SPINONE CLUB OF AMERICA NATIONAL SPECIALTY APRIL 26 - APRIL 30, 2000

In 1987, the American Kennel Club introduced the CGC program. This was done in an effort to change the negative publicity toward dogs. AKC wanted to demonstrate to the public that all dogs - pure bred and mix breeds can be well trained and obedient in public places. The Spinone Club of America is pleased to offer a Canine Good Citizen Certificate Test. This is not an official AKC title but you will receive a Certificate from the American Kennel Club and be recorded in the AKC's Canine Good Citizen Archive, along with the pride in knowing you and your dog are helping to promote responsible dog ownership.

With a little daily practice and. a few trips to the neighborhood grocery store or neighbors house, your dog will be able to pass this test quite easily. To help you with the CGC Certificate test, listed below are the 10 steps your dog must pass:

1. Accepting a Strange  The dog must allow a friendly stranger to shake hands with you, while sifting at your side.

2. Sitting politely for petting  The dog must allow an evaluator to pet his head and body.

3. Appearance and Grooming  Must be clean, healthy and have a Rabies Certificate presented. The dog must allow an evaluator to run a brush or comb over his coat.

4. Walking on a loose leash  The dog must be able to walk on a loose leash at the left side of the owner. The owner can use as many commands and hand gestures as needed to keep the dog at his left side. You may not use food or corrections. The walk includes a left and right turn, an about turn and two stops. (dog should sit at stops)

5. Walking through a crowd  The dog must be able to walk politely through a crowd of people and may look and be attentive to every one but also pay attention to it's owner.

6. Sit, Down and Stay  The dog must be able to Sit and Down on command with no correction or food On a 20 foot long line, the owner will pick a Sit or Down Stay - walk 20 feet away and back to the dog.

7. Come when called  The dog's leash will be held by the evaluator & the owner will walk 10 feet, turn and call the dog.

8. Reaction to another dog  Two handlers approach each other form a distance of 10 feet, shake hands and proceed another 10 feet. The dogs should show no more than casual interest.

9. Reactions to distractions  The evaluator, with a shopping cart, will walk past a walking team of owner & dog and make noise. The dog should not panic or run away.

10. Supervised Separation  The evaluator will hold your dog while you leave the room for a period of 3 minutes. The dog should not show anything other than mild agitation or nervousness. No barking, whining, howling.

We will have a run through for everyone to see the test before hand. We encourage you all to try. Many 5-6 month old puppies can pass this with flying colors. Have fun and Go For It!!