Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Tips & Warnings:
- Reward your dog every time he successfully sits at your side when your friend approaches.
- Practice having your friend approach 5 to 10 times during each session.
- Any dog that eliminates during testing must be marked failed. The only exception to this rule is that elimination is allowable in test Item 10, but only when test Item 10 is held outdoors.
- Any dog that growls, snaps, bites, attacks or attempts to attack a person or another dog is not a good citizen and must be dismissed from the test.
Step1
The first part of the Canine Good Citizen test is allowing a friendly stranger to approach you and your dog. The stranger does not pet your dog; they only walk up to you and talk to you. Your dog is required to remain in the sit position at your side. Your dog is not allowed to jump, show any signs of aggression or become unruly.
Step2
Start by teaching your dog the stay command at your side. When your dog starts to do a stay at your side, have a friend help you. Have your friend approach as your dog sits at your side.
Step3
A good way to practice this part of the test is to step on your dog's leash as your friend approaches. This will prevent your dog from jumping on them.
Step4
You can't step on the leash during the test, but it's a good way to practice. As your friend approaches and your dog attempts to jump less and less, start to have your friend approach without your foot on the leash.
Step5
When your friend can approach and your dog remains calm at your side, you are ready for the test.
