Becoming a

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Becoming a Good Citizen.Canine Style!
Elizabeth Wells Extension 4-H Youth
Agent wellse_at_msue.msu.edu
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Purpose of the test

• Teach responsible dog ownership
• Certify that dogs have the training and behaviors
  needed to be reliable, well-behaved members of
  their families and the community

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What it isand isnt..

• Ten tests with a pass/fail scoring system
• Casual and informal Participants are encouraged
  to talk to their dogs
• An award not a title
• Should be an enjoyable experience for you and
  your dog
• Attainable goal for all 4-H members

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Dog Requirements

• May be purebred or mixed breed
• Must be old enough to have all vaccinations
• Some sites might require 6 months old (at an AKC
  show)
• Puppies should be tested again as adults
• Owners must certify that their dog is under the
  care of a veterinarian and up to date on shots

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Dog and Handler Requirements

• Handicapped dogs may participate
• Handicapped handlers may also participate

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Equipment

• Collar required slip or buckle only (no pinch,
  halti or harnesses)
• Leashes required
• Brush

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Passing the Test

• ANY aggression results in dismissal from the
  test!
• Urination during the test results in not passing
  except on 10 and then allowed only if the test
  is being held outside
• All 10 stations must be passed

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Fees

• Evaluator and/or sponsoring organization may
  charge a fee for testing. Average is 5. to 10.
• Certificate from AKC is 5.
• Patch from AKC is 5
• Collar tag (may be personalized) from AKC is 6.

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General requirements

• Dogs must be on leash
• You may talk to your dog during the test
• You may use multiple commands
• No forcing the dog
• No food allowed
• Dog must be under control at all times

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Station One Accepting a Friendly Stranger

• Dog must show no sign of resentment, aggression
  or shyness
• Dog may not jump on or rush to the Evaluator or
  initiate contact or lunge forward to greet the
  Evaluator
• The dog should be under control at all times with
  no excessive corrections

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Station Two Sitting Politely for Petting

• Dog must show no signs of resentment or shyness
• Dog may stand to receive petting
• Dog may move slightly forward but should not
  lunge at Evaluator
• May appear to be happy and may have some body
  movement
• Should be under control at all times

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Station Three Appearance and Grooming

• Evaluator gently groom dog, checks ears and two
  front paws
• Handler may assist with dog
• Could a groomer or vet easily examine this dog?

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Station Four Out for a Walk

• Handler and dog must walk together with the dog
  on a loose lead
• Must include a right turn, left turn, about turn,
  and one halt in the middle
• Handler may talk to the dog and there may be an
  occasional loose lead
• Dog must be attentive to the handler
• No constant straining on the lead allowed
• No constant sniffing of the ground allowed

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Station Five Walking Through a Crowd

• Dog and handler walk close to at least three
  people to simulate public places
• Dog may show some interest in the people but no
  over exuberance, shyness or resentment
• May sniff a person briefly when passing
• Dog may not jump on people or attempt to go to
  them
• No straining at the leash

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Station Six Sit and Down on Command/Staying in
Place

• Dog is left in a sit or down position and the
  handler walks 20 feet away and then returns on
  signal from Evaluator
• Dog must stay in place but may change positions.
  If they walk toward handler they do not pass
• A 20 foot lead is used
• Handlers choice of position but may not force dog
  into position

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Station Seven Coming When Called

• Handler walks ten feet from the dog and calls the
  dog
• Dog must go to the handler but the handler may
  use multiple signals (two or three but not
  excessive)
• Exercise is finished when the handler attaches
  the dogs leash to the collar
• Handler may not reel the dog in to them

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Station Eight Reaction to Another Dog

• Two handlers with dogs approach each other from
  15 feet and shake hands and speak briefly
• Dogs should show only a passing interest in each
  other
• When handlers turn away the dogs should follow
  them and not try to go to the other dog

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Station Nine Reaction to Distraction

• Two distractions are chosen by the Evaluator such
  as a person using crutches, sudden closing door,
  dropping an object, jogger running in front of
  dog, person pushing a cart or crate dolly, person
  on a bike (ten feet away for bike, five feet for
  others)
• Dog should show only slight interest and is
  allowed only one bark

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Station Ten Supervised Separation

• Evaluator holds the leash of the dog while the
  handler goes out of sight for three minutes
• Dog may not become agitated, strain to get away,
  pull on leash or bark and whine excessively
• Dog may change positions

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Finding a Test

• Go to akc.org to find a list of evaluators in
  Michigan along with their e-mail addresses
• Contact local training clubs, kennel clubs or
  humane societies
• Become an evaluator and hold your own test

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Become an Evaluator

• It is free and it is easy
• Must have worked with people and their dogs in a
  professional or educational manner for one year
• Must have experience with a variety of breeds
• Be in good standing with the AKC
• No criminal history

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Thank you for considering adding a Canine Good
Citizen Program to your 4-H Program! Any
questions?
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