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CANINE GOOD NEIGHBOUR TEST
CANINE GOOD NEIGHBOUR REQUIREMENTS
Canine Good
Neighbour training is fun, rewarding, and useful. It can enable
owners to achieve a better relationship with their dogs.
The test is not a competition calling for precision
performance by the handler and dog. Rather, it assesses the handler
and dog's relationship together with the handler's ability to control
the dog.
Dogs are evaluated on their ability to perform basic
exercises as well as their ability to demonstrate good manners in
everyday situations.
The Canadian Kennel Club encourages all dog owners to
participate in this program, thereby ensuring that our beloved
canines are welcomed and respected members of our communities.
Please consult the schedule to find out when the next
Canine Good Neighbour Test is being held.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT AND MATERIAL
The handler is required to bring the following
equipment to the test
* Proof of vaccination
certificate/titre results
* Test
fee
* A leash not less than .75 metres
(2’) nor longer than 2 meters (6’) in length is required
(acceptable collars include a well-fitting slip, buckle or martingale
collar, made of fabric, leather or chain. All other types of collars
are unacceptable.
* A grooming tool – either
brush or comb
* A plastic bag for picking up
after the dog
* For the registration form you
need :
o Owner’s name
o Full address
o Phone number
o Email address
o Dog’s registered name
o CKC registration number (if registered)
o Breed
EXERCISE DESCRIPTION
Demonstrating confidence and control, you and your dog
must complete theses 12 steps.
TEST I - Accepting A Friendly Stranger
This test demonstrates the dog's ability to allow a
friendly stranger to approach and speak to the handler in a natural,
everyday manner.
The evaluator will walk toward the handler and dog and
greet the handler by shaking hands and briefly chatting. The dog
should remain under control with only gentle verbal or leash
assistance, if necessary. The dog should not go to nor jump on the
evaluator. It must not exhibit any signs of shyness by hiding behind
the handler or by attempting to avoid the evaluator, and must not
exhibit any signs of resentment.
TEST 2 - Politely Accepts Petting
This test demonstrates the dog's ability to allow a
friendly stranger to pet it while out with its handler. The evaluator
will pet the dog on the head and shoulders. The dog may sit or stand
quietly beside the handler and may change position, but must not
exhibit any signs of resentment or shyness.
TEST 3 - Appearance and Grooming
This practical test demonstrates that the dog will
accept being groomed and examined and will permit a stranger to do
so. The evaluator inspects the dog, brushes the dog briefly on the
back and sides, and lightly examines its ears and front feet. The
evaluator then quietly walks behind the handler and dog, returning to
face the dog. The dog does not have to hold position, but should not
have to be restrained: minor movement is allowed. The handler may
assist the evaluator and talk quietly to the dog.
TEST 4-Out For A Walk
This test demonstrates the ability of the dog to walk
politely on a loose leash as well as the handler's ability to control
the dog. The evaluator will have the handler and dog walk a course,
which will include at least one right and left turn and a
180º-degree turn. It is not necessary for the dog to be exactly
aligned with the handler or sit when the handler stops. The handler
may talk to the dog.
TEST 5 - Walking Through a Crowd
This test demonstrates the dog's ability to walk
politely beside the handler in pedestrian traffic while remaining
under control at all times. The dog and handler walk through and
close to several [at least five] people. Throughout this test the
handler may talk to the dog, giving praise and encouragement. The dog
must maintain a position close to the handler without becoming unduly
stressed or unruly. The dog may show some interest in the strangers
but should not go to them.
TEST 6 - Sit/Down On Command and Stay In Place
(Long Line)
This test demonstrates the dog's ability to respond to
the handler's commands. The handler may take a reasonable amount of
time and use more than one command to sit and down the dog. If
required, the handler may touch the dog gently to assist it. Once the
dog has responded to both a sit and down command, the handler will
decide in which position the dog is going to be left. The handler
will then tell the dog to stay, and walk forward & meters (20
ft), before turning around to face the dog, then will return to the dog.
TEST 7 - Come When Called (Long Line)
This test demonstrates the dog's ability to come when
called by the handler. The evaluator will stand near the dog, and
instruct the handler to position the dog in either a sit, down or
stand position. The handler will then leave the dog and go to a
distance of 3 meters (8 - 10 ft) before turning and calling the dog.
The dog may change position, but must remain in place. The dog should
come readily to the handler; the handler may encourage the dog.
TEST 8 - Praise/Interaction
This test demonstrates that the dog can be easily
calmed following a play session or praise. After playing with the dog
for approximately 10 seconds, the handler then calms the dog. More
than one command may be used, but the dog must display controlled
behaviour when told to settle by the handler. The evaluator is
looking for evidence of a good relationship between the dog and handler.
TEST 9 — Reaction to Passing Dog
This test demonstrates the dog's polite behaviour
while in the presence of other dogs and handlers. Two handlers, with
their dogs, approach one another from approximately 6 meters (20 ft).
They stop, shake hands, briefly chat, and then continue walking for
approximately 2 meters (6 ft). The dog should exhibit no more than
mild interest in the other dog, and should not cross over to it.
TEST 10 - Reaction To Distractions
This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at
all times when faced with common visual and auditory distractions
such as the sudden opening or closing of a door, crutches,
wheelchairs, baby strollers, joggers, etc. The dog may express
natural interest and curiosity at the distraction, or may startle
temporarily, but should not panic or show aggression or fear. One or
two barks are permitted but the dog must not continue to bark at the
distraction. The handler may encourage and talk to the dog throughout
this test.
TEST 11 - Supervised Isolation
This test demonstrates the dog's ability to be left
alone with a trusted person other than its handler, while maintaining
a calm acceptance of the situation. The handler asks another person
to hold the dog, and tells the dog to stay or wait. The handler will
leave the area and go to a pro-designated location, out of sight of
the dog. The handler will wait 3 minutes until called to return by
the assistant evaluator. The dog is not required to stay in a
particular position, but should not show excessive stress or
nervousness by pulling on the lead or trying to get away. Excessive
panting, barking, whining, or seeking attention from the evaluator is
not acceptable.
TEST 12 - Walking Through A Door/Gate
This test demonstrates the dog's response to the
handler's commands as well as the handler's ability to control the
dog in a restricted area while moving ahead of the dog and through a
door/gate. The handler may speak quietly to the dog as they approach
the door/gate. The handler commands the dog to sit/wait and walks
through the door/gate, while instructing the dog to follow calmly and
join him. Alternatively, the dog and handler may proceed through the
door/gate together, with the dog accompanying the handler on a loose
leash. The dog must not go through the door/gate before the handler
instructs him to do so.
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Last updated: June 08, 2010
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