Fran on Friday
Booker
The American Kennel Club (AKC) offers a title for dogs called “Canine Good Citizen (CGC).” Many people who never continue to earn other titles for their dogs want this one, since some insurance companies offer a discount on homeowners insurance with the title. Plus, it’s neat to say that your dog has a title without having to go to obedience classes!
There are 10 behaviors that a dog and handler must pass in order to achieve this title. The powers that be at the AKC believe that a well-behaved dog should be able to perform these behaviors in public. The behaviors include walking nicely on a leash (with other people around and not), coming when called, sit and down on command, having another person brush the dog and look at its ears and paws, not freaking out when a loud noise happens close by, and being held by a friendly stranger for 3 minutes with the owner out of sight.
Our obedience club offers the CGC test occasionally at a nominal fee to its members and other people who train with us. This coming Tuesday is CGC night, and I’ve put Booker and my name down to participate. Yes, Booker has an obedience title (Beginner Novice), but will he be able to contain his glee (and his tongue) when another person is so close he can lick them? We’ll see!
