Doggone Etiquette—

Yes, Ma’am! Yes, Sir!

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog

Are you very polite when you respond to your VIPeople? It doesn’t apply so much to the kids, but definitely to your Lord and Lady. Do you look them right in the eye when they’re speaking to you? Do you sometimes gently bat your eyes to show how much you appreciate whatever it is they are saying, even it you don’t have a clue what they’re talking about? I know you do the smoochie eye thing more often when you think there’s a treat involved, but try it just to show polite interest in their conversation. Who knows, it might even earn you a special goodie. 

A Word to the Dog’s Owner             

A polite, well-mannered dog is always a delight for just about everyone. The family, as well as friends, neighbors, visitors, relatives, the vet, the groomer — all have glowing praise for such a dog. The owner of a badly behaved dog tends to be full of excuses. He thinks he can get away with it merely by saying, “My dog is spoiled,” which simply puts the onus on the dog. A more accurate admission would be, “I ruined my dog.” The next step is to do something about it!

All of this leads up to a lot of questions I was asked recently about the Canine Good Citizen test — exactly what it entails, and the approximate degree of difficulty involved in having the average dog achieve the CGC title. The first thing the owner has to do is to sign a Responsible Dog Owners Pledge which basically says you agree to take proper care of your dog, and also attend to such civic duties as cleaning up after your dog. For starters, Rufus must be wearing a regular buckle or slip collar, not a training collar, and a regular leash. (You’ll be given a 20-foot leash for one of the tests.) The nice part is that you are allowed to use all the praise and encouragement you like during the ten tests — but no toys or treats!

Let’s walk through a user-friendly, abbreviated, version of the ten tests that make up the program to see if Rufus is ready to go for it. This all takes place, by the way, in a defined area.   

1. Accepting a friendly stranger. The “stranger” (an appointed person) briefly stops to talk to you, and Rufus stays put next to you.

2. Sitting politely for petting. This time Rufus may sit or stand, and accepts being petted by a friendly person. No jumping up or cowering.

3. Appearance and grooming. Rufus must show no fear of being checked by the vet, or groomed. The test person looks Rufus over to be sure he is clean and groomed, then gently brushes or combs him with the brush or comb you brought along. (You just praise and encourage.)

4. Out for a walk. This is to show how well Rufus walks on a loose lead with somewhat casual right, left, and about turns. (You keep talking!)

5. Walking through a crowd. Not really a crowd, but three or four people.

6. Sit and Down on command and staying in one place. Okay, now we’re getting into the nitty-gritty — true obedience to the handler’s commands (that’s you).

7. Coming when called is a follow-up to #6.

8. Reaction to another dog. Polite, casual behavior — manners!

9. Reaction to distraction. Whether noise or object, Rufus should not panic, bark, or try to run away. (You can keep talking and praising!)

10. Supervised separation. Here’s where you leave Rufus on lead with another (test) person while you disappear for three minutes. Not to worry; that person will chat with Rufus while you’re gone.

Now, isn’t that worth the bit of effort to put a title on your pal?

“Rufus, CGC” the best dog ever!

Full information about the official American Kennel Club CGC Program can be found online at www.akc.org/events/cgc/program.cfm.

Until next time — BE GOOD!

—Bardi