Jackson got his AKC CGC!

[Britster]

Okay, Jackson is 8 years old and I still hadn't gotten around to getting him his AKC Canine Good Citizen...

We went to the Dog Fest today in Maryland and also got to meet up with Taylor (Lovetodream88) and Callie, Joey and Penny! So glad to finally meet you

We decided to try for the CGC with BOTH Jackson and Lola (2 year old cockapoo). Jackson is a pretty well behaved dog in public and in my eyes he has always been a good citizen and representation of canines. He goes in public with me a lot and has always behaved himself in stores, parks, hotels, yada yada.

BUT with the test, I always feared that he would fail due to 2 main things: he doesn't like being separated from me (when the Evaluator holds his leash and I walk away out of sight) and he also doesn't really trust strangers so he sometimes shy's away or backs away when people try to pet him. Oh and he is slightly noise sensitive - he can get spooked by loud noises.

He aced them all. She even dropped a clipboard and it made a loud noise and he just looked at her like "WTF are you doing lady?" and barely flinched.

Then Lola, our 2 year old cockapoo. I haven't worked with her quite as much as Jackson but she's had the same amount of socialization etc. She also has major separation anxiety from me. She even passed with flying colors!

Proud of my little dorks.

Also photo attached of Jackson with Joey!

[MissPixi]

Wow I'm happy for you and yours!

What does it mean to get the good citizen achievement? I haven't heard of it before...

[Maximo]

Congratulations Jackson, Lola, and Brittany! I'm deeply impressed, although not surprised that your 2 pups passed.

Jackson is like, "Of course I passed."

Lola is like:"Was that a test? I was just having fun."

I'm so envious that you got to meet up with Taylor and her pack. Adorable pic of Jackson and Joey! M&T love meeting other Yorkies, as they did at the vet's office last week. It's amazing how they know their own kind (although Max thinks GSDs are big Yorkies, lol).

[Maximo]

For the loud noise, the clipboard dropping, can the dog jump back, move at all? M&T would definitely jump because they fear having something dropped on them.

[Britster]

Originally Posted by Maximo

Congratulations Jackson, Lola, and Brittany! I'm deeply impressed, although not surprised that your 2 pups passed.

Jackson is like, "Of course I passed."

Lola is like:"Was that a test? I was just having fun."

I'm so envious that you got to meet up with Taylor and her pack. Adorable pic of Jackson and Joey! M&T love meeting other Yorkies, as they did at the vet's office last week. It's amazing how they know their own kind (although Max thinks GSDs are big Yorkies, lol).

LOL, you nailed it. That's exactly their personalities. And we need a VA/MD yorkie meet up soon for sure. I'd love to meet you, Max, and Teddy.

Originally Posted by Maximo

For the loud noise, the clipboard dropping, can the dog jump back, move at all? M&T would definitely jump because they fear having something dropped on them.

Yes, they are allowed to! Here is the description:

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.

[maxdog]

Congrats!

[Britster]

Originally Posted by MissPixi

Wow I'm happy for you and yours!

What does it mean to get the good citizen achievement? I haven't heard of it before...

It's often a first step for dogs in terms of getting 'titles' etc behind their name. Then you can do bigger and better things if you so wish. You could go later and become therapy dog etc.

Here is some info:
What Is Canine Good Citizen? - American Kennel Club

Here are the steps they have to pass:

Training/Testing: CGC Test Items

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. For collars, dogs should wear well-fitting buckle or slip collars made of leather, fabric, or chain. Special training collars such as pinch collars, head halters, and electronic collars are not permitted in the CGC test.
As of November 4, 2010, body harnesses may be used in the CGC test. The evaluator should check to make sure the harness is not of a type that completely restricts the dog's movement such that it could not pull or jump up if it tried.
We recognize that special training collars such as head collars and no-jump harnesses 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 equipment that allows the evaluator to see that the dog has been trained.
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.

[Maximo]

I don't think Max would do down in that setting. He also has a problem with wanting to sniff ankles when walking past people, at least he does in town on busy sidewalks. It's embarrassing!

[Wylie's Mom]

He is my HERO !!!

Congrats Jackson - SO PROUD of you!!!!

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[TxVicki]

YEAH A BIG CONGRATULATIONS to Jackson and Lola.

[matese]

Good job Jackson and Lola. Jackson looks soooo proud, Lola's expression is "is that all there is?" lol. You must be very proud of your babies, all your hard work paid off. Congrats

[Britster]

Originally Posted by Maximo

I don't think Max would do down in that setting. He also has a problem with wanting to sniff ankles when walking past people, at least he does in town on busy sidewalks. It's embarrassing!

LOL. Lola never laid down She is weird about laying on hard floor (so is Jackson so I was surprised he did it). They just allowed her to sit. I think the rule was as long as they stayed in 1 of those positions, they could pass. And they didn't make her stay very long. I think they gave her a pass on the down because I mentioned the hard floor. They saw she was trying to lay down when I told her to and then she wouldn't because the floor lol

The evaluator could see that they obviously were good dogs (i.e. no aggression, leash pulling, etc). Jackson kind of sniffed a dogs butt for a split second as we walked by, but easily kept walking and didn't pull on leash and they passed him. It was a great place to do the test because it's a Dog Fest ha! So it was perfect for the trainer to be able to see how they act in a real world busy environment such as that.

She seemed impressed with them! I wonder if they had a lot of fails

[Britster]

Originally Posted by matese

Good job Jackson and Lola. Jackson looks soooo proud, Lola's expression is "is that all there is?" lol. You must be very proud of your babies, all your hard work paid off. Congrats

LoL yep that's Lola for ya! And thanks! I definitely was beaming

[Lovetodream88]

Congrats it was very nice to meet y'all. We do need some kinda meet up that would be fun.

[MissPixi]

Originally Posted by Britster

It's often a first step for dogs in terms of getting 'titles' etc behind their name. Then you can do bigger and better things if you so wish. You could go later and become therapy dog etc.

Here is some info:
What Is Canine Good Citizen? - American Kennel Club

Here are the steps they have to pass:

Thank you for the great info. I appreciate it! Congrats again to you and your smart and well behaved kiddos!!!