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GENERAL TEST INFORMATION
a) The CGN Tests are sponsored by local dog clubs, private dog training schools, pet therapy societies, community colleges,
service organizations, pet supply stores, and some veterinary clinics.
b) Tests will be conducted inside or outside in everyday, busy locations such as shopping malls, hotels, community centers
or parks. They are not conducted in quiet locations such as regular dog training halls.
c) The tests will demonstrate that a dog can respond to such commands as "sit", "down", "stay", "come" and "heel" and that
they can be put into practice very day. A handler must work with a dog to achieve a response to these commands.
d) The evaluator assigns ratings to handlers and their dogs on a "Pass" or "No Ready" basis.
e) Dogs must be at least 6 months old to participate in the test.
f) The test is non-competitive. Dogs are not required to have formal obedience training in order to participate in
or successfully complete this test.
g) In order to pass, a dog must satisfy the evaluator that it is:
- One whose behaviour would be acceptable in one's home.
- One who would be welcomed as a neighbour.
- One who is well mannered in the presence of a variety of people, dogs and situations.
- One who is well groomed and allows examination and grooming.
h) Interaction between handlers and dogs during the tests is encouraged. Handlers may talk to their dogs and quietly
assist them to perform the tests. The dogs must be attentive and respond to their handler's movements and words.
An occasional tight lead is permitted, but constant straining is unacceptable. Hugs, pats and words of encouragement
are welcomed.
i) Food, toys and other training aids are not permitted during testing.
j) Successful completion of this test does not mean that the dog/handler team is automatically deemed suitable for pet
therapy visitation or work.
k) The CGN title does not form part of the dog's official registration papers. It is meant to reward the dog for
having good manners, thereby gaining a greater acceptance of it in the community.
l) While the CKC encourages all dog owners to participate in this program, the CKC is not responsible for conducting a
CGN test, or for any subsequent behaviour of tested dogs.
REQUIRED MATERIAL
The handler is required to bring the following equipment to the test:
- Proof of vaccination certificate
- Dog license (if required by local dog control bylaws)
- Test fee
- A leash not less than .75 meters (2’) nor longer than 2 meters (6’) in length (Acceptable collars include
a well-fitting slip, buckle or martingale collar, made of fabric, leather or chain. All other types of collars are unacceptable.)
- A grooming tool – either a brush or comb
- A plastic bag for picking up after your dog
IMMUNIZATION
At registration, owners must present all locally required inoculation certificates and/or licenses. Requirements
vary from community to community. Please check with the sponsoring organization to determine local bylaw requirements.
RATINGS
All evaluator decisions are final.
PASS: The
handler/dog team has earned the title of Canadian Kennel Club Canine Good Neighbour and will receive a certificate attesting
to this accomplishment.
NOT READY: The
handler/dog team assessed as "Not Ready" may participate in future tests.
Any of the following behaviours may result in a rating of "Not Ready":
- Dogs sniffing excessively, so as to interfere with appropriate walking on a leash
- Handlers who use force or an excessively loud voice in an attempt to control the dog
- Dogs exhibiting excessive shyness
- Dogs barking or vocalizing excessively
- Dogs urinating or defecating during testing
- Dogs charging ahead of the handler during the Walk through a door/gate test (Test 12)
Disqualification:
A dog that displays unruly behaviour at any time will be immediately disqualified and removed from the test area.
Unruly behaviour is defined as aggression, growling, or lunging at people and/or dogs, biting or attempting to bite and fighting.
A dog that has been disqualified can be retested at a later date.
Handlers who shout or mishandle their dogs will be cautioned that such conduct is not acceptable and will not earn certification
if such handling continues.
Handlers of dogs, which receive a "Not Ready" rating, will be encouraged to continue working with their dogs and given
tips on how to improve the dog's performance.
CERTIFICATION
Dogs are rated as "Pass" or "Not Ready". The Canadian Kennel Club issues certificates for dogs rated "Passed" and
blank certificates may not be photocopied. Once the test is completed, the sponsoring organization will submit to the CKC
the Registration/Evaluation form along with the certification fee for each dog that passed. The Canadian Kennel Club
will issue certificates for all dogs that pass the test whether they be purebred or of mixed breed.
There is no expiration of CGN certification. It is hoped that the knowledge gained relative to responsible dog ownership
will last a lifetime. However, there is no guarantee that a dog will continue to behave in the manner required to obtain
the CGN for its entire life. Just as one's typing skills diminish without practice, a dog's skills diminish without
practice. It is important for owners to continue to work with the dog long after the test date has passed, not only
to maintain peak performance, but for the satisfaction of both owner and dog.
HANDLERS WITH DISABILITIES
The CGN program welcomes and encourages handlers with disabilities to participate in the Canine Good Neighbour program.
If necessary, evaluators may make minor changes to test procedures to accommodate handlers with disabilities.
TRAINING FOR THE TEST
An owner may individually train a dog for this test, but training with a group or class can be fun and helpful.
Many CKC accredited clubs and local training schools offer programs that prepare handler/dog teams for CKC CGN testing.
Contact your local dog clubs, pet therapy societies, pet supply stores or veterinary clinics for training centre information.
List of tests:
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