Socialization

Socialization Guidelines:
Puppies have a lot to learn about their new world. There is so much to see and smell, to hear and to do- how do you know where to begin? Here is a checklist of 30 things that every puppy should be exposed to in a positive way.

AKC Canine Good Citizen Program:

The CGC program is designed to recognize dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. All dogs who pass the 10 step CGC test may receive a certificate from the AKC. Most therapy dogs must pass the CGC test as a prerequisite and an increasing number of apartments and condos are requiring the CGC training for resident dogs.

The following ten exercises are done on a leash:

1) Accepting a friendly stranger.
The dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation.

2) Sitting politely for petting. The dog will all a friendly stranger to pet it while it is out with its handler.

3) Appearance and grooming.
The dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the owner to do so.

4) Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
The handler/dog team will take a short walk to show that the dog is in control while walking on a leash.

5) Walking through a crowd.
The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three) to demonstrate that the dog can move about politely in a pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places.

6) Sit and down on command and Staying in place
The dog will respond to the handler’s commands to 1) sit, 2) down and will 3) remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers).

7) Coming when called. The dog will come when called by the handler. The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog and call the dog.

8) Reaction to another dog

To demonstrate that the dog can behave politely around other dogs, two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 20 feet, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 10 feet.

9) Reaction to distraction

To demonstrate the dog is confident when faced with common distracting situations, the evaluator will select and present two distractions. Examples of distractions include dropping a chair, rolling a crate dolly past the dog, having a jogger run in front of the dog, or dropping a crutch or cane.

10) Supervised separation.

This test demonstrates that the dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners. Evaluators are encouraged to say something like , “Would you like me to watch your dog?” and then take hold of the dog’s leash. The owner will go out of sight for three minutes.

Equipment
You’ll need to bring your dogs’ brush or comb to the CGC test. In the CGC test dogs must wear a buckle collar or a slip collar.

Testing
To see where the CGC test is administered, see http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/training_testing.cfm