Canine Good Citizen Testing

*Canine Good Citizen Testing is nolonger availalbe through Flying Dog*

What's Canine Good Citizen Test (CCGCT) About?

The Canadian Canine Good Citizen Test is a certification program that tests and identifies dogs that have the training and demeanor to be reliable family members as well as good-standing community members. The program tests dogs in simulated everyday situations in a relaxed atmosphere and is open to both purebred and mixed-breed dogs. The CCGCT is a must for any dog and owner who wish to pursue any type of therapy work.

What the Purpose of the CCGCT?

The purpose of The Canadian Canine Good Citizen Test is to ensure that our favorite companion can be a respected member of the community because she is trained and conditioned to act mannerly in the home, in public places and in the presence of other dogs.

Canine Good Citizen Training is fun and useful. Through it, you and your dog will establish a closer bond and you can be confident in your skills as a trainer and your dogs ability to understand and respond to your commands. This test of your dog's manners and training is not a competition and does not require that you and your dog perform with precision.

The Human Animal Bond Association of Canada urges all dog owners to participate in this program, thereby assuring that our beloved dogs will always be welcomed and respected members of the community. However, the HABAC is not responsible for the application of the test, the results, or subsequent behaviour of tested dogs.

What Will My Dog and I be Tested On?

The things each dog is tested on are listed below:

• Accepting a friendly stranger: a key in good neighbor relations with adults and children. Owner shakes hand with a friendly stranger.
• Patiently sitting for petting: a test for shyness and restraint.
• Appearance & grooming: The owner's care & sense of responsibility show in how he or she keeps their dog.
• Out for a walk: illustrates handler's control of the dog.
• Walking through a crowd: shows that the dog moves around in a crowd without being unduly distressed and is under handler control.
• Commands: sit, down, stay, come: this illustrates that the dog has been trained and responds well to its handler/owner.
• Praise/interactions: shows the dog's relationship with its owner and that it can be calmed down easily.
• Reaction to passing dogs: this test demonstrates that the dog behaves politely around other dogs.
• Distractions: shows that the dog is confident when faced with common distractions.
• Supervised isolation: this test shows that the dog can be left with someone other than its usual handler & will maintain its training & good manners.

*Good manners are expected at all times. Any dog that jumps up on a person, lunges at another dog or displays unruly behaviour is automatically disqualified.

*Flying Dog's level 2 class "Life Skills" is recommended, but not a prerequisite for taking the CCGCT.

Who Judges My Dog and I?

To keep any bias to a minimum and ensure all impartiality Tara Szczygiel (Flying Dog's Owner and Trainer) will not be administering any of the CCGCTs. Certified evaluator and professional dog walker Jackie Stackleberg will evaluate all dogs. Jackie is an experienced evaluator and is tough but fair.

When Is the Next Testing Date?

Testing is held several times a year. Check the Schedules page on Flying Dog's web site for upcoming test dates and location.

If you are interested in taking the test with your dog, please email info@flyingdog.ca for more information.

For More information on The Human animal Bond Association of Canada you can check out their website: www.habac.ca