I would encourage everyone to set a goal this year to achieve the Canine Good Citizen Designation. If you already have it or recently earned it, then focus on the Advanced or Urban designation.
Rusty and I passed our CGC when he was 1 for our first therapy dog test. He is now 7. When we were evaluated for Therapy Dog United in March, we retook the test.
Even though he is a therapy dog and well behaved, it is good validation that your training is still effective in a new location with different distractions.
Basil and I are working on the requirements right now and hope to test in a few months.
Everyone always focuses on what the dog is required to do to pass the test, but I want to spend a few minutes and focus on what the owner is responsible for. I think many times we forget that we have responsibilities as the ones holding the leash for our dog(s).
- Owners are responsible for their dog’s health needs by providing
- Routine vet care, vaccinations and check ups
- Adequate nutrition
- Daily exercise and regular bathing and grooming
- Owners are responsible for their dog’s safety by
- Properly controlling your dog by providing fencing,
- Not letting your dog run loose and using a leash in public
- Ensuring that your dog has some form of identification (microchip, collar tag, embroidered tag, tattoos, etc)
- Owners will not allow their dogs to infringe on the rights of others by
- Not allowing them to run loose in the neighborhood
- Not allowing them to be a nuisance to others while barking in the yard or house when people walk by
- Picking up after them in all public areas
- Taking responsibility for your dog’s quality of life by recognizing
- Training is beneficial to all dogs
- Giving my dog attention and playtime
- Owning a dog is a lifetime commitment
The main items I wanted to touch on this month are nutrition, exercise (both physical and mental) and not allowing them to be a nuisance to your neighbors.
Good nutrition is vital for your puppies well being and health. Spend time reviewing ingredients and corporations that own your dog food brand. Not all dog foods are created equal. I personally like foods that are made in small batches, are quality tested and not owned by big companies. The better you feed your dog, the better they will respond to training and the less vet visits you need. With good food you have less itchy skin, ear infections, hyperactivity and overall better skin and coat.
Exercise is vital for your pet EVERYDAY. Walking your dog is an invaluable opportunity to bond with your dog, train and provide enrichment. The downfalls of a backyard are that you don’t really engage with your dog as much as you could. In addition to walking (or sports), take the time to teach your dog commands or tricks. The better your relationship is with your dog, the less likely they will be distracted by other dogs, want to run off or cause trouble.
Last but not least, make an effort to be a good and respectful neighbor. If your dog is barking, please bring it inside. And then work on having them in the yard without barking. I’ve been to a few homes lately and I was impressed that the neighbors set up a communication system (turning lights on and off or texting before they let dogs out) to ensure they can potty and not be distracted by their neighbor dogs.
Part of owning a dog is taking responsibility for them and making sure everyone enjoys your presence in the neighborhood. Just like dogs, you may not like everyone you meet but it is important to be tolerant and respectful.