Canine Good Citizen Silver

CANINE GOOD CITIZEN TEST

Only handlers and dogs that have been awarded a Canine Good Citizen BRONZE Certificate may participate in the Canine Good Citizen SILVER tests.

Before the SILVER certificate is issued, all the following Tasks must have been passed. Dogs may be tested singly or in groups.

Test  1 Controlled greeting

The handler will approach a group of at least three (3) people acting in a jovial manner, and greet the Evaluator, or helper. The test is to demonstrate that the dog will not jump up at visitors. The dog should be on lead.

Test 2  Present for examination

The handler will present the dog to the Evaluator for examination in the stand position. The Evaluator will examine the dog including a gentle examination of the mouth, teeth, throat, eyes, ears and feet.

Test 3  Care and responsibility

The handler should have a good understanding of his responsibility to his neighbours etc. Questions will be asked about separation anxiety, barking, chasing objects/people, illnesses, feeding regimes, allowing dogs off lead in public places, dogs and children and left in cars etc. The handler should correctly answer at least eight (8) questions.

Test 4  Play with dog

This is to demonstrate that the dog will play with its handler. Play should be under the handler’s control and if toys are involved the dog should readily give them up.

Test 5  Walk on a lead with distractions

The handler and dog should walk on lead, at normal pace, passing a distraction at three (3) metres. Two turns (any direction) and 2 halts should be included. Distractions may be handlers and dogs, children playing, a bicycle.

Test 6 Road walk

The handler and dog should walk under control along a pavement, execute a turn, and then stop at the kerb where the dog should remain steady and controlled. Having observed the Highway Code, they should proceed to the other side, turn and continue walking. At least 2 distractions e.g. normal passing vehicles are incorporated.

Test 7  Rejoin the handler

This is to demonstrate that the dog will remain steady when the handler leaves the dog, but the dog will rejoin the handler when instructed to do so. Having left the dog in a wait either in the sit, stand or down position, with the lead removed, the handler will move forward approximately ten (10) paces and, when facing their dog, recall the dog when instructed to do so. The dog should stop close to the handler and the lead shall be re-attached. Note: The dog should not rejoin until instructed.

Test 8  Stay in one place

The dog will stay in one place while the handler moves away. The dog should be placed, on leash, in any position of their choice. Upon instruction the handler moves five (5) metres away for a period of two (2) minutes. The handler may not give any further cues to the dog until ordered to do so by the Evaluator.

Test 9  Supervised isolation

This is to demonstrate that the dog can be left alone if necessary, whilst maintaining its training and good manners. The dog is attached to a lead of two (2) metres long. It does not have to stay in position but should not continually bark, whine, howl, pace unnecessarily or show any behaviour of mild agitation or nervousness. The handler will go out of sight for one (1) minute. The dogs should be tethered to a fence or handed to a person who is a stranger to the dog.

Test 10  Vehicle or crate control

This is to demonstrate that the handler can get the dog in and out of a vehicle or crate in a controlled manner. The dog should not get in until instructed and should enter willingly. The dog should also leave the vehicle or crate calmly and under control. Where appropriate, dogs may be lifted in and out of the vehicle.

Test 11            Food manners

The handler should offer the dog an item of food that the dog should take without snatching. The Evaluator may change the food item if deemed necessary.