I need to start with some background….Way back when I first read the requirements for the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen test, I immediately dismissed it as impossible. I mean, it seemed to be designed for any type of dog, except hounds. For a long time, I didn’t even think about it. I didn’t desire it; it was totally off my radar. Over time Daisy has become more responsive to me-especially when we are out in public. She likes to perform. Even more, I have become a better handler and trainer. So, we had the opportunity to test for free at a local dog event. We had not been practicing recently (my bad), but I am pleased to introduce to you:
Daisy Mae, Canine Good Citizen
Words can not express how happy over-the-moon I am! I really did not go into expecting for her to pass. I should stop underestimating what my dog can do. I think I’m the half of this team now holding us back and I plan on changing that for the future. Watch out world…Daisy is on her way!
For those of you who are curious, or don’t know the requirements there are 10 sections a dog must pass:
1. Accepting a Friendly stranger. The evaluator comes up, speaks to the handler, ignores the dog. Dog can’t jump, paw, whine, pull, ect.
2. Sitting politely for petting. The evaluator goes to pet the dog, the dog must sit. No jumping, ect.
3. Appearance and Grooming. The evaluator runs their hands over the dog, touches paws, checks teeth.
4. Out for a walk. You have to show your dog can walk on a loose leash.
5. Walking through a crowd. You walk through or by several people. Your dog can show a little interest but must stay with you and not jump up. As we were at a dog event, it was a huge crowd.
6. Sit and down position and stay in position. Dog must do both a sit and down. Then must do a stay in one of those positions while the handler backs up 20 ft.
7. Coming when called.
8. Reaction to another dog. Now, this is normally done with another dog of known temperament. The two handlers approach each other and talk, the dogs can show casual interest but can’t pull, bark, whine, growl, ect. Now, for our test it ended up some stranger (it was in a public park) let his dog run up on Daisy and sniff her butt and her underside and she just sat there. So she passed.
9. Reaction to distraction. Dogs can’t panic or show aggression. For Daisy’s test the evaluator threw a tin full of coins near her when she wasn’t looking. Daisy startled, then went right up to sniff the tin and see what it was.
10. Supervised separation. I had to hand Daisy’s leash to a stranger (a lady that was helping the evaluator) and walk out of sight for 3 minutes. Dogs can’t bark, pull, ect. Daisy has zero issues with strangers. In fact, I think she’d be more than willing to go home with any friendly face.
