SmartyPup! Good Citizen

SmartyPup! Good Citizen Class

Class Objectives:

To train a truly socially acceptable dog.
Improve your skills as a dog trainer--if you have a dog then you are automatically a dog trainer! You and
your dog work together to become a true team! 

In this
class you will learn:

Accepting a friendly stranger -- dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation.

Sitting politely for petting -- dog will allow a friendly stranger to pet it while it is out with its handler.

Appearance and grooming -- dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the owner, to do so.

Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead) -- handler/dog team will take a short "walk" to show that the dog is in control while walking on a leash.

Walking through a crowd -- dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three) to demonstrate that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian
traffic and is under control in public places.

Sit and down on command and Staying in place -- dog will respond to the handler's commands to 1) sit, 2) down and will 3) remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers). 

Come when called -- dog will come when called by the handler.
Reaction to another dog -- To demonstrate that the dog can behave politely around other dogs, two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 20 feet, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 10 feet.

Reaction to distraction -- To demonstrate the dog is confident when faced with common distracting situations, the evaluator will select and present two distractions. Examples of distractions include dropping a chair, rolling a crate dolly past the dog, having a jogger run in front of the dog, or dropping a crutch or cane.

Supervised separation -- dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners for a period of three minutes.

The Canine Good Citizen Certification can
be helpful in securing apartments or preparing your dog to do therapy
work (some therapy dog groups require CGC Certification as a
prerequisite).

After 5 weeks of practicing  students have an opportunity to take the CGC test and, if they pass, the evaluator will give you the paperwork to send to AKC to request the CGC certificate. If you do not pass the first time you are welcome to take it again with SmartyPup at no charge or find and any Certified Evaluator.

Requirements: Dog must be a graduate of puppy 101 & preferably a puppy 201 (or the equivalent) and be at least 7 months old
. Exceptions made upon request. 

Instructors and Assistants:TBA
Where and When: TBA