Before taking the Canine Good Citizen test, owners will sign the Responsible
Dog Owners Pledge. We believe that responsible dog ownership is a
key part of the CGC concept and by signing the pledge, owners agree to
take care of their dog's health needs, safety, exercise, training and
quality of life. Owners also agree to show responsibility by doing things
such as cleaning up after their dogs in public places and never letting
dogs infringe on the rights of others.
After signing the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge, owners and their dogs
are ready to take the CGC Test. Items on the Canine Good Citizen Test
include:
Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to
approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation.
The evaluator walks up to the dog and handler and greets the handler in
a friendly manner, ignoring the dog. The evaluator and handler shake hands
and exchange pleasantries. The dog must show no sign of resentment or
shyness, and must not break position or try to go to the evaluator.
Test 2: Sitting politely for petting
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to
touch it while it is out with its handler. With the dog sitting at the
handler's side, to begin the exercise, the evaluator pets the dog on the
head and body. The handler may talk to his or her dog throughout the exercise.
The dog may stand in place as it is petted. The dog must not show shyness
or resentment.
Test 3: Appearance and grooming
This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed
and examined and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer
or friend of the owner, to do so. It also demonstrates the owner's care,
concern and sense of responsibility. The evaluator inspects the dog to
determine if it is clean and groomed. The dog must appear to be in healthy
condition (i.e., proper weight, clean, healthy and alert). The handler
should supply the comb or brush commonly used on the dog. The evaluator
then softly combs or brushes the dog, and in a natural manner, lightly
examines the ears and gently picks up each front foot. It is not necessary
for the dog to hold a specific position during the examination, and the
handler may talk to the dog, praise it and give encouragement throughout.
Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The
dog may be on either side of the handler. The dog's position should leave
no doubt that the dog is attentive to the handler and is responding to
the handler's movements and changes of direction. The dog need not be
perfectly aligned with the handler and need not sit when the handler stops.
The evaluator may use a pre-plotted course or may direct the handler/dog
team by issuing instructions or commands. In either case, there should
be a right turn, left turn, and an about turn with at least one stop in
between and another at the end. The handler may talk to the dog along
the way, praise the dog, or give commands in a normal tone of voice. The
handler may sit the dog at the halts if desired.
Test 5: Walking through a crowd
This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian
traffic and is under control in public places. The dog and handler walk
around and pass close to several people (at least three). The dog may
show some interest in the strangers but should continue to walk with the
handler, without evidence of over-exuberance, shyness or resentment. The
handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise the dog throughout
the test. The dog should not jump on people in the crowd or strain on
the leash.
Test 6: Sit and down on command and Staying in place
This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the
handler's commands to sit and down and will remain in the place commanded
by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers).
The dog must do sit AND down on command, then the owner chooses the position
for leaving the dog in the stay. Prior to this test, the dog's leash is
replaced with a line 20 feet long. The handler may take a reasonable amount
of time and use more than one command to get the dog to sit and then down.
The evaluator must determine if the dog has responded to the handler's
commands. The handler may not force the dog into position but may touch
the dog to offer gentle guidance. When instructed by the evaluator, the
handler tells the dog to stay and walks forward the length of the line,
turns and returns to the dog at a natural pace. The dog must remain in
the place in which it was left (it may change position) until the evaluator
instructs the handler to release the dog. The dog may be released from
the front or the side.
Test 7: Coming when called
This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler.
The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog, and
call the dog. The handler may use encouragement to get the dog to come.
Handlers may choose to tell dogs to "stay" or "wait"
or they may simply walk away, giving no instructions to the dog.
Test 8: Reaction to another dog
This test demonstrates 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. The dogs should show no more than casual interest in
each other. Neither dog should go to the other dog or its handler.
Test 9: Reaction to distraction
This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times 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. The dog may express natural interest and curiosity
and/or may appear slightly startled but should not panic, try to run away,
show aggressiveness, or bark. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage
or praise it throughout the exercise.
Test 10: Supervised separation
This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if
necessary, and will maintain training and good manners. Evaluators are
encouraged to say something like, "Would you like me to watch your
dog?" and then take hold of the dog's leash. The owner will go out
of sight for three minutes. The dog does not have to stay in position
but should not continually bark, whine, or pace unnecessarily, or show
anything stronger than mild agitation or nervousness. Evaluators may talk
to the dog but should not engage in excessive talking, petting, or management
attempts (e.g, "there, there, it's alright").
Equipment
All tests must be performed on leash. Dogs should wear well-fitting buckle
or slip collars made of leather, fabric, or chain. Special training collars
such as pinch collars, head halters, etc. are not permitted in the CGC
test. We recognize that special training collars may be very useful tools
for beginning dog trainers, however, we feel that dogs are ready to take
the CGC test at the point at which they are transitioned to regular collars.
The evaluator supplies a 20-foot lead for the test. The owner/handler
should bring the dog's brush or comb to the test.
Encouragement
Owners/handlers may use praise and encouragement throughout the test.
The owner may pet the dog between exercises. Food and treats are not permitted
during testing, nor is the use of toys, squeaky toys, etc. to get the
dog to do something. We recognize that food and toys may provide valuable
reinforcement or encouragement during the training process but these items
should not be used during the test.
Failures - Dismissals
Any dog that eliminates during testing must be marked failed. The only
exception to this rule is that elimination is allowable in test Item 10,
but only when test Item 10 is held outdoors.
Any dog that growls, snaps, bites, attacks, or attempts to attack a person
or another dog is not a good citizen and must be dismissed from the test.
A Curly that lives in the house, has regular exercise and work, including any type of work that takes advantage of the breed's innate intelligence, and is a part of the family, is a happy Curly. The most important care and training of a Curly is involving him in the family's day to day activities. Include your Curly in your every day life and he will repay you with years of friendship. The AKC Standard states that "outline, carriage and attitude all combine for a grace and elegance somewhat uncommon among the other retriever breeds." The grace and elegance is combined with a sturdy structure and hardworking, persevering temperament to create an excellent working retriever.
Most Curlies cannot be kept out of the water and are great natural swimmers. You should exercise due sensibility when introducing a puppy to water. Never throw the pup into the water: allow him to approach the water himself on a gently sloping entry with plenty of shallow water with little or no current. As he gains confidence, he will be splashing about in no time. If an adult dog is around to encourage the pup, he will probably be swimming before you (or he) know it!
