Citizen Canine Dog Forum

[helen]

Saturday, October 28, 2006 -- WereWoofles Wag'oween!

Join Woofles Barking Boutique and Citizen Canine in Market Square for an afternoon of canine Halloween fun!

Costume and Trick contests will spotlight between 2 and 2:45. Contest entry is by minimum $3.00 donation to support GVAC's free Vet Clinic for people with low incomes - an extremely appreciated service. Get ready to strut your stuff!!

Citizen Canine is hosting the official CKC Canine Good Neighbour Program between 1 and 4PM. Cost for registration and certificate is $20.00. We recommend you pre-register as time slots are limited and will quickly fill: cgn@citizencanine.org or 217-9877 (Costumes are not required but certainly welcome!)

[helen]

There are still spots open for this testing. If you would like to earn your dog his or her CGN certificate, come on down to the Square.

Please remember to bring proof of vaccination, and your dog's license. Your dog's collar must be a well-fitting slip, buckle or martingale collar, made of fabric, leather or chain. Pinch collars, any type of harness, and halties are not permitted in the CKC Canine Good Neighbour Program.

If you would like to learn more about the official Canadian Kennel Club Canine Good Neighbour Program, this is your opportunity.

Lots of people have requested information about the "rules". Here they are:

General Official 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 centres 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 every 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 ?Not Ready? basis.
e) Dog 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 whose behaviour 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. As 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 checked at registration table
The handler is required to bring the following material to the official test:
_______ Proof of vaccination certificate
_______ Registered name/ number in the case of a purebred dog
_______ Current dog license
_______ Evaluation/ certificate fee for the official testing (may vary)
_______ 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 inoculations certificates and/ or licenses. Requirements vary from community to community. The purpose of the immunization record is to ensure responsible use of a Veterinarian.

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 the 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 re-tested 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 ?Pass? - 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 lifetime. 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.

Evaluators
Evaluators and instructors are individuals with backgrounds in conformation, obedience, and fieldwork as well as those who work with therapy dogs, as groomers or in humane shelters. They possess a strong understanding of dog behaviour and they are aware of a dog?s role in society and society?s attitude toward dogs. They are required to participate in training sessions and hands-on practice sessions before attaining evaluator status. Additionally, they must pass a written examination. Evaluators are required to walk through the test site in order to ensure the area is satisfactory and is a safe environment.

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.

[helen]

Thank your to our CKC Evaluator Alexandra Weynerowski of Canine Companions, and the DLCC.

Special thanks to Market Square Administration for opening up the entire Square for this very special event!

A big round of applause for our amazing volunteers who worked so hard to put this event on, and to our Friendly Dog Matthias (and handler Tammy).

Most of all, CONGRATULATIONS to Greater Victoria's newest CKC Canine Good Neighbour dogs! Well done!

Sincerely,

Citizen Canine's Canine Good Neighbour Working Group