
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, September 24, 1995                   TAG: 9509250074
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV17   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: JILL BOWEN
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

YOU CAN FIND OUT THE KIND OF CITIZEN YOUR CANINE IS

Q: I have been to a couple of local dog shows and also to a dog obedience trial and found them interesting. Just recently I have seen notices for the American Kennel Club Good Citizen Tests, including one to be held in Radford at the beginning of October. Could you please tell me more about these tests and what they are exactly?

A: The American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Tests are of fairly recent origin. The object of the tests is to demonstrate that the dog is, as the name would imply, a good citizen. These tests are open to all breeds of dogs, including mixed breeds, that are 6 months old or older. Certificates are presented to dogs that pass the tests.

The tests are done with the dog on a leash. It is important that the dog wear a well-fitting collar, which can be of the buckle or slip variety in leather, fabric or chain. Special collars such as choke chains or pinch collars are not allowed.

To obtain the Canine Good Citizen Certificate, your dog is expected to perform 10 tests to demonstrate that it is under your control and knows how to behave in public.

Some of the tests are comparatively simple. A few are a little more demanding and require a fair amount of time and patience to train your pet. The certificate covers the following tests:

Test 1. Your dog is expected to know how to behave when you meet people on the street or invite them into your home. No one likes a dog that is unruly or one that jumps or barks at visitors. Your dog is expected to sit by your side while a person approaches you.

Test 2. Your dog must sit at your side and allow a person to approach and pet it.

Test 3. Your dog is expected to be in good condition and used to being groomed, allowing someone to brush and comb it without struggling.

Test 4. While walking with you, your dog should remain at your side on a loose leash.

Test 5. Your dog should demonstrate its ability to walk in a controlled manner in a crowd.

Test 6. Your dog should "sit" and "stay" on command, while you walk away from him.

Test 7. After having had a boisterous game with your dog, make it realize that it has to calm down and return to its normal, well-mannered behavior.

Test 8. Your dog must show that it can behave in a civilized way when another dog on a leash approaches it.

Test 9. Your dog should not be afraid of sudden noises or unfamiliar items.

Test 10. Your dog must be able to be left on its own while tied up while you go into the Post Office, for instance. It should be able to wait quietly, without barking, whining or tugging on the leash.

If you enjoy a well-behaved dog, it could be well worth your while to undergo this training program.

I must admit I am tempted to take my old and well-behaved Labrador to one of these tests and see if she would pass. However, it is obvious from reading the requirements that I have a long way to go with our new puppy.

If you are interested in learning more about the Canine Good Citizen Tests, as well as local meetings, dog training classes and shows, call the New River Valley Kennel Club at (540) 951-8513.

by CNB