Canine Good Citizen with Extras course

CGC with Extras course

The descriptions of AKC's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program test items are take from the AKC site at <http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/training_testing.cfm>

Depending on the prior training experience of the owner-handlers and the prior training of the dogs and on the number of teams enrolled, the course could be organized into a 4 or 5 session series with each session covering several test segments or it could be organized into more sessions, possibly each covering only a single test segment. It is advisable to be flexible and add sessions if the students need them. . Depending on class composition, the trainer may want to re-shuffle the order of the various components of the course and may want to post-pone or eliminate some of the more challenging supplementary exercises. Some students will easily master all the supplementary exercises and some will struggle with the basic ones. Encourage the latter to come through the course again at a later date Depending on local conditions, the trainer and students may well come up with additional supplementary exercises. Note also that it is not necessary that all sessions take place in the same location, and indeed varying the location can add to the value and variety of the lessons.

The goal of the course is that each dog become easier to live with and that each handler become more adept at manageing the dog's behavior under real life conditions. The various handling hints are also quite applicable to real world situations. While all handlers may have the goal of passing the CGC test, all should realize that should they discover some problem in their dog that will prevent passing, they will still have gained greatly by having knowledge of the problem and having learned some tools to manage the dog in some situations and having learned which situations they need to avoid or prevent.

I have heard that some Homeowners' Insurance companies that normally have breed restrictions on dogs are now willing to cover dogs of those breeds that have earned a CGC. We should be urging a lower insurance rate for dogs of all breeds who have earned a CGC.

I also think that legislators should be urged to offer lower license fees and other priviledges to dogs who have earned a CGC. A more universal knowledge of the CGC and its value as a proof of basic civility training could become an effective tool to combat the rising tide of anti-dog legislation, high license fees for intact dogs, and mandatory spay/neuter laws. That will happen only if the dog-training public can educate the legislators. A longer arguement for this is at the end of my article on CGC Handling Hints.

General concerns :

Liability Release and Acceptance of Responsibility ; liability insurance :
The trainer or sponsoring organization or sponsoring location will need to have an attorney draft a Release and Responsibility form that participants must sign. All participating owners and handlers must accept that this activity has risks of injury and must release the park, the city, the class sponsors , and the class instructors from any liability for any injuries to themselves or to their dogs. Owners and handlers must also explicitly accept full responsibility for any injuries to anyone or any dog that is done by themselves or their dog. It would also be desirable to require and prudent to verify that every participant has some form of liability insurance such as a homeowners or renters policy that covers them for injuries by their dog. Certainly such insurance should be demanded of any owner seeking to come into the course with a dog with any history of aggression or high degree of fearfulness. The owners of the site and / or the event sponsors should also have a liability insurance policy covering the event and with all instructors included as named insureds. If the instructor also has her own liability insurance, as any professional trainer ought to have, so much the better.

Equipment :
For training purposes (and for everyday life) the use of halter should be encouraged, but at some point the dog-handler teams should also be tested with the officially allowed buckle or slip collars. Most dogs respond very well to halters, but the occasional dog may respond better to a pinch collar and if so it should be used. Of course a few dogs will be just fine with a buckle collar or a slip collar right from the start.

The long line can be supplied by the trainer if only one dog will be doing long line work at a time. Otherwise handlers should be instructed at first session on how to make a long line and should bring it to subsequent sessions.

AKC regulations : 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.

Use of food or toys :
For training purposes handlers should bring their own supply of dog's favored treats or toys to use for training sessions, but of course at some point they need to test the dogs without use of food. Trainer should give a handout on use of "Reward Mark" (meaning "yes, that is what I wanted") and explaining and emphasizing the importance of getting the dog onto a "variable reinforcement schedule" ("slot machine schedule") as soon as each new behavior is learned, because variable reward is more effective in building a durable and reliable response than is rewarding every correct response. Handout should also cover the use of the "No Reward Mark" (which means "sorry, wrong answer, try something else").

AKC regulations : Encouragementbr> 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.

Dogs with problems of fearfulness or aggression :
If someone does want to enroll a dog in this series that has shown a high degree of fearfulness or any degree of overt aggression to other dogs or people, a trainer skilled in dealing with such problems might be willing to allow this if the dog were wearing a "basket" type muzzle every moment dog is not securely confined inside handler's car or a crate and if the owner provides proof of ample liability insurance of at least $100,000. The handler should expect that this dog will not be ready to do the test after just one completion of the course and that a great deal of extra work will need to be done. Some dogs will never be safe in public situations or in some specific situation (such as at the vet's office) without a muzzle. I'd suggest that before admitting such a dog the trainer or organizer should ask other class participants if they are willing to allow this problem dog to be in class and reminding them to be aware of need to give that dog more space and to be aware of that dog's body language. It may be wiser to invite the problem dog's owner to leave the dog home and attend a full course as a spectator, for which no fee would be charged. An attentive spectator can learn a lot.

If there is a "growls class" or a "re-socialization class" being run by someone very experienced in working with dogs with aggression problems that is available anywhere within reach of the owner, then the preferable solution is for the owner to be directed to enroll in that program rather than the CGC preparation course. Having made sufficient improvement through such a program the dog would then be ready to participate safely in a CGC preparatory course.

Urination and defecation during class :
Since the AKC rules specify that urination or defecation during the test, except on test 10 if held outdoors , is a flunk, handlers should be encouraged from the start to get in habit of potty breaking their dogs at home before class and again on arriving at the class site. Trainer can give handout on teaching dog a cue that means "potty now if you need to" by use of the method of giving the cue whenever handler sees from dog's body language that dog is about to eliminate. Handlers should also bring clean up equipment to class of course. Handlers should be told that if despite all precautions the dog should eliminate during a real test and thereby flunk, well just shrug and accept that this is bad luck and it does not reflect discreditably on dog or handler.

AKC regulations : 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.

FIRST SESSION : Pledge, tests 1, 2, & 3

Go over the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge or just hand out copies of it. then do tests 1 , 2 , and 3. Do normal test exercise or exercises first and then for those who have done OK on those , do the supplementary extra exercises. At end of session, hand out agenda for next session.

AKC regulations : Responsible Dog Owners Pledge
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.

Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger

AKC regulations : 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.

Handling tips for Test 1 :

• Dogs who might be overly friendly (rude), attention seeking (nudges, pawing, etc) or exuberant (jumping up) can be taught to do greetings with a Sit or Down. During early training of a jump up dog, the down should be done with the handler's foot firmly on the leash just behind the snap so that any attempt of dog to rise or jump up will be self-correcting.

Supplementary exercises for Test 1 :

• For timid dogs or dogs of unknown temperament, strangers can initially approach obliquely and stand sideways, with somewhat slumped posture and no direct eye contact, and without extending hand towards handler. This is the behavior a very dog-savvy person would use when noticing that the dog seems timid. For timid dogs, initially treats should come from handler while stranger is still at enough distance that dog is not yet afraid; later when stranger is able to stand near dog, stranger can deliver treats
• Once dog has proven OK with the oblique, sideways, non eye-contact version, a more realistic version (and the version likely to be presented at the actual test) should be tried in which the stranger marches up in a direct straight line, stands tall and facing directly frontally towards dog and handler, looks directly at handler's eyes or directly at dog's eyes , and extends hand towards handler to shake hands. In a version that exceeds test specifications, the stranger can actually rush up to handler in excited manner and hug handler : this is the dear friends met by chance version. (Singing "Still Crazy After All These Years" is optional.)
• Strangers wearing large hat, beard(costume or real) , backpack, or poncho, or carrying briefcase or shopping bag or using crutches, walker, wheelchair . Dog can be fed treats bysuch strangers while Sitting or lying Down or Standing very calmly .

Test 2: Sitting politely for petting

AKC regulations : 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.

Handling tips for Test 2 : same as for Test 1.

Supplementary exercises for Test 2 : same as for Test 1 plus the following :

• Stranger extends hand over dog's head then brings it down towards dog's head, then gives a treat from that hand. Ther first time, do this slowly. If dog flinches or looks at all worried, this is something that will need to be worked on with a careful gradual desensitization program. For dogs that are secure on a slow motion, nest do it more abruptly. The ultimate goal is that the dog is totally accepting of even a very rapid movement.
• Stranger bends upper body over the dog and gives dog a treat.. First time do this very slowly and only to a slight degree. Watch dog for signs of uneasyness ; if so , this is something to be worked on with a desenitization program. If dog is secure, repeat with more rapid and more extensive degree of bend over.
• For dogs that are friendly, relaxed, and confident about strangers in all previous exercises, stranger makes a gentle and loose hug around dog's neck, then gives the dog a treat. If the slightest body tension is felt, desist instantly. If the dog accepts a very loose hug, try a somewhat firmer one. Actually it would be best if handler did a loose hug then a firmer one before letting anyone else try giving a hug.

Test 3: Appearance and grooming

AKC regulations : 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.

Handling tips for test 3 :

• Remember to bring your own brush or comb, and use whichever type you know your dog will accept readily.
• Put your dog into whatever position you know he will be most comfortable in and most willing to allow the evaluator to perform the tests in.
• If your dog has some visible condition that looks unhealthy, you might do well to bring a letter from your veterinarian stating that the dog is under treatment or that the condition though unsightly is not causing the dog distress. For example, an older dog might have some large benign lumps or a dog who needs to be on prednisone or has had chemotherapy might have areas of substantial hair loss. An elderly dog might be visibly arthritic.

Supplementary exercises : all should be done by handler before being done by the trainer and then by another class member. Until the dog is totally accepting of handling by its owner-handler, it may be unsafe for anyone but the trainer to attempt these exercises.

• Handler does hugs around dog's neck first loosely than more firmly. Once dog is completely relaxed about handler hugs, the trainer can do a loose hug and then one or more classmates can do a loose hug.
• Handler Downs dog then encourages dog to roll onto side or back for belly massage by handler.
• Overall body handling by handler as if doing a veterinary exam (give handout Myrna Milani's "thousand mile checkup" from her book "DogSmart").
• Foot massage of dog's feet and touch toenails with clipper or grinder without actually cutting nail. If electric outlet available or if grinder is battery powered, turn on and hold in hand with back of hand against dog's foot so vibration comes through the hand. Give generous rewards for dog accepting foot handling ; this is difficult for many dogs because they are evolved as cursorial hunters who run down their prey and therefore depend on uninjured feet to make their living, so they are hard-wired to be worried about any possible threat to their feet. Most dogs can be taught to enjoy a foot massage.
• With dog lying down on its side, handler lies down behind dog's back, then lightly rests an arm accross dog's shoulders and a thigh accross dog's rump. Children do this all the time.
• If electric outlet available or if battery powered clippers available, expose dogs to sound of clippers and to vibration with clippers held in handler's hand with back of hand against dog's body so vibration comes through the hand. Even if your dog is very short coated , sooner or later an occasion will arise when the vet needs to clip some area.

SESSION TWO : tests 4 and 5.

Help those whose dogs do not walk on loose leash to get better response. Teach handlers to hold leash so that it will hang about half-way to ground when dog is walking at handler's side, thus not so long that it drags on ground and is stepped upon by dog or that dog gets a leg over leash and also not so short that the handler is guiding or pulling on the dog. Handler's biggest error is to actually pull on the dog, causing dog to pull against handler and out-pull handler. Teach simple methods of dealing with pulling such as "red light , green light" in which handler stops dead the instant dog takes slack out of leash and continues forward only when dog relaxes tension. Handler instantly turning 180 degrees and going other direction is another correction for dog taking slack out of leash.

Test 4: Out for a walk

AKC regulations :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.

Handling tips :

• If your dog knows the Heel command, use it. (This also applies to other tests in which the dog is walking by your side.)
• Make damn sure you are not pulling or taking the slack out of the leash. The slack must be easily visible to the judge.

Supplementary :

Test 5: Walking through a crowd

AKC regulations :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.

Handling tips : same as for test 4.

Supplementary exercises:

• More crowd work with some people in big hats, poncho, backpack, crutches, wheelchair, walker, etc. If someone can stagger as if intoxicated , that would also be appropriate.
• Include a bicycle, skate-boarder, roller-blader, or jogger ; be sure to include these going in both directions , ie from behind and from in front, and also perpendicularly accross the path of the dog and handler in front of them.
• Include person with baby jogger or carriage in the crowd, maybe with tape recording of baby noises from inside ; or the" baby" could be inside a cargo cart attached to a bicycle.
• For those dogs who are unquestionably safe with humans, include children in the crowd. Possibly children should be at enough distance to ensure safety. Children can run and scream, but only if at a safe distance.

SESSION 3 : tests 6 , 7 , & 8.

Tests 6 & 7 are plain old basic obedience that the teams should already know, but some people may need help. Test 8 is partly a test of social comfort with other dogs, ie resulting from temperament and socialization, and partly a test of handler control gained by obedience training. It may be preferable to break this session into two, one being tests 6 and 7, the other being test 8. Or test 8 could be moved to be part of Session 4.

In conjunction with test 7 , handlers should also receive information (handout) on wisdom of interrupting dog park play from time to time with Recall-Reward-Release, ie dog is called or handler goes to dog and takes collar in hand, then dog is rewarded, then dog is released to "Go Play !" again. This is an Ian Dunbar "life rewards" sequence that improves recall and also lets owner interrupt situations that might be getting into trouble. Note that since dog play tends to contain energetic sequences that the dogs themselves interrupt with calmer interludes, the calmer interludes are the times it is easier to get a dog to recall. Dogs should be rewarded any time they come up to their owners of their own volition, ie thus encouraging the dog to "check in" with the owner.

Tests 6 and 7 : Sit, Down, brief Stay then Recall

AKC regulations :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.

handling tip :

• Anyone not an idiot will already have guessed that you should choose whichever position , Sit or Down, the dog is more stable in for the brief Stay. For most dogs this is likely to be the Down. Older dogs who have trouble rising from the Down are probably better left in the Sit.

supplementary : see below under test 7, as most excercises are relevant to both tests.

AKC regulations : 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.

supplementary :

• Stays and recalls should be practiced at various distances and durations, including those longer than will be in the CGC test.
• Sit-wait at entry and exit of car and passage of gates ; same would be used at home for all doors to exterior. In a park situation if no gate or door is available, one could erect a cardboard door hung on a pair of tee posts or rebar hammered into ground and flanked by cardboard walls.
• Wait inside a car with windows completely open. Wait inside a car with one or more doors completely open. Exercise would be done with dog on a 20 foot long line and handler walking away to near end of line. Handler returns to car and gives dog permission to exit or calls dog to Come and then Sit.
• Sit-wait near door while someone else (visitor) enters and is greeted by dog's handler. It would be nice to include a doorbell (there are portable battery powered ones or just a bicycle ringer) and door knocking (two pieces< of wood slapped together).
• Stays and Recalls while children play nearby, including running and screaming and / or thowing balls or frisbees or playing tug of war , ie anything normal children are likely to do. If inside a fenced area, do stays and recalls while two or more other dogs are playing.

AKC regulations : 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.

handling tips :

• As handler approaches the other team, instead of walking in a direct straight line towards them, take a slightly arcing route that arcs towards the side that is away from the other dog.
• It's prudent to use any cue you have to focus the dog's gaze away from the other dog's eyes. Directing the dog's gaze at the handler's face or hand is the easiest way of doing this. If your dog is the least bit inclined towards dog to dog aggression, keeping him from making eye contact is crucial. Putting your dog on a Down, preferably at enough angle that he is faced off to the side of the other dog, will also defuse any challenging reaction the other dog might make and will tend to calm both dogs.
• For dog-friendly dogs, it's prudent that dog to be told to Sit or Down to prevent trying to sniff or initiate play.
• Remember to be very calm and casual yourself, remember to breathe normally or a bit slower and deeper (which calms yourself), and remember to keep some slack in the leash while still being prepared to act to control your dog if he lunges. Actually if you think your dog might lunge at the other, your dog is not ready for a test.

supplementary excercises :

• Work on cues to focus the dog on the handler's face or a hand held in such a way as to direct dog's gaze away from other dog. Direct and sustained eye contact is challenging to another dog and may provoke an escalation of challenge back.
• Teach handlers and dogs how to do a pass-by in which each arcs away from the other's path so as to give the other more room, like a mini-detour. For most dogs this can be a fairly slight arc, but for more "dog hot" dogs, begin with huge arcs. Do passes that have handlers passing each other with dogs on outside, then progress to passes with dogs passing each other with handlers on outside.
• Teach handlers how to do a "back away". While walking towards another dog or other object of interest to your dog, put yourself into reverse , ie walk backwards, and call your dog to come towards you as in a recall or the "come front" exercise of obedience. Because you are backing up, you can still see the other dog or object of interest so you will know what it is doing, and because your dog is coming towards you, your dog's back is towards the other dog or object of interest and this should defuse the other dog's concern, fear, or aggression. (The "back away" is a key exercise from Brenda Aloff's excellent text "Aggression in Dogs" ; the pass-by with arc is also from her text. These are both valuable for all dog handlers to practice whether or not your own dog is dog-aggressive or people-aggressive, because sooner or later you will need to use these when encountering another dog who appears to possibly be dog-aggressive or people-aggressive.)
• Have meetings between several different pairs of dogs. to begin with easiest meetings and then escalate, do opposite sex meetings first, then same sex meetings between altered dogs , then same sex between intact dogs. If any dog in class is known to be dog aggressive, only the most dog-calm and socially skilled dogs should be paired with that one for the initial encounters and the wide arc pass-by method should be used. Quit while things are still going well.
• Give info or handout on use of citronella spray product "Direct Stop" as a way to repell off leash dogs who approach in a potentially aggressive manner. This product is harmless, easy to carry in your pocket or on your belt, and is effective at repelling most dogs (though not all dogs).

SESSION 4 : tests 9 & 10.

In test 9 , distraction, joggers, cyclist, skater or skate-boarder, crutch , walker etc reappear, as do the other supplementary crowd exercises. A cat safely inside a wire crate is another possible distraction.

Test 9: Reaction to distraction

AKC regulations :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.

Handling tips : same as for the crowd and dog to dog meetings.

Supplementary exercises : same as for crowd exercise, but now these distractions are at a greater distance and can be more intense. Additional exercises could include :

• Child or adult pulling a little red wagon or other vehicle in which a child is riding, probably with the riding child making noises, eg clapping hands, singing, banging a wooden stick on a drum or cooking pot.
• Two people arguing loudlywith out without physical altercation (pulling and grabbing at one another or wrestling each other). This type of distraction has been used in some CGC tests in the past and can be very arousing for some dogs, either those from natural protection breeds or those with some previous protection training. If you think this test is "unfair" to a dog who has had protection training, I'd reply that it is totally irresponsible to have such a dog in public if you don't have enough control to deal with this kind of situation safely, ie to be able to turn off any aroused or aggressive reaction.
• Person with bunch of helium filled balloons.
• Person or persons playing musical instruments (or holding instruments and music coming out of battery opperated player).
• People playing ball sports, eg one or more people dribbling a basketball and tossing it between them. If a bat is being swung , I advise use of plastic bats to reduce risk of accidentally hitting anyone.
• Picnic on the lawn : one or more blankets with people sitting on them and eating food. If more than one set of people, have only about three feet between sets and have dog walked down that aisle.
• Person in Halloween costume. (The best time to buy is day after Halloween or else at a thrift store.) For some years one of my trainer friends would have "Apes and Banjos Night" on the 7th or 8th week of her 10 week course : during an on-leash heeling exercise, out of a shed would come a person (me) in a gorilla suit carrying and playing a guitar. (Note that the person has to read dog's body language carefully to avoid making any dog more than mildly worried and to avoid getting bitten by any over-reacting dog.) A witch with a broomstick would be another possibility : cackling "I'll get you my pretty, and your little dog too" would be optional (except at Cairn Terrier Specialties where it would be mandatory).
• Other ideas may be inspired by observations at public parks and playgrounds, Farmers' Markets, Flea Markets, and other public events. Class members should be urged to seek out oppetunities in their own neighborhoods. For example in my town the summer Wednesday night Farmers' Market includes (besides the many food sellers) a multitude of picnic parties closely grouped (and some of them as oddly dressed or undressed as those in Manet's "Dejuner Sur l'Herbe"), a music ensemble (ofen quite loud), large numbers of dogs and children, air filled "bounce houses" with shrieking children inside, a merry-go-round, and often a pony ride. Any dog who can remain composed and relaxed in this situation is a dog who has a stable enough temperament to be a Disability Assistance Dog.

Test 10: Supervised separation

AKC regulations :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").

handling tips :

• For dogs who might be antsy or too intrusive with the person (eg pawing or shovel snouting for attention), it may be good idea to leave dog on Down-stay about half leash length away from the person
• Down-stay also prevents male dog from lifting leg on something, eg person's chair. (although rules do not penalize dog for peeing on ground outdoors, I am not sure that some testers would not object to the dog peeing on the chair and possibly hitting the person ; I am fairly sure the person would find this undesirable.

Supplementary

• Do with at least one male person and at least one female, possibly also a dog-savvy child; possibly with hat, beard, or other odd appearance.
• Do with person talking and with person silent.
• Do with person petting dog and with person ignoring dog totally.

still more supplementary exercises, not related to test segments :

• prevention of food guarding: demo to the students how to do the protocol for teaching dog that a human approaching or touching food bowl is something wonderful because human will add goodies. Suggest students use a BBQ tong rather than their own hand to pick up bowl during first few instances of picking up bowl to add goodie if they have even the faintest doubt of dog's reaction. If students were instructed to bring dog's daily meal with them, some practice can be done at the end of class ; however since presence of other dogs can exacerbate any food guarding tendencies, this may not be wise.
• prevention of object guarding : demo how to do protocol for teaching dog to do "object exchanges" by asking dog to release and object in exchange for treat or another object, with original object likely to be given back to dog afterwards. Have students practice. (Ideally they were told to bring a few toys with them). If this dog has no interest in toys, then don't bother with this exercise.
• Teach go to crate (portable) and go to mat (bath mat) as ways to send the dog to a portable resting place that will have the dog out of the way. Taught on long line with treats. Dog is sent with verbal and/or hand signal and should go to the place and lie down. This is similar to the Pause Table or Pause Box obstacle in Agility except the dog should learn to relax and expect to be left there a while.

SESSION FIVE : the whole test

Dry run of the entire test with AKC allowable equipment, but with corrections and repetitions allowed. This lets the owners know what they still might need to work on. Traier will probably need to recruit some added people without dogs to perform various test roles. Alternatively some handlers would have to bring crates to crate their dogs in the shade while participating as test personel.

Or if a licensed tester is available and the trainer is fairly sure most dog-handler teams are ready to pass cleanly and proudly, then a real test could be scheduled as the final session.

• Hints on Handling at CGC tests. This is an update from an article I wrote back in 1989 or 1990 soon after the AKC invented this test. I've updated it to show changes in rules. At the end there is a heart-felt plea for AKC to make this test a pre-requisite to breeding and to add a second and third level of testing ; and there is a call to arms for all responsible dog people to urge legislators to recognize that training is every bit as important to reducing shelter intakes and killings and to making dogs safer and better behaved in public situations and therefore legislators should incorporate CGC as a simple proof of training in dog licencing schemes rather than focusing exclusively on spay/neuter issues.
• "Aggression in Dogs : Practical Maangement, Prevention, and Behavior Modification" by Brenda Aloff, Dogwise (<http://www.dogwise.com>) is the source of the "Back Away" and "Pass-By with Arc" concepts and exercises. This is an outstanding book which I will review at some later date. An absolute must read for trainers and for anyone whose dog has any hint of fearfulness or aggression towards other dogs or towards humans. Her seminars are likewise well worth attending.