The Delta Canine Good Citizen^™ Award

Dedication

The Canine Good Citizen program is dedicated to a better tomorrow for the dogs we love; to safeguard their future and the invaluable contribution they make to our quality of life.

Goal

The goal of Delta training is to produce a dog that:

• you would like to own

• you would welcome as a neighbour

• can socialise with other dogs

• can cope with the stresses of modern day living

• is accepted by the wider community

and an owner who is:

• fully informed on all aspects of responsible dog ownership

Purpose

The purpose of the Canine Good Citizen program is to demonstrate that:

• the dog as a companion animal can become a respected and contributing member of the community

• the dog can be trained and conditioned to always behave at home, in public places and in the presence of other dogs in a manner that will reflect credit on the dog

• the owner is fully informed on all aspects of responsible ownership i.e. dog behaviour, health care and grooming, road safety and the dog laws.

Elements of Competency

1. ROAD SAFETY: A dog that is under control around traffic and when alighting from a vehicle

2. OUT FOR A WALK: A dog that can accompany the owner on a walk in a controlled manner

3. GROOMING AND VETERINARY EXAMINATION: A dog that will accept grooming and tolerate a veterinary examination

4. ACCEPTING A FRIENDLY STRANGER AND SITTING POLITELY FOR PETTING: A dog that will remain quiet and controlled beside owner while meeting a stranger and being petted.

5. CONTROLLED WALK: A dog that can walk close beside owner for a short distance and obey the basic obedience commands sit and down.

6. WALKING THROUGH A CROWD AND REACTION TO DISTRACTIONS: A dog that can tolerate the close proximity of crowds and other distractions they may encounter in everyday life

7. PRAISE/INTERACTION: A dog that can be effectively calmed and controlled after arousal with play

8. STAY IN POSITION: The dog will remain in a sit or down position while owner walks away approximately 8 metres and returns

9. REACTION TO ANOTHER DOG: A dog that will behave in a polite and controlled manner when in close proximity to other dogs and their handlers

10. RELEASE DOG AND RECALL: A dog that will return to its owner when called under distraction from a free running position and allow a lead to be attached

11. SUPERVISED TOLERANCE TO SEPARATION: A dog which will remain calmly with a stranger with its owner out of sight

12. CANINE GOOD CITIZEN OWNER EDUCATION ASSESSMENT: An owner who has an understanding of general pet health care, grooming, diet, control of external parasites, environmental enrichment, worming and vaccination, first aid, responsible pet ownership and dog laws

Pre-Conditions for Assessment

1. The dog and owner must have completed a 6 week training program with an accredited Delta CGC Instructor.

2. Dogs must be over 12 months of age.

3. Proof of Council registration/microchipping and a current vaccination certificate must be viewed before the dog can undertake the assessment.

4. The dog should be presented in a clean and healthy state.

5. The dog should be fitted with an appropriate collar or restraint for that dog (i.e. collar,; gentle collar; head collar; harness) and a 6-foot or less training leash. NO CHECK CHAINS ARE ALLOWED.

6. The owner must carry a plastic bag at all times and will be asked to produce one during the assessment.

7. A toy may be carried for use in assessment number 7 - "Praise and Interaction".

8. The owner may use praise, petting and extra commands during the assessment. Use of a food reward will only be allowed at the end of each unit of assessment (no luring with food).

Please contact us if you would like further information on the CGC award or to organise training and testing for you and your dog.