General Test Information
The CGN Tests are sponsored by local dog clubs, private dog training schools, pet therapy societies, community colleges, service organizations, pet supply stores, and some veterinary clinics.
Tests will be conducted inside or outside in everyday, busy locations such as shopping malls, hotels, community centers or parks. They are not conducted in quiet locations such as regular dog training halls. The tests will demonstrate that a dog can respond to such commands as "sit", "down", "stay", "come" and "heel" and that they can be put into practice every day. A handler must work with a dog to achieve a response to their commands.
The evaluator assigns ratings to handlers and their dogs on a "Pass" or "Not-Ready" basis. Dogs must be at least 6 months old to participate in the test.
The test is non-competitive. Dogs are not required to have formal obedience training in order to participate in or successfully complete this test.
In order to pass, a dog must satisfy the evaluator that it is:
- One whose behaviour would be acceptable in one's home
- One who would be welcomed as a neighbour.
- One who is well mannered in the presence of a variety of people, dogs and situations.
- One who is well groomed and allows examination and grooming.
Interaction between handlers and dogs during the tests is encouraged. Handlers may talk to their dogs and quietly assist them to perform the tests. The dogs must be attentive and respond to their handler's movements and words. An occasional tight lead is permitted, but constant straining is unacceptable.
Hugs, pats and words of encouragement are welcomed!
Food, toys and other training aids are not permitted during testing.
Successful completion of this test does not mean that the dog/handler team is automatically deemed suitable for pet therapy visitation or work.
The CGN title does form part of the dog's official registration papers. It is meant to reward the dog for having good manners, thereby gaining a greater acceptance of it in the community.
While the CKC encourages all dog owners to participate in this program, the CKC is not responsible for conducting a CGN test, or for any subsequent behaviour of tested dogs.
The handler is required to bring the following equipment to the test:
- Proof of vaccination certificate.
- Dog license (if required by local dog control by laws). Test fee.
- A leash not less than .75 meters (2') nor longer than 2 meters (6') in length. (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 a brush or comb.
- A plastic bag for picking up after your dog.
At registration, owners must present all locally required inoculation certificates and/or licenses. Requirements vary from community to community. Please check with the sponsoring organization to determine local by-law requirements.
All evaluator decisions are final.
PASS The handler/dog team has earned the title of Canadian Kennel Club Canine Good Neighbour and will receive a certificate attesting to this accomplishment.
NOT READY The handler/dog team assessed as "Not Ready" may participate in future tests.
Any of the following behaviours may result in a rating of "Not Ready":
Dogs sniffing excessively, so as to interfere with appropriate walking on a leash. Handlers who use force or an excessively loud voice in an attempt to control the dog.
- Dogs exhibiting excessive shyness. Dogs barking or vocalizing excessively. Dogs urinating or defecating during testing. Dogs charging ahead of the handler during the Walk through a door/gate test (Test 12).
DISQUALIFICATION A dog that displays unruly behaviour at any time will be immediately disqualified and removed from the test area. Unruly behaviour is defined as aggression, growling, or lunging at people and/or dogs, biting or attempting to bite and fighting. A dog that has been disqualified can be re-tested at a later date.
Handlers who shout or mishandle their dogs will be cautioned that such conduct is not acceptable and will not earn certification if such handling continues.
Handlers of dogs, which receive a "Not Ready" rating, will be encouraged to continue working with their dogs and given tips on how to improve the dog's performance.
Dogs are rated as "Pass" or "Not Ready". The Canadian Kennel Club issues certificated for dogs rated "Passed" and blank certificates may not be photocopied. Once the test is completed, the sponsoring organization will submit to the CKC the Registration/Evaluation form along with the certification fee for each dog that passed. The Canadian Kennel Club will issue certificates for all dogs that pass the test whether they be purebred or of mixed breed.
There is no expiration of CGN certification. It is hoped that the knowledge gained relative to responsible dog ownership will last a lifetime. However, there is no guarantee that a dog will continue to behave in the manner required to obtain the CGN for its entire life. Just as one's typing skills diminish without practice, a dog's skills diminish without practice. It is important for owners to continue to work with the dog long after the test date has passed, not only to maintain peak performance, but for the satisfaction of both owner and dog.
Evaluators and instructors are individuals with backgrounds in conformation, obedience and fieldwork as well as those who work with therapy dogs, as groomers or in humane shelters. They possess a strong understanding of dog behaviour and they are aware of a dog's role in society and society's attitude toward dogs.
They are required to participate in training sessions and hands-on practice sessions before attaining evaluator status. Additionally, they must pass a written examination.
Evaluators are required to walk through the test site in order to ensure the area is satisfactory and is a safe environment.
An owner may individually train a dog for this test, but training with a group or class can be fun and helpful. ELM Obedience School will be offering preperation for the CGN Test through our Novice Class in the Spring. To register for the Novice Class please call Eda Milne at (403) 281-7937
