AKC will implement Canine Good Citizen as a Title designation

[Silaria]

May I ask what the benefit is? In other words, sell me on spending the $40...

I know several competition dogs that cannot pass the CGC. They jump up on strangers, pull on the leash ~ cannot sit stay ~ will not let a stranger exam their ears and feet, or lightly groom them without shyness or resentment. I know a few who cannot passively wait with a stranger when their person goes out of sight...

I've contemplated whether or not to pay to add the CGC title to both Edan's and CJ's records.

2GoodDogs raises some good reasons why to do it. We've all seen the dogs at shows who are simply rude dogs for one reason or another. It's not uncommon at an agility trial for some dogs to react to other dogs very negatively. Heck, I've walked past people's crates at both agility and obedience shows where the dog lunged the crate to try to get to Edan and I. I know another dog owner who's dog was attacked in the obedience ring during the Out of Sight test by a dog sitting next to them.

If I see a CGC in a dog's title I'd expect them to have some level of behavior skill.

Personally, if I was a breeder I'd like to show a CGC title on a Sire and/or Dam of my pups as a reflection on temperament and socialization time the breeder puts into their animals. That's just me and I'm NOT a breeder.

(Admittedly, this thought is in an ideal world and may not hold to reality. I know this but it's still my opinion on the topic.)

 

[2GoodDogs]

I thought I read once that they were going to ask for CGC to be retested every 2-3 years, to keep the certificate. Would be a paperwork nightmare, but I think it might be a good idea for beginner dogs who had some training and then after the CGC, the skills were not maintained.

What do you think?

I am going to have Bobby tested for TDI, in hopes he can accompany me to the VA hospital to visit my Dad.

 

[Toffee's Mom]

It;s definitely a nice to have.... on the other hand you get dogs that can't pass the title who are too shy or have separation anxiety like my friend's deaf Border Collie who is really the best canine citizen I have EVER met, lol! She had to stop using her for testing dog reactivity in her private behaviour consultations, because she is SO good, no dogs reacts to her. She is the most loving dog, ever. One thing she can't do easily is stay with owner out of sight for 2 min, unless she is in her safe crate for example, and she is wiggly when somebody says hello...
I wouldn't ever pass that test with Toffee, and he wouldn't enjoy it, so I wouldn't make him go through it. We can do most parts of it, but it would be torture for him to have a stranger touch him from above, if it isn't on a vet table. That doesn't make him a 'bad dog', I just won't put him through the whole thing, for 'just' a title. In agility we have enough space etc etc and I worked very hard for him not to react to other dogs.. even the ones who DO throw themselves at the crates when ya walk by

Many of us with reactive dogs are able to peacefully and creatively participate in most what life and dog sports have to offer, but I am glad CGC titles aren't required (yet) everywhere. Dog sports are full of control freaks LOL (human and dogs lol)

On the other hand I am looking forward to take the test with Leo (once he's finally here) it's called Canine Good Neighbour test here, and last I heard I thought it was a title with the CKC, but not totally sure. Leo has a more sound temperament, is more outgoing, comes from better genes and has had the right socialization since he was a baby, so I am sure for him it will be fun... (and for me too, to work on foundations, etc.. and give us a place to start together )

 

[mbfrench]

I have already sent in my apps on both Trapp & Jasper,with fee to convert to titles.
For many people that I know,having that CGC cert means nothing,as they really are not versed in dog care,or even soialization of thier dogs,so it means nothing to them.
I am not talking bout folks here,it is here in my community that the ignorance lies on ill behaved dogs. I cannot count the times,both of ours have been in public places,and everyone knows them as "well behaved". I get it all the time.."how do you do it"...
My answer is simply,you have to take the time to instill good manners,and the love & devotion to your dog to be a good citizen.One that can & do give back to the community in some way. For my boys,it is therepy work.

 

[corbinam]

I guess I should have clarified. Both of my dogs already have their CGC. Just curious why I would bother converting it to a title.

 

[mbfrench]

I can't answer that,....but maybe solely for adding it to the end of thier names as you proudly do for thier other accomplishments in the agilty world.

And rightfully so,as they have achieved it. Both are awesome dogs,and have earned the right to have the titles after thier names.