Becoming a Becoming a

Good Citizen….Canine Style!Good Citizen….Canine Style!

Elizabeth Wells

Extension 4-H Youth Agent

wellse@msue.msu.edu

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

What it is…and isn’t..

• 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

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

Dog and Handler Requirements

• Handicapped dogs may participate

• Handicapped handlers may also participate

Equipment

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

• Leashes required

• Brush

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

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.

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Any questions?