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C.G.C History & Test
Delta Society Australia’s Canine Good Citizen [TM] Program – Past, Present and Future
Past History of Canine Good Citizen The concept of Canine Good Citizen came originally from The American Kennel Club in USA in 1989
under the direction of its then secretary Mr James Dearinger. It was developed to help counter the growing anti-dog
lobby and promote responsible dog ownership.
History of Canine Good Citizen in Australia:
The Canine Good Citizen officially started in South Australia in April 1992.
A pilot program with added training, education, and recreation components was trialled for a six month period with funding from South Australian Government’s Dog Advisory Committee. The program was not continued.
People Pet Partnership Australia Assoc Inc was formed and the first Canine Good Citizen program
was started in NSW in July 1992 by a group of friends who met together and shared:
· A belief in a more enlightened approach to training and understanding dogs. · A dedication to helping people obtains a better understanding, closer relationship and more rewarding communication with their pets. · A drive to advance and nurture the human – companion animal bond Terry Ryan (USA) had been brought to Australia by PPP and it was she who introduced us to the concept of Canine Good Citizen,
pet dog training and positive reinforcement training methods.
The CGC program became a huge success with an overwhelming demand from the pet owning public and enthusiastic support from veterinarians, local government and in particular Dr Bob Kibble the then President of the NSW Animal Welfare League, later Founding President of Delta Society Australia. Realising the enormous potential of CGC and the need to advance this program further, People-Pet Partnership decided the next logical step was to train more instructors.
With the help of Dr Bob Kibble always a man of vision and tenacity, PPP joined with The NSW Animal Welfare League in 1995
to present for the first time the Canine Good Citizen Instructors Course. The course was run for the next three years
with People Pet Partnership Australia in partnership with first NSW Animal Welfare League and then Delta Society Australia.
The administration of the CGC Instructors Course and program was transferred to Delta Society Australia in 1998
Delta Society Australia’s Canine Good Citizen Program "The Canine Good Citizen Program is more than just training. It is more than just teaching dogs to sit, to stay and to come.
It is about helping dogs and people live harmoniously together and increasing the human animal bond.
It is about dealing with the whole dog and its relationship with the owner as well as its relationships with
other people and other dogs. It is also about recognising problems and being equipped to deal with them and knowing when you can’t.
The role of the behavioural trainer is to work not only the body of the dog but also its mind and so help the owner understand the dog’s behaviour better".
"The Role of the Behavioural Trainer" CGC Instructors Course notes 1997/98 Dr Kersti Seksel BVSc (Hons) MRCVS BA MACVSc (Animal Behaviour) The Canine Good Citizen Instructors Course and "Life Manners" field programs are the centrepieces through
which the Delta Society implements its mission – helping animals to help people. Over the years the course has
gone from strength to strength with the most innovative and important step being Vocational Education & Training Board
(VETAB) accreditation for our course. This goal was only dreamt about in the beginning and it is thanks to
Delta Society Australia and especially to the Director of Studies Dr Gaille Perry that that dream has now been realised.
The Delta Society Australia’s Canine Good Citizen Instructors Course is generally recognised to be unique by international
standards in its content and conduct. This structured competency based program of instruction in positive
reinforcement dog training involves two weeks of intensive "hands on" training and more than
400 hours of practical and written assignments conducted by distance education over an 15 month period.
Delta Society Australia’s Certificate IV in Dog Behavioural Training (Canine Good Citizen) is the only Certificate IV level
pet dog training course in Australia accredited within the Australian Quality Training Framework.
As such, CGC Instructors are the only nationally accredited dog trainers in Australia.
Operating since 1996 the CGC Instructors course has produced approximately 500 graduates
who are active in all states and territories of Australia and New Zealand and in almost every sphere of the dog industry.
Expanding horizons of the Canine Good Citizens Program Although originally started as an obedience instructors course the Canine Good Citizen movement has become much more than that.
CGC Instructors are part of a much bigger family, the human- animal bond family of Delta Society Australia.
In ever increasing numbers Canine Good Citizen instructors are not only changing the face of dog training in Australia but
also living and promoting Delta Society’s core objects and philosophies. No one who completes this course
can help but be profoundly affected by the experience. You will find these people in all sorts of places,
spreading the word, quietly educating in their own way. Most importantly, they remain always our ambassadors,
promoting and using modern scientific methods of training, living our core objectives and spreading the message
of knowledgeable, responsible dog ownership and the value of the human animal bond in every way possible –
by example – by education and by service to the community.
Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Instructors Course graduates are currently active in all the following fields: · Professional dog training · Delta’s Pet Partners and Dog Safe Programs · Dog Clubs · Competitive Obedience, Agility, Fly Ball and Tracking · Dog Breeding · Dog judging – conformation and obedience · Veterinary practises · Boarding Kennels · Local Government · Animal Control Officers and Rangers · Local Government Pounds · Animal Welfare organisations · Assistance and Service dogs · Pet shops · Training other species · Workshop and seminar presenters · As a hobby. The Future The Canine Good Citizen Program is dedicated to: "A better tomorrow for the dogs we love, and to safeguard their future and the important contribution they make to our quality of life". People Pet Partnership Australia 1994 Canine Good Citizen movement is limited only to the imagination as to what it can achieve in the future.
Canine Good Citizen Instructors are the only nationally accredited Cert IV dog trainers in Australia;
we are operating in all states and territories and growing in numbers every year.
We are united in our training methods and philosophy and a growing influence for good in almost all spheres of the dog world.
Suggested Future Directions Include: · Survey of Instructors wishes and ideas for the future (already achieved). · Formation of a Professional CGC Instructors Organisation (already achieved). · Formation of Delta Accredited CGC Instructors chat list (already achieved). · Higher qualifications. · Continuing education. · Formation of a National Dog Training Industry Standard. · Quarterly Newsletter. · State Representation. · Group advertising (phone books). · Lobbying for better conditions for pet dogs and their people. · Presentation of papers at conferences. · Be a public voice – educating the wider community. · Have a spokesperson to deal with the press on anti dog issues · Be pro-active about people and pets. · Produce leaflets for use by CGC Instructors and distribution to the public. The Canine Good Citizen dream "to leave the world a better place for dogs than when we found it" which was held
so passionately by those seven friends back in the early 1990s has begun to come true.
It has been worth all the work, all the hassles, and all the tears. I had the privilege of being a part of that group
and I am profoundly grateful to everyone who has helped it become a reality. I believe, thanks to all our past,
present and future graduates our dream of "A better tomorrow for the dogs we love" is looking increasingly secure.
Jenny Judson Founding President of People Pet Partnership Australia CGC Instructor 1995/96 upgraded to Certificate IV 2001/2002. Formerly Manager Training and Development Delta Society Australia Instructor OVCC Canine Club ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It's not all work..a dog has just got to chill out after being a good canine citizen Freya and Suggen owned and trained by Kerry Baker, show what Siberians do best..GET READY TO RUMBLE.
The ANKC have finally accepted the CGC Award and will be offering a special sash for winning dogs at all Royal shows who also have a CGC Award. This is a VERY BIG BREAKTHROUGH - I never thought they would ever acknowledge us. It pays to have influential friends like Delta and AVA. The news will announced nationally very soon but there is no reason we can't start pushing this through breeders, lists at shows etc. ~ C.G.C. TEST CANDIDATE INFORMATION ~ THE CANINE GOOD CITIZENä PRACTICAL DOG AND HANDLER TEST1. ROAD SAFETY:Purpose: A Dog that is under control around traffic and when alighting from a vehicle. Assessment Procedure:
The dog will be in a car and required to hold a wait position while the owner opens the car door and attaches a lead. The dog is then required to get out of the car under control and wait beside the owner until he/she shuts the car door and gives the dog another command.
The owner is to produce a plastic bag. A few commands to wait during this assessment are permitted.
Not Yet Competent: • The dog jumps out of the car when the door is opened • The dog behaves in an unruly fashion, leaps, pulls, jerks the owner off balance. • The owner is unable to bring the dog under control. • The owner not carrying a plastic bag.
Purpose: A dog that can accompany the owner on a walk in a controlled manner. Assessment Procedure:
The owner will be asked to pick up a basket containing some objects and walk the dog at least 25 metres to a gate/door. The basket may be placed and left on the ground before the gate is opened. At the gate/door the dog will be asked to sit and stay/wait.
The dog will proceed through the gate/door following a direction from the owner.
During this walk the dog is allowed the freedom of his six-foot lead to investigate his surroundings, sniff and even relieve himself
(owner will be disqualified if not carrying plastic bag) but is not allowed to drag or tow the handler, trip or otherwise cause interference to their progress.
A few commands may be used to control the dog in the beginning. Not Yet Competent: • Excessive pulling on the lead – drag, trip or tow owner or otherwise cause constant interference to their progress • The dog breaks stay/wait and barges through the gate/door ahead of the owner.
Purpose: A dog that will accept grooming and tolerate a veterinary examination. Assessment Procedure:
On entering assessment the area or veterinary surgery the owner will proceed to the examination table or consultation room. The owner will be asked to place the dog on the table or ramp for examination. Large dogs may be examined on the ground,small/medium dogs on table or ramp.
The owner will demonstrate that he/she can groom the dog (the owner is to supply his/her own grooming tools appropriate to that breed.)
The owner will then be asked to restrain the dog while the veterinary examiner or assistant conducts an examination.
The veterinary examiner must be able to touch the dog all over, examine briefly the eyes, ears, feet, teeth, and tail.
During this examination dog must tolerate moderate restraint by the owner and direct eye contact by the examiner and/or his/her assistant.
Slight apprehension is permissible as long as the dog settles down and allows examination.
• Excessive moving around whilst being groomed. • Biting the brush. • The vet unable to complete the examination eg the dog is too excited, mouthing The examination will be terminated and the owner and dog assessed as not yet competent if the dog exhibits any of the following: • Any show of aggression (e.g. growling) while being examined. • Fear (eg backing away, shaking, dropping to the table or any other signs of stress).
Assessment Procedure:
This assessment demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach and speak to the owner in a natural everyday situation. The stranger and owner will shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The stranger will first ask permission and then pet the dog using accepted
practices eg bend down beside, no direct eye contact, petting under the dog’s chin, not on top of the head.
The dog must show no sign of shyness or resentment and should remain beside the owner. Two or three commands may be given to control the dog.
Not Yet Competent: • The dog shows fear or aggression. • The dog is too exuberant, jumps on stranger.
Purpose: A dog that can walk close beside owner for a short distance and obey the basic obedience commands sit and down. Assessment Procedure:
This assessment demonstrates that the owner is in control of the dog. The dog must walk close to the owner's right or left hand side, not necessarily in the strict heel position but significantly closer than test number 2.
The assessor may use a pre-plotted course that must contain a right and left turn and an about turn. During this walk the dog will be asked to demonstrate a sit and a down e.g.. at the kerb-side before a crossing road.
Food must not be used to lure the dog into position. The dog should not be placed into position but the owner can talk and encourage the dog. Not Yet Competent: • Constant pulling on the lead. • Doesn’t sit or down after two or three commands. • Constant tight lead and/or corrections.
Purpose: A dog that can tolerate the close proximity of crowds and other distractions they may encounter in everyday life. Assessment Procedure: This assessment has two components: 1. The first demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in moving pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places.
The dog must walk close to the owner's right or left-hand side as in previous exercise. The dog must walk around and pass close
to moving pedestrian traffic (men & women if possible). The dog may show some interest in the strangers eg sniffs them,
but should not jump up or show any signs of fear and/or aggression.
This component is always done first to assess if the dog is composed enough to attempt the second component.
2. The second component of the assessment is the dogs’ ability to cope with everyday noises and distractions.
This test should demonstrate that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations.
The dog may express a natural interest and curiosity and may appear slightly startled.
Care should be taken to ensure that the distractions are not so close or so loud that they would frighten the average dog.
It should be constantly kept in mind that we are assessing a dog’s reaction to NORMAL conditions he/she would meet when walking
along a street with his/her owner. We are not assessing a dog’s reaction to abnormal situations.
Not Yet Competent: The dog: • Panics - pulls back on lead, exhibits body language consistent with a fearful dog • Shows aggression. i.e. growls, snaps, offensive body language • pulls back or runs away. • Shows fear. rapid shallow or forceful panting, dilated pupils, lack of focus/attention, hyperactivity, yawning,
confusion, overly reactive, stiffness, shivering, cut off behaviours.
If a dog exhibits any of the above behaviours the test should be terminated immediately and dog rated as NYC. Purpose: A dog that can be effectively calmed and controlled after arousal with play. Assessment Procedure:
This assessment should be done immediately following the previous one. It should demonstrate that the dog can be easily calmed following play or praise and can leave the area of this test in a calm manner. The owner should use a previously determined method known
to arouse the dog e.g. verbal praise, petting, playing with a toy and/or performing a favourite trick for 10 seconds;
they then must calm the dog for the next test. If the owner attempts but is unable to excite the dog, it should not be failed because of this.
Not Yet Competent: • Unable to achieve calm attention from the dog. • Unable to proceed to the next exercise in a calm manner.
Purpose: The dog will remain in a sit or down position while owner walks approximately 8 metres away and returns. Assessment Procedure:
This assessment demonstrates that the dog will remain in the position while the handler walks approximately 8 metres away and then returns to the dog. The handler may take a reasonable amount of time and use more than one command. The assessor shall stand on or hold the end of the training lead.
The dog can stand up when the owner returns.
Not Yet Competent: • The dog repeatedly (3 times) breaks position. • The dog exhibits excitable / uncontrolled behaviour when the owner returns?
Purpose: A dog that will behave in a polite and controlled manner when in close proximity to other dogs and their handlers Assessment Procedure:
This assessment demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs. The dog and handler used should be strangers to the dog being assessed. The dog used should be a trained dog whose owner can ask for and get attention as it passes the dog and owner being tested.
Two handlers and their dogs approach person to person (people approx. one metre apart), stop (dogs may sit, stand or drop) owners exchange pleasantries then continue on. The owner should have control of the dog at all times and the dogs should show no more than
a casual interest in each other. Several commands may be used to control the dog.
Not Yet Competent: • Aggressive behaviour to other dog. • Pulls toward other dog more than twice. • Jumps on other person. • Shows fear of other person and dog i.e. hides behind owner, pulls away, change in body language.
Purpose: A dog that will return to its owner when called under distraction from a free running position and allow a lead to be attached. Assessment Procedure: Ideally this assessment should be done off lead, however, if conducted in an unfenced area it must be done on a long lead (i.e. light cord or tracking lead). If the assessment is done off lead it must be done in a completely SAFE and suitably fenced area.
Head collars shall be removed and the assessment done on a flat or gentle collar.
Distance of recall shall be at the assessor’s discretion. The assessor or their assistant shall hold the lead and shall not allow the lead to tighten.
The assessor shall inform the owner when to call the dog and it shall be at a time when the dog is distracted by factors commonly encountered in
most normal environments e.g. other dogs, sniffing/smells, people, cars, birds etc.
The dog must come readily when called and remain within reach of owner while the normal lead is re-attached.
Owner may use more than one command, food, toys, and praise and move position and posture for this exercise.
Not Yet Competent: • The dog refuses to come after repeated calls. • The owner pulls the dog back by the lead. • The dog comes back but runs away again.
Purpose: A dog, which will remain calmly with a stranger with its owner out of sight. Assessment Procedure: Any head collars should be removed and the lead should be attached to a safe collar. The owner will then hand the lead to the assistant, leave the dog and go out of sight for one minute.
The dog does not have to stay in position but should not continually bark, whine, chew the lead, howl, pace unnecessarily
or show any behaviour other than mild unease.
If some form of the above behaviours are presented the test should immediately be terminated. This element must be conducted in a quiet area free from distractions and if necessary under cover from the elements Not Yet Competent: • The dog shows aggression or shyness. • The dog barks, whines and chews the lead, howls, and paces unnecessarily.
12. CANINE GOOD CITIZEN· RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP TEST Purpose: An owner who has an understanding of general pet health care, grooming, diet, control of external parasites, environmental enrichment, worming & vaccination, first aid, responsible pet ownership and the dog laws.
Method of Assessment: Written or oral. Assessment Procedure: Not Yet Competent: • Failure to successfully achieve 90% or more from the 50 points allocated to the 23 questions.
FOR GENERAL TRAINING & CLUB INFORMATION: Jenny Judson - Club Secretary~ jjudson@westnet.com.au General Postal Address: O.V.C.C.Inc., C/O The Secretary P.O. BOX 168, MYRTLEFORD. Vic. 3737
SHOW SECRETARY: Donna Jack - donnajack@netspace.net.au O.V.C.C. Inc, C/O The Secretary P.O.Box 168. MYRTLEFORD. VIC. 3737
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