The CGN is a CKC (Canadian Kennel Club) twelve-step program designed to ensure that your canine companion has achieved the socialization and basic manners necessary for your dog to participate as a valued member of society on easy terms with people/other dogs in the public domain. A reliable and trustworthy dog companion is a pleasure to an owner and to all those who come in contact with them. The aim is for your dog to be an ambassador that will set you both as an example of what a dog companion team should look like, not a reason to be resented by the public at large. The program includes both purebred dogs and mixed breeds. The test is a fair calculation of the skills necessary for you and your dog to operate as an exemplary team out and about in society.
The twelve steps which in the test must all be successfully passed include the following:
- Three stages of socialization that demonstrate reasonable greeting skills, petting and tolerance to handling by a friendly stranger.
- Loose Leash walking. Walking beside the handler as directed by an evaluator. Also proceeding through a busy crowd without undue concern or loss of rapport as a team.
- Position skills with duration. The handler leaves the dog in a chosen position and after a short distance resumes the original heel position.
- Recall proficiency
- Praise/Interaction. The team play without toy aides and the dog on request is able to calmly settle.
- Visual and auditory distractions. This includes a variety of possible diversions such as people, a passing dog, wheelchairs, buggies, children running ect. Only mild interest should be notable.
- The ability of your dog to be left with a third party and not become anxious exhibiting lunging, panting or barking behaviors.
- Door manners. An enjoyable walk begins with an organized calm departure from your front door! Many unfortunate incidences begin with a dog charging out the door and barrelling down the street into danger.
All these skills must be met with team work, control of your dog without a display of shyness, resentment or aggression. The owner needs to have control of their dog at all times without harsh leash control or cross commands.
The CGN six -week course offered at the Nanaimo Kennel Club will help to prepare your team for this test which is held on the island in various venues throughout the year. A dog that takes the Cgn test but does not pass is considered simply not ready and welcome to try again. The course and the test are great relationship builders giving you a curriculum structure for your training pleasure to master over time. Note that this course is not competition level standards and is well within the capability of any conscientious team interested in pursuing this fun activity.
Prerequisite: Either a Beginner class or a more mature dog who has the basic skills already in place.