Canine Good Citizen

[Jessica H]

Has anyone completed the Canine Good Citizen test? I was just wondering if the test is nerve racking and hard? Are they really really strict at passing dogs?

I know Scooter would not be able to do it but Dozer would be great at it. He is so well behaved and so good with people. Is there a minimum age? I read the link on AKC and some of the things make me wonder if I should wait until he older. I wanted to do it with Scooter but he has WAY to much energy and jumps and attack licks everyone, I do not think that would be good for a small child or older person plus he has a marking problem. Doze is so laid back, he lets little kids hang on him, he sits when people approach him and he know tons of tricks already.

Do they get a badge and a vest? How do I set it up to go to places? I think the place I bring him for obedience has a little group that gets together on weekends to go but can I go by myself? I really want to go to children hospitals. Is that possible or is it only nursing homes?

[mattoleriver]

Hi Jessica,

are you wanting to earn a CGC (Canine Good Citizen) award or are you interested in doing therapy visits? A CGC is probably a good start but it may not be specifically what you will need. You may be more interested in something like the Delta Society. There are other therapy dog organizations I just can't think of any others at the moment.

https://www.deltasociety.org/Page.aspx?pid=183

Both of my dogs have earned their CGCs but we were really training for Obedience trials and the CGC was just something that we did along the way. After having a good basis in Obedience the CGC test was relatively easy but I don't think that it is something that is always that easy to complete without some training specifically for that test. In this area (Portland, OR) there are many opportunities to take the CGC test. They are often offered by local breed/obedience/agility clubs at dog shows and also at PetSmart or Petco stores. Both times that I took dogs through the test the "judge" was very helpful and really wanted to see all dogs pass. When I tested my Toller the test was at a PetSmart store and he was the only dog tested at that time. The test was offered all day long and no appointment was necessary. There were no other dogs present at that particular time. When I tested my Cairn the test was held in a lot adjacent to a small local pet shop. That time the test was offered by preregistration and there were many other dogs being tested. I think that is fair to say that the handler will probably be far more nervous than the dog.

Good luck!

George

[Jessica H]

They offer CGC and TDI (Therapy Dog Internation Test). I am not sure what the difference is. I want it so I can visit hospitals, nursing homes, etc.

Have you heard of TDI?

[jimnconnie]

They offer CGC and TDI (Therapy Dog Internation Test). I am not sure what the difference is. I want it so I can visit hospitals, nursing homes, etc.

Have you heard of TDI?

Jessica, I believe that Boats85 has taken his dog, Skipper, through CGC and is now taking him for therapy training. You might want to send him a message for information.

[bradl]

Therapy Dogs International

Delta Society

These are what you want for genuine therapy work.

A CGC is a nice test to demonstrate that you have just what it says - a canine good citizen. As George described it's like very basic obedience for people who don't want to do competition-style scored obedience, or who are practicing for obedience.

As I understand it, certification for therapy work is more rigorous, and more specialized.

[Jessica H]

The place I am going does offer the Therapy Dog International as well. I believe that it is one test and I get both at this place so it may be more extensive. It is the same place I am bringing him to obedience class.

[bradl]

Sounds like a great place

[little feet zip]

Our club offers the CGC with the adv. beginers class. It is a good thing to get this as it opens the door for all AKC events. We also have reading with children whereas we go to local schools and libaries and the kids read to the dogs.The CGCtest is not that hard if the dog has a good focus on the handler.

[boats85]

Hi Jessica,

Skipper passed his Canine Good Citizenship last September. It is not a hard test, just keep in mind that you are not competing in an obedience trail. With just the basic loose leash walking, sit, down, stay, you should be able to get through it. The hardest part meeting other dogs and only showing mild interest. The AKC site has the 10 points that you need to pass.

Later on today I will post on Skippers therapy dog training.

Around the Dayton area, you cannot bring your dog into the local hospitals or the VA Center without the Therapy dog certification course and the Miami Valley Pet Therapy Association ID that they supply, of course thats just this area

[Jessica H]

I think I am going to do CGC but also the TDI tests. I am working on the seeing other dogs part, he gets kind of excited and he barks a little depending on the situation.