Shawn Mathiesen, owner of the Positive Factor Dog Training and Behavior Counseling, and Certified Professional Dog Trainer, is now an American Kennel Club (AKC) approved Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test Evaluator.
The AKC Canine Good Citizen Program is designed to recognize dogs with good manners at home and in the community. This rapidly growing nationally recognized program stresses responsible dog ownership, and basic training and good manners for dogs. To achieve CGC certification, the handler and dog must pass a ten-step test administered by an AKC approved CGC Evaluator. The ten steps in the test are:
1. Accepting a friendly stranger
2. Sitting politely for petting
3. Appearance and grooming
4. Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
5. Walking through a crowd
6. Sit and Down on cue and Staying in place
7. Coming when called
8. Reaction to another dog
9. Reaction to distraction
10. Supervised separation
All dogs passing the test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.
The AKC CGC Program provides an excellent foundation for training in other fun activities such as Rally, Obedience, and Agility. Some therapy dog groups require passing the CGC Test as a prerequisite, some insurance companies recommend CGC training, and an increasing number of apartments and condos are requiring CGC training for resident dogs. To learn more about the AKC CGC program visit https://www.akc.org/events/cgc/. To join a CGC Test Preparation class or schedule a CGC evaluation, contact Shawn Mathiesen at 443-480-3964 or visit https://www.thepositivefactor.weebly.com.
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