Is Your Dog Going Back to School?

Preston graduates from CGC prep class

It is back to school season!  Kids are preparing to start a new grade with new teachers, office supply stores are packed to the brim with notebooks, crayons, and markers, and college students are packing up their cars to go to campus.  Now is also a good time for your family dog to go back to school!

The American Kennel Club has a certification program for all purebreeds and mixed (mutt) dogs called the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program.  This certification test/program evaluates dogs in simulated everyday situations in a relaxed, noncompetitive atmosphere. The purpose of the test is to ensure that dogs are respected members of their communities and are trained to act mannerly in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs.

The test is similar to the commands you learn in basic obedience courses.  The dogs are tested on the following:

• Accepting a friendly stranger
• Sit politely for petting
• Appearance and grooming
• Out for a walk
• Walking through a crowd
• Sit and down on command/staying in place
• Coming when called
• Reaction to another dog
• Reaction to distraction
•  Supervised separation

Preston started training as a puppy

Many people who rent their homes have their dog certified through this program to show their landlord that their dog is a good pet and won’t cause any problems on their property.  Some dog rescue groups also participate in the CGC program.  Why do they do this?  They do it because if a dog can pass this test, they are much more attractive to potential adopters.  Also, if you have any interest in your dog becoming a therapy dog, the first step is for them to become CGC certified.

I have two dogs that are West Highland White Terriers (Westies) named Preston and Elvis.  Preston is already a Canine Good Citizen and my other dog Elvis is working on it now.  I admit, sometimes this test can be challenging for some dogs.  Every dog has a “weakness” that requires extra work and training.  For Preston, it was the grooming.  The examiner looks at the dog’s feet to simulate your dog going to the groomer.  For a terrier like Preston who doesn’t like having his nails trimmed, this was a real struggle.  For my other dog Elvis, the challenge is to get him to sit and laydown without treats (no treats are allowed on the test).  We are working on it and I hope that soon our Elvis will also be a proud AKC Canine Good Citizen.

Preston's CGC certificate

So keep in mind this back to school season that there are opportunities for your family dog to learn a few new things too.  Taking your dog to a training class is a great opportunity for the two of you to bond, for your dog to learn how to be a better pet, it is great stimulation for their mind, and it helps them improve their social skills with other humans and other dogs.

To learn more about the Canine Good Citizen program you can go to: www.akc.org/events/cgc.  Here you can also find a trainer in your area that can help you and your dog prepare to be a AKC Canine Good Citizen!