I find that most of my clients don’t care about the fancy or strict ways of traditional obedience. They just want a good dog that they can incorporate into their families. One that is friendly, comes when called, and walks nicely on the leash. Well if you are looking for the formula for the “perfect” family pet, I recommended you follow the well known task list for the CGN exam. Here are the titles of the tasks your dog will be expected to perform:
TEST 1 – Accepting a friendly stranger: Dogs must not be allowed to jump on people uninvited. The evaluator is assessing that the handler is in control of the dog and that the dog is not threatened by the approach of a stranger.
TEST 2 – Politely accepts petting: The evaluator is assessing whether the dog remains calm while a stranger pets it.
TEST 3 – Appearance and grooming: This practical test demonstrates that the dog will accept being groomed and examined and will permit a stranger to do so, such as a veterinarian, groomer, friend of the owner etc.
TEST 4 – Out for a walk: This test demonstrates the ability of the dog to walk politely on a loose leash as well as the handler’s ability to control the dog.
TEST 5 – Walking through a crowd: This test demonstrates the ability of the dog to walk politely beside the handler in pedestrian traffic while remaining under control at all times.
TEST 6 – Sit/ Down on command and stay in place (long line)
TEST 7 – Come when called (long line)
TEST 8 – Praise/ Interaction: After about 10 seconds of play, the evaluator will then instruct the handler to calm the dog
Test 9 – Reaction to passing dog: This test demonstrates the dog’s polite behaviour while in the presence of other dogs and handlers.
Test 10 – Reaction to distractions: This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when face with common visual and auditory distractions found in everyday life, such as a the sudden opening or closing of a door, crutches, wheelchair, baby stroller, loud noises, etc.
Test 11 – Supervised isolation: This test demonstrates the dog’s ability to be left alone with a trusted person other than its handler, while maintaining a calm acceptance of the situation.
TEST 12 – Walking through a door/ gate: The handler will command the dog to sit and wait. The handler will then walk through the opening (door/ gate). Once through, the handler will instruct the dog to walk through the opening and return to the handler’s side. Alternatively, if the opening is large enough for the two of them to pass through simultaneously, then the handler may instruct the dog to maintain a steady position beside the handler as they walk through the opening together
These not-so-simple, but oh-so-important, tasks cover nearly any situation the average dog might encounter in daily life with his family. If you would like to learn more about the CGN criteria, I would be happy to help!
Precious the Pitbull
Comments are closed.