The AKC's Canine Good Citizen Program June 2003 D5DOG is offering CGC workshops and an offical testing day available to all members and non-members alike. Participants must have basic obedience skills mastered (by either having completed a basic obedience class already, or through home schooling) and be friendly and well-socialized. Taking the course will not necessarily mean that you will also pass the CGC test. Pro dog-walker/trainer Joe Hague has graciously volunteered to oversee to practice sessions and will lend his experience to assisting those who need help with the exercises. To learn more about the actual test visit the AKC CGC site. The Canine Good Citizen Certificate Testing was created by the American Kennel Club in an effort to stop the growing "anti-dog" sentiment of the 1990s. The AKC Canine Good Citizen Program tests dogs in an atmosphere that most simulates everyday situations. Some of the benefits of CGC certification for your dog are: Fun, easy test where your dog can earn an official AKC title, irregardless of their bloodlines - all dogs of any background can participate in the test and have equal opportunity to earn the title CGC certified dogs are generally more readily accepted by not so dog-friendly hotels, events and landlords Some therapy dog programs require a CGC certificate or will accept it in lieu of their own testing certificates Dog and owner/guardian are better prepared for behaving well under unfamiliar/challenging situations Dog is better accepted in most social situations Owner has proven to have good control over their leashed dog by an authoritative body Official AKC CGC Certificate is awarded Visit our events page for the basic schedule - workshops are to be held every Sunday starting on 7/20 from 10-11:00am. The AKC CGC Test day is Saturday, August 23rd from 10am-2pm. Dogs are evaluated on a pass/fail basis. To qualify for the CGC Certificate a dog must pass all of the 10 test items. If you want to be involved, just show up. The actual AKC test costs $15, and a donation to D5DOG is appreciated - donation proceeds will go towards park improvements for the West-side DPA. The practice sessions are free, sponsored/organized by D5DOG with time volunteered by Joe Hague. A current city license and proof of rabies vaccination is required on testing day. If you are not licensed, we will include a SF Animal Care & Control licensing table on the day of the test - so you can get licensed AND get your CGC! For more information, please e-mail Kasie.

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