If you’re a dog lover like me, you know how important it is for our furry friends to be well-behaved members of our communities. That’s where the Canine Good Neighbour Program comes in. This 12-step test ensures that your beloved canine companion is accepted as a valued member of our communities all across the country. Canine Good Neighbours are dogs that demonstrate good manners at home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs.
A Test of Confidence and Control
The Canine Good Neighbour Program is a non-competitive test that allows both dog and handler to showcase their confidence and control. It evaluates the handler and dog’s relationship, as well as the handler’s ability to control the dog. The test includes basic exercises and assesses the dog’s ability to demonstrate good manners in everyday situations.
The 12 Steps to Canine Good Neighbour Certification
- Accepting A Friendly Stranger
- Politely Accepts Petting
- Appearance and Grooming
- Out For A Walk
- Walking Through A Crowd
- Sit/Down On Command and Stay In Place
- Come When Called
- Praise/Interaction
- Reaction To A Passing Dog
- Reaction To Distractions
- Supervised Isolation
- Walking Through A Door/Gate
Each step of the program is designed to ensure that your dog is well-behaved and can handle various situations with ease.
Benefits for You and Your Dog
Participating in the Canine Good Neighbour Program is not only fun and rewarding but also enhances your relationship with your dog. The program is open to both purebred and mixed-breed dogs, making it inclusive for all dog owners. It also promotes responsible dog ownership and raises community awareness of the numerous benefits associated with having a furry companion.
How to Become a Canine Good Neighbour
Now, here’s the best part! When you and your dog participate in a local Canadian Kennel Club approved Canine Good Neighbour Test, not only will you both benefit, but your community will also gain a newfound respect for responsible dog owners. To get started, obtain a copy of the Participant Handbook from the CKC order desk or review it online at Katten TrimSalon. This handbook will guide you in preparing for the test. Once you’re ready, register directly with the host organization in your community. If your dog passes the test, you’ll receive a well-deserved certificate. And if not, don’t worry! Spend some more time working with your pet and try again in the future.
To find a Canine Good Neighbour Program in your neighbourhood, check out the list of upcoming CGN Test Events. If you can’t find a test in your area, reach out to local dog clubs or municipalities and suggest that they host an event.
Hosting a Canine Good Neighbour Program
Dog clubs, local municipalities, SPCA associations, and other organizations can host a CGN test. As a host, you’ll be responsible for setting up and executing the program in a suitable local venue. You’ll also need to source qualified evaluators, accredited by The Canadian Kennel Club. To host a CGN test, obtain and submit an Application To Hold A Canine Good Neighbour Test to the CKC’s Shows and Trials Division. Prior to planning the event, review the Evaluator Guide and Participant Handbook to understand the test elements and requirements for the host organization.
Becoming a Canine Good Neighbour Evaluator
If you have a strong understanding of dog behavior and our society’s attitude towards dogs, you may consider becoming a CGN Certified Evaluator. Evaluators should ideally have experience in dog training and handling, obedience, conformation, fieldwork, grooming, therapy dog training, or working within humane societies and vet clinics. To apply for CGN Evaluator status, obtain an Application for Canine Good Neighbour Evaluator form from the CKC’s order desk or website. Review the Evaluator Guide and Participant Handbook, which are available from the CKC Order Desk or online under Membership Services. Once accepted as a candidate, you’ll complete an open book test to demonstrate your knowledge.
For more information on the Canine Good Neighbour Program and to order program materials, you can contact the Canadian Kennel Club at:
The Canadian Kennel Club
200 Ronson Drive, Suite 400
Etobicoke, ON M9W 5Z9
1(800) 250-8040
information@ckc.ca
Let’s work together to build stronger communities and ensure that our furry companions are well-behaved and respected members of society. Join the Canine Good Neighbour Program today!