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Frequently asked Questions

What is the Canine Good Citizen Test?

 

The Canine Good Citizen Test was developed by the American Kennel Club to reward responsible owners and their dogs who have manners at home and in the community.  You, the owner, will sign a pledge stating you will be responsible for your dogs safety and not let your dog infringe on the rights of others.  If you are looking to take your training further with your dog, such as obedience, agility, tracking or other sport competitions, the CGC Certification is the first step.  Not only will you receive a Certificate, but you have the option of giving your dog a CGC title.  You can review more information on the title here.

 

There are 10 test items for this test, which we will work on each week, to ensure you and your dog are ready.  No treats or toys are allowed in the test, as well as certain training equipment.  You are, however, encouraged to use as much praise as needed.  How is this possible you ask?  It is possible with your patience, determiniation, more patience and consistency.  PANT Dog Training Services will be with you every step of the way to help you and your dog bond and succeed.  

 

Any breed of dog at any age is welcome to take the test.  However, because puppies have shorter attention spans and since it takes time for puppies to work reliably, the S.T.A.R. Puppy class began so these puppies can learn at their pace and enjoy some socializing while at it.  You can review these FAQ's below.

 

The 10 test items are as follows:

  1. Accepting a friendly stranger

  2. Sitting politely for petting

  3. Appearance and grooming

  4. Loose leash walking

  5. Walking through a group of people

  6. Sit / Down

  7. Stay / Recall

  8. Reaction to other dogs

  9. Reaction to distractions

  10. Supervised separation

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What is the S.T.A.R. Puppy course?

 

Just like the CGC Test, this American Kennel Club course was designed to reward responsible owners and their puppies.  This course was designed to make things easier for puppies, which allows treats during the test.  

  • Socializing is important for puppies, as they are at their imprint stage of life.  Without experiences and being socialized to other dogs and people, they can become fearful as they move into adulthood.  Not knowing how to react to situations could turn into fear and aggression.  

  • Training your puppy now and well into adulthood will help you build a bond with your dog, as well as show respect to others by not letting your dog infringe on their rights.

  • Activity is also important to help prevent destructive behaviors from developing.   Both mental and physical exercise is important to dogs.  Giving your puppy, or older dog, exercise along with a job will help get rid of pent-up energy and fight boredom.

  • Responsibility - Owning a dog is a lifetime commitment.  You are responsible for your dog's health, behavior, training and cleaning up after.  

 

The steps that will be tested in this class are as follows:

 

OWNER BEHAVIORS:

1. Maintains puppy's health (vaccines, exams, appears healthy)

2. Owner receives Responsible Dog Owner's Pledge

3. Owner describes adequate daily play and exercise plan

4. Owner and puppy attend at least 6 classes by an AKC Approved CGC Evaluator

5. Owner brings bags to classes for cleaning up after puppy

6. Owner has obtained some form of ID for puppy - ID Tag, Microchip, etc.

 

PUPPY BEHAVIORS:

7. Free of aggression toward people

8. Free of aggression toward other puppies in class

9. Tolerates collar or body harness of owner's choice

10. Owner can hug or hold puppy (depending on size)

11. Puppy allows owner to take away a treat or toy

 

PRE-CANINE GOOD CITIZEN® TEST BEHAVIORS:

12. Allows (in any position) petting by a person other than the owner

13. Grooming - allows owner handling and brief exam (ears, feet)

14. Walks on a leash - follows owner on lead in a straight line (15 steps)

15. Walks by other people - walks on leash past other people 5-ft away

16. Sits on command - owner may use a food lure

17. Down on command - owner may use a food lure

18. Comes to owner from 5-ft when name is called

19. Reaction to distractions - distractions are presented 15-ft away

20. Stay on leash with another person (owner walks 10 steps and returns)

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What happens if I miss a group class?

 

We do not have make-up days for missed group classes.  If you miss a class on test day, please email your instructor so arrangements can be made for you to take the test at a later date/time.

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What happens when there is inclement weather?

 

Our goal is to ensure the safety of every handler/dog team.  PANT Dog Training Services will not hold classes if the Southern Tioga School District closes due to inclement weather.  Your instructor may still hold classes on hot or rainy days.  You will be notified one hour prior to the start of class if classes will be canceled.

 

In the event of classes being canceled due to incliment weather, the class missed will be held the following week at the same day/time and all remaining classes will be pushed back one week.

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Can I observe a class?

 

Absolutely!  We recommend you research your trainer and find a good fit for you and your dog.  

 

Please contact us prior to showing up to a class, so we can confirm dates and times.  We also ask you to leave your dog at home.  

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Can I bring family members with me to group class?

 

Dog training requires consistency.  We do encourage all members of the family to come to class. However, we ask that only one person holds the leash, gives the command and treats at the same time, so as to not confuse your dog.

 

Children are welcome to come to class, but due to liabiity issues, children under the age of 10 are not allowed to handle dogs in class.  If you do need to bring a child, please bring another adult to watch over the child.

 

At home, we encourage all members of the family to work with the dog using the same commands and techniques for consistency.

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