/Interaction

This test demonstrates that the dog can be easily calmed following

play or praise.

Description of Test

The evaluator will instruct the handler to command the dog to

“Come”, and then to commence a play session with the dog.

After about 10 seconds of play, the evaluator will then instruct

the handler to calm the dog. The evaluator is assessing both

the handler’s control of the dog and the dog’s ability to

respond quickly to the handler’s command to settle.

Handler and Dog

1. The handler may use any combination of verbal praise, and

playful postures, gestures or actions to engage the dog in

play or in the performance of tricks.

2. When calming the dog, the handler’s voice may be firm but

must not be loud or angry.

3. The handler may use more than one command to calm

the dog but the dog must display an attitude of controlled

behaviour following calming efforts on the part of the

handler.

Dogs that exhibit the following will be rated as “Not Ready”:

• The handler is using forcible leash pressure to calm the dog.

• The dog does not settle quickly.

• The handler does not have control of the dog.

9.

Reaction

to passing dog

This test demonstrates the dog’s polite behaviour while in the

presence of other dogs and handlers.

Description of Test

The test is set up using another handler/dog team that are not

being evaluated. This team is placed 6 meters (20’) from the

handler and dog being tested. The handlers and their dogs

will approach one another, stop, shake hands, briefly chat and

continue on past each other for approximately 2 meters (6’).

The dog being tested should exhibit no more than casual interest.

The evaluator is assessing behaviour on the part of the

dog and the handler’s control of the dog.

Handler and Dog

1. The handler should command the dog to heel before beginning

to walk toward the other handler/dog team.

2. Upon reaching the other team, the handler should command

the dog to sit, thereafter greeting the other handler

and chatting briefly.

3. The dog may not be restrained.

4. The dog may show mild interest in the other handler and

dog but may not move toward the other dog, or exhibit shy

or aggressive behaviour.

5. The handler may use additional commands to ensure a

response from the dog but may not jerk or grab it.

Dogs that exhibit the following will be rated as “Not Ready”:

• The dog does not respond to the handler’s instructions.

• The handler is forced to jerk or grab the dog.

• The dog moves toward the other dog.

10.

Reaction to

distractions

This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times

when faced with common visual and auditory distractions

found in everyday life, such as the sudden opening or closing

of a door, crutches, wheelchair, baby stroller, loud noises, etc.

Description of Test

The evaluator will instruct the handler to begin walking with

his dog on a loose leash beside him. Several people will walk

by in any direction using one or more distractions. The distractions

will not be an attempt to frighten the dog, but rather

something the dog encounters in everyday life, such as baby

strollers, walkers, canes, someone carrying a ladder, etc. The

evaluator is observing the dog’s reaction to the distractions as

well as the dog’s response to the handler’s commands.

Handler and Dog

1. The handler may command the dog to walk at heel while

the individuals walk by.

2. The handler may speak encouragingly to the dog, but may not

steer the dog with the leash nor attempt to restrain the dog.

3. The dog may startle but should recover quickly.

4. The dog may express natural interest and curiosity.

5. The dog may bark once or twice.

Dogs that exhibit the following will be rated as “Not Ready”:

• The dog shows panic, tries to run away.

• The dog does not respond to the handler’s commands.

• The dog shows fear.

• The dog continues to bark.

11.

Supervised isolation

This test demonstrates the dog’s ability to be left alone with a

trusted person other than its handler, while maintaining a

calm acceptance of the situation.

Description of Test

The handler will walk with the dog to a designated person

(assistant evaluator), and hand over the leash. The handler

may command the dog to sit or lie down and wait/stay. Then

the handler will leave the area and go to a pre-designated location,

out of sight of the dog. The handler will wait 3 minutes

until called to return by the assistant evaluator. The evaluator

is observing the dog’s ability to maintain good manners when

left alone with another person. The dog may show some mild

stress, but should not bark, pace or pant excessively. Neither

should the dog attempt to climb up on the assistant, nor pull

away. (If the dog should become excessively agitated, the

evaluator will call the handler back before the time required,

and the dog will be judged “Not Ready.”)

Handler and Dog

1. The dog does not have to maintain position or place with

the assistant evaluator.

2. The dog may not show signs of excessive stress.

3. Mild stress or nervousness is acceptable behaviour.

Dogs that exhibit the following will be rated as “Not Ready”:

• The dog attempts to climb on the assistant evaluator.

• The dog continually barks, whines, howls, paces or pants

excessively.

• The dog pulls on the leash in an attempt to get away.

12.

Walking through

a door/gate

This test demonstrates the dog’s response to the handler’s

commands as well as the handler’s ability to control the dog

in a restricted area while moving ahead of the dog and through

a door/gate.

Description of Test

The handler will command the dog to sit and wait. The handler

will then walk through the opening (door/gate). Once

through, the handler will instruct the dog to walk through the

opening and return to the handler’s side. Alternatively, if the

opening is large enough for the two of them to pass through

simultaneously, then the handler may instruct the dog to

maintain a steady position beside the handler as they walk

through the opening together. The evaluator is assessing the

dog’s ability to respond to commands from the handler as well

as the handler’s ability to control the dog in a restricted area.

Handler and Dog

1. The handler may talk quietly to the dog as they approach

the opening.

2. If walking through the opening simultaneously, the dog

should maintain a loose leash throughout and should not

lunge forward in an attempt to pass through ahead of the

handler.

3. In the event the opening is too small, the handler may quietly

command the dog to wait (or sit and wait) while the

handler walks through.

Dogs that exhibit the following will be rated as “Not Ready”:

• The handler does not have control of the dog or jerks the

dog in an attempt to maintain control.

• The dog does not obey the handler’s command.

• The dog lunges or charges ahead of the handler.

[pipsqueak]

Not common in NSW. I have a certificate for one dog, and didn't even have to do a test! It was given on the basis that we had done the required testing during the 6 week course, which I think undermines the point of the testing. I did the course because the dog club happened to have a instructor who knew about the course and allowed her to run it - not sure if she was delta qualified, or just new about the criteria and ran a course anyway... sorry, not much help.

[sas]

We tried to do CGC in Sydney....contacted over 30 Delta Instructors....none of them did it.

We did go to a CGC group class once in a big shed full of aggressive dogs....we didn't go back.

[angelsun]

Thanks for all the responses...keep them coming, I am VERY interested in this topic and am seriously considering lobbying the ANKC to bring in a program similar to the Canadian one or the American one (they have only ten steps but it's basically the same deal)

[pipsqueak]

Thanks for all the responses...keep them coming, I am VERY interested in this topic and am seriously considering lobbying the ANKC to bring in a program similar to the Canadian one or the American one (they have only ten steps but it's basically the same deal)

Please do. I think it is a brilliant alternative for the pet owner who doesn't want to compete in obedience, but just wants a well behaved dog.

[angelsun]

I am going to pursue this further as I dig deeper into this simply because I'm getting more and more emails and PM's from folks that have been turned down by the organization that offers both the training and the testing simply because the owners might have a quirky dog with some issues that are above their ability to 'feed' better.

First off, let me say that I do not beleive in specific CGC training. To find the true test of the dog based on the criteria above, you need to go in cold and with only the basics of sit/stay/recall for example to know for sure if you have a social animal or a well trained one.

I have a dog here that with a touch more training, would easily pass, and yet I consider him to be a 'problem child' and in my opinion, not worthy of the title for which it is intended.

Yes I've seen dogs fail CGC however the test isn't to the level that the Temperament Testing is done or the WAC testing done in some working (utility) breeds overseas, never mind the 'spidar' testing done in Sweden on the Pinschers which a majority of dogs would fail that pride themselves on their CGC's here.

I personally think the CGC requirements aren't strong enough, however, they are what they are. I believe that we DO need something for the average pet owner that isn't interested in trialling (although this is where Rally Obedience will fill the void as well) and the benefits of TRULY having Canine Good Neighbours instead of dogs that are trained to pass a test, will benefit society overall in this day in age where dog legislation is strangling us with more rules and restrictions everytime we turn around.

I also have a problem with only one faction of training (or methodization if you prefer) that is deemed appropriate to allow dogs and their owners to attempt this test. I personal do not believe that Delta is the be all/end all. They have aspects of their methods that are positive and work well, a lot of other aspects do not. I've seen the result of dogs attending these training classes that after months and months of work still can not walk to heel or sit when commanded unless there is food stuffed in their faces. Lord help the owners that go for a walk with their pet and forget to fill their pockets with hotdogs.....

Because of this, I feel that a huge percentage of average pet owners are not able to get the satisfaction out of working with their dog in a test such as this, and getting the rewards as well as understanding if the dog does not pass, where they need to focus their attention on making the dog a better behaved and more well trained social citizen in today's world.

[Longcoat]

Thanks for all the responses...keep them coming, I am VERY interested in this topic and am seriously considering lobbying the ANKC to bring in a program similar to the Canadian one or the American one (they have only ten steps but it's basically the same deal)

It's a similar test to a Schutzhund BH in principal

[angelsun]

I"m familiar with the BH testing and like it very much, however I will disagree that the tests are the same even in principal. The BH is obedience AND behaviour/temperament whereas the CGC although has small elements of obedience is severly lacking in my opinion. I've done the BH (in North America) and done both AKC and CKC CGC testing many many times, as well as being an evaluator for the latter.

I'm a bigger fan of the Temperament Testing done that bases responses to stations on the breed and how that breed would respond or react. Lets face it, a GSD should NOT react the same way as a Golden Retriever or a Bassett Hound, and yet many alleged temperament tests lump them all in the same. The CGC is no exception.

[Longcoat]

I"m familiar with the BH testing and like it very much, however I will disagree that the tests are the same even in principal. The BH is obedience AND behaviour/temperament whereas the CGC although has small elements of obedience is severly lacking in my opinion. I've done the BH (in North America) and done both AKC and CKC CGC testing many many times, as well as being an evaluator for the latter.

I'm a bigger fan of the Temperament Testing done that bases responses to stations on the breed and how that breed would respond or react. Lets face it, a GSD should NOT react the same way as a Golden Retriever or a Bassett Hound, and yet many alleged temperament tests lump them all in the same. The CGC is no exception.

The CGC obedience is not as high a level as the BH. It would require greater obedience to pass a BH than the CGC. The crowd test, meeting a stranger, traffic test etc of the BH is on a similar principal to the CGC. I agree that you can't lump all breeds into the same temperament test, as I recall reading about a situation where a GSD Schh1 failed an all breed type temperament test, yet passed multiple times tested in the BH. The BH is a standard GSD companion animal test which for that breed determines passing the BH that the dog has temperament correctness.

[angelsun]

Yes I agree in what you are saying that the BH is a far superior and more difficult test than a CGC ever could hope to be.

[Longcoat]

Yes I agree in what you are saying that the BH is a far superior and more difficult test than a CGC ever could hope to be.

Correct