Standard Poodles -
Canine Good Citizen

If you’ve completed the Puppy Training class or the Basic Obedience Class with your Standard Poodle and you feel that you would like more advanced training, you may want to consider enrolling your Poodle in the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program sponsored by K9 Advantix.

The program will help your dog become friendly and well behaved; a dog that you are proud to take anywhere because it has manners and knows how to act in a crowd, around guests and children. When you’re out for a walk, your dog doesn’t bark at other dogs jump on, bite or threaten strangers in any way.

The AKC’s Canine Good Citizen program was created in 1989 by K9 Advantix® as a way to reward your dog for good manners and behavior in the community and at home. It is one of the fastest growing programs in the American Kennel Club. The program is open to all dogs, purebred as well as mixed-breeds. Your dog will receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club after passing the Canine Good Citizen Test.

Not only does the training help your Poodle, but you as well, teaching responsible dog ownership. It also provides you time to bond with your Poodle and the joy of knowing that your dog will enjoy the training. You, as a dog owner, are responsible for knowing and signing the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge stating that you will take care of your dog’s safety, training, and keep him under the care of a veterinarian. It also states that you will always clean up after your dog and not infringe on the rights of others.

Many other countries have adopted the Canine Good Citizen program. Many of the Therapy Dog groups also use the Canine Good Citizen program for screening dogs for entry into the program.

Your Standard Poodle is never too old to become a good citizen. All puppies entering the training need to have completed all immunizations. Your Poodle does not need to have had formal obedience training before taking the CGC test. As long as your dog knows the ten steps of the test listed below, you can take the test.

The ten steps of the test include:

Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger
This test demonstrates how your dog reacts when a stranger approaches and speaks to you. The evaluator approaches you and shakes hands and chats normally, ignoring the dog. The dog should act normally, not showing any anger or fear and must not try to go to the evaluator.

Test 2: Sitting politely for petting
This test demonstrates whether or not your dog will let a stranger pet it while it is out with you. The evaluator will pet your dog on the head and body. You are allowed to talk to your dog during this exercise. Your dog shouldn’t try to get away from the evaluator and should sit quietly by your side.

Test 3: Appearance and grooming
This test demonstrates whether you take good care of you Poodle (i.e., grooming, cleanliness, health). It also demonstrates whether your dog allows someone else to groom and examine it, such as a veterinarian or groomer. The evaluator will come or brush your dog with your dog’s own grooming item. The evaluator may also look in the dog’s mouth, ears and may even examine the dog’s feet. You may talk to your dog during this part of the test to offer encouragement.

Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
This test demonstrates that you are in control of your Poodle. Unlike a regular obedience test, you are allowed to talk to your dog during this test give praise or commands. Also, the dog can be on either side of you. It doesn’t really matter, as long as your dog is paying attention to you. You will be asked to perform a right turn, left turn and about turn. It doesn’t matter whether your dog sits or stands when you stop.

Test 5: Walking through a crowd
This test demonstrates how well your Poodle walks on a leash and can move about politely in a crowd. You will have to walk around and close to at least three people. The people may be doing everyday things such as walking with a stroller, opening an umbrella, walking with crutches or a cane. Your Poodle should not be overly excited, show aggression or jump at the people. You may talk to your dog during this test.

Test 6: Sit and down on command and Staying in place
For this test, your Poodle must be able to sit and lie down on command. You can choose which position you want the dog to be in for the stay command. You will be using a 20-foot long line for this test. After you have your dog in the stay command, you will walk forward the length of the line and then return to the dog at the evaluator’s command.

Test 7: Coming when called
This test demonstrates that your Poodle will come to you when called. You’ll be asked to walk 10 feet or more from your dog, turn and face your dog and then call your dog. Your dog should come to you on command. You are allowed to give your dog commands and encouragement during this test.

Test 8: Reaction to another dog
This test judges how your dog behaves around other dogs. You will be approached or will approach another person with a dog and shake hands and talk casually. Your dog should not show fear, aggressiveness or be overly friendly to the other dog, or it is grounds for dismissal.

Test 9: Reaction to distraction
This test demonstrates how your dog reacts in distracting situations. The evaluator may try to distract your dog with a loud noise or have a fast-moving object pass by, such as a jogger or skateboarder. It’s OK if your dog is slightly startled, but he should not bark, show aggressiveness or try to run away. You can give praise and encouragement during this test.

Test 10: Supervised separation
This part of the test demonstrates that your dog can be left alone for a specified period of time (usually three minutes) without becoming unduly distressed. The evaluator may take the dog by the leash or ask you to secure it to something. You will then be out of the dog’s sight. You dog must remain calm during this time and must not bark, whine, pull at the leash or show distress other than mild nervousness. It’s OK if your dog moves around during this test.

All of the tests are performed on a leash, preferably made of leather, fabric, or chain, with a buckle or slip collar. Pinch collars or halters are not permitted during the test. The evaluator will provide a 20-foot lead for the test. You should bring your dog’s own comb or brush to the test.

You may use as much praise and encouragement as needed during the test. No food, treats, or toys are permitted during testing. Once you believe you are ready to attend training for the Canine Good Citizen course or take the actual test, you can contact your local AKC dog club for information on how to join a Canine Good Citizen training class in your neighborhood. Some AKC obedience clubs also offer Canine Good Citizen training as well as some of the pet superstores.

After you’ve completed the training and are ready for testing, you can look on the AKC web page to find an evaluator in your area. Just type in your state and you should see the evaluators listed for your area.

You can also find a list of the Canine Good Citizen tests at any upcoming AKC shows.

Here's an excellent book about Canine Good Citizen Training.

	Web www.standardpoodlesusa.com

Return to Home Page from Canine Good Citizen Page