The Chow Chow as a Canine Good Citizen (CGC)

THE KUSA CANINE GOOD CITIZEN TESTS

Several years ago the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club decided that although competitive Obedience Classes were excellent and that a number of Clubs and individuals were holding socialization classes nothing formal had been laid down as to exactly what was required to make a dog a ‘Good Citizen’.

The Americans and the British worked completely separately, and might not even have had contact with each other on the subject of the Good Citizen scheme. After a year or so of pilot studies both Kennel Clubs produced their own schemes which, although the same in principle, were different in detail. It was about this time that the Federal Council decided that a similar scheme was needed for South Africa and set about formulating one. In addition to specific requirements for South Africa, the Kennel Union Canine Good Citizen has elements of both the American and British Tests in its make up. With this background now let us answer some of the questions we get asked.

 

ARE THE TESTS COMPETITIVE?
Definitely not.

WHICH DOGS CAN TAKE PART?
Any dog, purebred, crossbred or mongrel can take part and there is no particular age limit.

HOW ARE THE TESTS MADE UP?
There are thirteen tests, which apart from the first two can be taken in any order and as often as you like. Tests one and two are simply to show that you have produced your dog, healthy, clean and groomed and it will let someone like a vet or groomer examine it and that you can put on a collar and lead. The other eleven tests range from‘Present for Examination on a Lead’ through ‘Reaction to Distractions’ to ‘Lie down and Stay on command’.

 

WHO CAN HOLD THE TESTS?

Any KUSA affiliated Club or other organisation acceptable to KUSA.

 

HOW CAN I FIND OUT WHERE THE TESTS ARE BEING HELD?

KUSA does not always know who is holding tests - your best route would be to contact the Secretary of the local Kennel Union Provincial Council whose details are given below.

 

 

 

EASTERN PROVINCE & NORTH EAST CAPE
Mrs A M Myburgh (041) 368-1371
amberleigh@iafrica.com

FREE STATE & NORTH CAPE
To be advised – contact KUSA Office.

GAUTENG, MPUMULANGA, NORTHERN & NORTH WESTERN PROVINCES
Mrs J B Ratner (011) 918-3409
ratner@iafrica.com

KWAZULU-NATAL
Mrs L Wilson (031) 903-4582
mwsibra@mweb.co.za

WESTERN CAPE, BOLAND & SOUTHERN CAPE
Mrs D.E. Powell (021) 715-9759
depowell@global.co.za

KENNEL UNION (Mon – Fri 08:30 – 16:30)
(021) 423 -9027/8
info@kusa.co.za

 

THE CANINE GOOD CITIZEN TESTS
Tests 1 and 2 must be passed before any other Tests can be attempted.
Thereafter Tests may be taken and passed in any order.

Test 1:
GROOM –
The evaluator will inspect the dog to see if it appears healthy is clean and groomed and will permit a stranger such as a vet/groomer to examine it. The Evaluator then combs or brushes the dog and lightly examines the ears and front of each foot to see if it will accept grooming from someone other than its owner.

Test 2:
PUTTING ON A COLLAR AND LEAD –
The Dog should have a well fitting buckle or slip collar of leather, fabric or chain. Special collars such as “pinch” or “spike” collars are not permitted. The lead must be either leather or fabric.

Test 3:
PRESENT FOR EXAMINATION ON A LEAD –
The purpose of this Test is to see if the dog can be examined by a Judge/Vet without it becoming aggressive or flinching. On a lead the handler will present the dog to the Evaluator for a gentle examination of its mouth, teeth, throat, eyes, ears and feet.

Test 4:
PRAISE/PRESENTATION –
The Test is to demonstrate that a dog can be calmed easily following praise or play and can leave the Test in a well mannered fashion. The handler may praise the dog verbally, petting, playing with a toy and/or favourite trick, in the allowed 10 seconds of play and then must calm the dog for the next test.

Test 5:
RELEASE FROM LEAD, PLAY WITH OR WITHOUT TOY, RECALL AND ATTACH LEAD –
The purpose of this Test is to see if a dog can play happily off lead and be recalled and be put on a lead. The handler will release the dog from the lead and either plays with it and throws some object for it to fetch and play with, then recall it and attach to lead.

Test 6:
WALK ON LEAD WITHOUT DISTRACTION (WALKING ON A LOOSE LEAD) –
The purpose of this Test is to demonstrate that the handler is in control. The dog must be on the left side of the handler but need not be in the “heel” position. There should be no doubt that the dog’s attention is on the handler and it responds to movements and changes of direction. The course taken must include a left turn, right turn, and about turn, a stop in between and another at the end of the Test. The dog does not have to be perfectly aligned with the handler, nor sit when the handler stops.

Test 7:
REACTION TO DISTRACTIONS –
This test is to demonstrate the dog is confident at all times when facing a distraction. The Evaluator must select 2 of the following for this Test.
1. Simulation of a handicapped person with crutches, a walker or a wheelchair.
2. Sudden opening or closing of a door or solid gate.
3. Dropping a large book/similar object behind the dog but no closer than 3 m.
4. A jogger passing in front of the dog.
5. Good-natured pushing/shoving or animated/excited talk and backslapping by people, with the dog and handler passing within 3 metres.
6. Someone pushing a pram, or shopping cart from the front or rear and passing within 2 metres of the dog.
7. A ridden bicycle passing front or rear with 2 metres of the dog.
The dog may express natural curiosity and interest and may startle, but should not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness or bark.

Test 8:
WALK ON LEAD, PASSING THROUGH A DOOR OR GATE –
The dog should walk confidently through the door/gate and should not shy away from it.

Test 9:
REACTION TO ANOTHER DOG –
This Test is to demonstrate the proper behaviour in the presence of other dogs. Starting at a distance of 10 metres from each other 2 handlers walk towards each other, meet, stop, shake hands, exchange a few words and continue for about 5m. The dogs should demonstrate only casual interest. Neither dog should go to the other dog or handler.

Test 10:
WALK ON A LEAD PASSING PEOPLE AND DOGS –
This test is to demonstrate that the dog should have no difficulty in walking through pedestrian traffic. The dog will walk around and close to several persons, at least 4; one of who should have a dog. The dog may show interest in the strangers and the dog, but should continue to walk without any evidence of shyness or over exuberance and should not be pulling at the lead. Throughout this Test the handler may encourage, praise or talk to his dog.

Test 11:
ACCEPTING A STRANGER –
This test is to see that a stranger can approach the dog and handler in a casual, everyday situation. Ignoring the dog the Evaluator will walk up to the handler and greet him in a friendly way and shake hands. The dog must show no signs of resentment or shyness and must not leave his position to go to the stranger. Sitting politely for petting by a friendly stranger, with the dog sitting at the handler’s side, the Evaluator pets the dog only on the head and body, and then circles the dog and handler which completes the Test. The dog must not show shyness or resentment.

Test 12:
LIE DOWN AND STAY TO COMMAND –
This Test is to demonstrate that the dog has some training and will respond to the handler’s commands. Taking reasonable time, the handler commands the dog first to “sit” and then to “lie down”, using as many commands as he likes. He must not force the dog into position. The “stay” command is then given and the handler walks about 7 metres from the dog and returns at a natural walking pace to the dog, which must maintain its position until the handler returns and the Evaluator gives permission for the dog to move.

Test 13:
SUPERVISED ISOLATION –
This Test is to demonstrate a dog can be left alone, if necessary, whilst maintaining its training and good manners. Evaluators are encouraged to say something like “would you like me to watch your dog while you make your call?” both to add a touch of reality and to accentuate the fact that leaving a dog tied up and unsupervised is not condoned. The dog will be attached to a 2-metre line. It does not have to stay in position but should not continually bark, whine, howl, pace unnecessarily or show any behaviour with a mild agitation or nervousness.