[alaskayorkie]

Am I the only one this infuriates?

Courtney (c101Yorkie) just put Sapphire through a test to become a therapy dog through Therapy Dogs United. Part of their testing requirement is for the dog to pass the Canine Good Citizen test. But AKC, which administers that, requires that all dogs wear a buckle collar around the neck. Harnesses are not allowed.

So if you've got a Yorkie with a sensitive neck, you're forced to take a chance. And during the testing, they do a distraction test where the dog is deliberately startled.

AKC does have a way around it, but it requires that a vet certify that the dog has an "extreme" injury.

Here's AKC's rule on that. I'd be interested in your thoughts:

“Owner states Vet will not allow dog to wear collar. If the dog has an extreme medical condition and the owner is unable to participate using the collars listed, the AKC needs a signed statement from the Veterinarian (on their letterhead) explaining the medical condition. This can be provided to the AKC CGC testing official at the time of testing. The statement needs to include verification that the dog’s medical condition is so severe that he/she is not medically able to use a thin slip lead for a period of about 10 minutes (the estimated time it takes to complete the Canine Good Citizen Test). The AKC believes that a dog trained and ready for the CGC test will not pull or put pressure on the trachea. If the dog’s medical condition is verified, and it is suggested by a professional Veterinarian to forgo the approved collars, the Canine Good Citizen test can be given in the harness. However, absolutely no pulling on the harness is permitted, and will be grounds for failure.”