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New England Old English Sheepdog Rescue, Inc. |
 Our logo depicts Charlie, our first Rescue dog in 1964. Drawing by Eve Andrade
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AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Question and Answers Q: What is it? These tests aren't too exacting and you don't have to perform with military precision, but you do need to pass all 10 tests in order to earn the title. NEOESR will charge $15 per dog as a fundraiser. Q: Why should I care about the CGC test? A: You don't have to, but there are instances where having a CGC can be an advantage to your dog. For example, some therapy dog certifications (such as TDI) require a potential therapy dog to pass the CGC test, or a test based on the CGC (such as the Delta Society's Pet Partner Skills Test). In addition, having a dog who's a Canine Good Citizen can help you in some situations, including finding rental housing or hotel rooms, admission to certain dog parks, and fighting breed-specific and/or anti-dog biases in homeowners' insurance. Q: Can my mixed breed get a CGC? A: Yes, absolutely! Any dog or puppy old enough to have completed its first rabies shots can take the CGC test. (Note that if you take the test at a dog show, your dog must be old enough to be allowed on the show grounds – usually 6 months old.) There is no upper age limit for CGCs – senior dogs may take the test anytime. Q: But my dog's just a pet, and we don't plan to go into competitive obedience or anything. Why CGC? A: The CGC isn't a competitive title. Sometimes human/dog teams who earn the CGC go on to do other things, and sometimes they don't – but the CGC is always an indicator that your dog has good basic manners. Q. What to bring: 1. Your dog's brush. Volunteers: Three people minimum are needed for a "crowd", and one of those can bring the "demo dog." Volunteers should also bring odd things like: pans (for noise), crutches, crate dollies, potato chips, jogging shoes, etc. All the "demo dog" team needs to do is walk up to the dog/handler team being tested and shake hands. The demo dog should be politely interested in the dog being tested, or ignore that dog entirely. The same team can walk around in the "crowd scene" and does not need to interact with the team being tested. You aren't allowed to bring treats or toys into the testing area, but you may certainly reward your dog after you're done. Q: What if my dog has to poop or pee during the test? A: You really should exercise your dog before the test. A dog is allowed to eliminate if the test is held outdoors, but elimination is an automatic failure if the test is indoors. Q: Hooray! We passed! What should I do now? A: The evaluator will give you a copy of the test form. Mail it to the AKC (address is on the form) with $5.00, and wait 4-6 weeks. You'll receive a handsome official certificate in the mail. You have to send in the form within 2 years of having taken the test in order to get the certificate, but the CGC itself never expires. Q: Oh, bummer! We didn't pass, or we're not ready to take the test yet. What do we do now? A: You may retake the test some other time, as many times as you wish. Before you do, you might either do some practicing at home to help your dog pass the test next time, or enroll in a CGC prep class. Many training facilities and obedience clubs offer these classes, and they hold the test on the last night as part of “graduation.” Q: Where do I find out more? About the CGC test: http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/index.cfm A book on CGC: The Canine Good Citizen Test: Every Dog Can Be One About therapy dog certification: Delta Society: http://www.deltasociety.org/ Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs: http://www.pet-therapist.com/
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